May 19, 2012

The Cornerstone of a Community

By Impact 52

I grew up in a small central Indiana town that had three stoplights and zero fast food restaurants.  It was not a hot bed for entertainment, especially for kids.  There was no youth center, Boys and Girls Club, or structured after school programs.  It lacked a place where kids could gather and be kids.  Unfortunately, this void created the need for children to find things to do.  Unfortunately for some, these “things” led to mischief and trouble.  I was constantly surrounded by a loving family, great friends, and a love for basketball that became the cornerstone of my life.  I stayed out of trouble, made good grades in school, and accomplished many of my life’s goals.  Others from my hometown were not so fortunate.  Sometimes I wonder how things would have turned out if we had that place in town that was meant for us.  A place where youth, especially teens, could hang out.  A place that might have kept some of my classmates and friends from hanging out on a street corner while finding alcohol and drugs.  What impact could a place like that have?

Twenty years later I have found the answer.  We had the opportunity to volunteer with the Cornerstone Youth Center in Monroeville, Indiana (population approximately 1300 people).  Cornerstone provides youth in grades 7-12 with an environment where relationships are formed and character is built.  It offers educational assistance, recreational activities, and spiritual lessons.  It is a youth center located in small town that is positively impacting the lives of children. It is a place that teens go to because they want to, not because they have to.  After spending some time in the center, I can understand why.

Our experience started with a quick tour of the facility.  The center has a computer lab and classrooms, a rec room, a coffee shop, and a gymnasium.  Serious games of dodgeball were happening in the gym as we watched.  The Cornerstone staff and I jumped into the game.  It did not take me long to realize that I am old, out of shape, and too slow to dodge the balls that were hurled my way.  I did, however, win the first game for our team with an amazing one-handed catch.  Unfortunately, that catch made me a target in the second game and I was pegged earlier and often.  It was great to interact with those playing.  They were laughing and having a great time.  Again, they has chosen to be there.  That makes it even more meaningful and impactful.  After dodgeball the girls and I learned how to be baristas in the coffee shop.  Cornerstone’s program director showed us how to make espressos and lattes.  We helped make and serve these drinks to the families who attended the evening BRASS session.  BRASS is a program that is for families in the community.  Sessions are held in the coffee shop that offer families a chance to connect, have fun together, and learn.  Communication and handling conflict within the family was the content on this evening.  We participated in the session after finishing up behind the counter.  At the end of the session I was asked to share our story.  I was honored to have the opportunity to talk about volunteerism and what it meant to our family.  The families that participate in the BRASS program perform service projects together so it was the perfect audience.  A great way to end a great volunteer experience.

The Cornerstone Youth Center truly is a cornerstone of the community.  The programs offered to the youth of Monroeville are fantastic.  Teens are also blessed to have the chance to build relationships with great people like Kent (Executive Director) and Kory (Program Director).  These two gentleman were a pleasure to spend the evening with.  They welcomed us into their center and valued us as volunteers.  They are passionate about the organization, the mission, and the children.  That is what it is all about.  As a volunteer, I always notice that first.  I look for the level of engagement and passion the staff of an organization has towards the mission.  This is important to a volunteer.  The employees can make or break a volunteer’s overall experience.  There was no doubt that they made our experience very positive.  I want to thank them for making us feel welcomed and appreciated.

Get involved with a youth center near you.  It is a place where kids learn lessons that will change their lives forever.  Investing time in teenagers is extremely important in today’s world.  They need it.  We, as a community, need it.  It is youth centers like Cornerstone that keep kids on the right path.  Imagine the world we would live in if all teens were on the wrong path.  Step up!  get involved, and make a difference in the life of a child.

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May 13, 2012

Four Girls and The Rescue Mission

By Impact 52

We recently had the opportunity to volunteer at The Rescue Mission in Fort Wayne, a faith-based non-profit organization that provides services to men, women, and children who are experiencing a homeless crisis.  We helped serve those in need during the Sunday evening meal.  The awesome thing about this week’s experience was that we had a couple of guests join us.  We created Impact 52 to teach our children about volunteerism and giving and hoped to inspire others to get involved in their community.  This week, our girls inspired friends and those friends wanted to help us volunteer at the mission.  Four girls ages 14 and younger working the service line feeding the homeless of Fort Wayne.  An eye-opening and life changing experience?  You be the judge.  I asked each one of them to write a few words about the experience.  I want to share them with you:

“It was great to have the opportunity to help the homeless.  I was excited when my dad told me that we were volunteering at the homeless shelter.  I knew then that I needed to get my friend Destiny to volunteer with us.  She was excited to help out.  I was amazed when the chef told us that he was expecting over 200 people to eat during our visit.  It made me realize that there are a lot of people who need help in Fort Wayne.  I was devastated to see so many people walk through the doors.  My heart was broken, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I was happy to serve green beans and vegetables.  Many of the people made me smile  and started conversation with me.  When I looked over at Destiny she was smiling too.  That made me feel good.  Destiny was glad that she could come and help us.  It felt awesome to inspire a friend to help the homeless”  -  MaKenna (age 11)

“Today I have learned that helping is not just a word.  There is a whole other world out there filled with people who need help.  I will no longer brag about the things in my life like a new pair of shoes or a brand new car. I realize that the homeless do not get the same opportunities that others get.  I learned that Impact 52 is a life saving project that helps people out.  I am waiting until I can help more.”  -  Destiny (age 11)

“The feelings that rushed through me while serving at the Rescue Mission were surprising.  I never thought that we would serve so many families with so little.  I’m embarrassed because I often complain about not getting the things that I want.  I am so thankful to have a roof over my head and food for meals three times a day.  I take so many things for granted.  As I served bread to people I asked myself “why does this make me upset?”  I wonder why God has a different plan for each of us.  I always stay positive because that is what my dad has taught me.  God has a plan and all will be good in time.  Kids much younger than me stood in line to get a meal.  It broke my heart!  I have to be honest, the night after serving I lied in bed and cried.  It was upsetting to see so many people in need of a meal.  It was equally upsetting knowing that many people will not give a little bit their time and offer it to others.  I want to change the world.  I do not know how it will happen, but I know I started by providing bread to one in need.”  -  Kelsi (age 14)

“When I volunteered to help Impact 52 at the Rescue Mission this past Sunday, I expected to maybe feed a few homeless people and then go on with my day.  What I didn’t expect, though, was the amount of people in the Fort Wayne area who didn’t have something I considered so conventional as a hot meal.  Around two hundred men, women, and children stood in line to receive some of the staples that contribute to a good meal: chicken, bread, macaroni and cheese, green beans with carrots, salad, and a small dessert.  It broke my heart to see that so many needed what I took for granted.  The Rescue Mission itself is a wonderful, faith-driven organization that helps all who need it in the name of the Lord.  Interacting with those less fortunate made me want to hear their life stories and help even more.  In this world of darkness, a smile can be the light that someone needs to continue.  So that is what I gave: food to sustain their stomachs and a kind smile to sustain their hearts.  I am deeply humbled and very grateful to have been given the opportunity to help in this way and to possibly impact someone’s life through my actions.  I hope to continue in this line of charitable work and possibly help Impact 52 again in the future.”  Kylie (age 14)

These are powerful testimonials from four amazing young women.  The lessons learned will stay with each of them for years to come.  This experience was evidence of the power of volunteerism.  Our children need to learn about giving, experience volunteerism, and live a life of service.  We can mobilize the youth of our community, the next generation, if we decide to invest the time.  I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and amazing children who put others first.  One family can make a difference.  We live it each week.

There are families and individuals experiencing a homeless crisis all over the world.  Take some time to learn how you can help.  I guarantee that you will benefit from it just as much as they do.

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May 6, 2012

March for Babies

By Impact 52

In November of 2011, we volunteered for the March Of Dimes on World Prematurity Day. Erica and I had the opportunity to visit babies in the NICUs of our local hospitals.  Unfortunately, the girls were not able to participate because of their age.  They were disappointed because they would have loved to visit the babies, experience the emotions, and learn more about premature birth.   I am not sure, however, that they could have handled seeing small babies hooked up to large machines.  It was an emotional experience for us and it would have been for them as well.  That experience triggered a passion in me to help the March of Dimes fulfill its mission so I decided to join the board of directors.  I am committed to improving the lives of babies and reducing premature births in our area.

I am thankful that another opportunity came around to volunteer for the March of Dimes.  The March for Babies is a walking fundraiser that raises money to support community programs and funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten babies.  We have volunteered at and walked in many walks over the years, but this was our first experience with the March for Babies.  We have been spoiled with many days of awesome weather this spring.  This particular Saturday, however, was not so nice.  It was cold and it rained most of the morning.  Mother Nature did not cooperate.  The terrible weather did not keep the people away nor did it damper their spirit.  They were there to support a great organization.  They were there to walk for the premature babies in their lives.  Those that survived and those that did not.

This volunteer activity gave us a chance to serve as a family.  Erica volunteered to share her expertise as a photographer by agreeing to photograph the event.  She took pictures of families as they arrived in Headwaters Park.  She brought teams together for a team photo while capturing the smiles of so many precious babies. The girls and I worked a mission table inside the registration tent.  We provided walkers with the opportunity to wear a paper foot to honor who they were walking for on this day.  There were five different colors each of which represented something different.  Individuals and families selected which color represented them and they wrote the names of babies on them.  It was difficult to watch so many people grab the Gold foot.  This represented those who walked in honor of infant mortality.  These were the families that experienced the loss of a child.  Many of them were wearing shirts with pictures of their son or daughter commemorating a short, but special life.  I asked myself why I was lucky enough to have two healthy, full-term children.  Many others are not as fortunate.  That is why we have to help the March of Dimes continue its research and education.  Premature birth is a national crisis that affects 1 in 8 babies in our country.  These statistics are staggering and unacceptable.  Money is needed to continue to the fight and the March for Babies is a great event that helps the cause.

We are happy to have had the chance to help the March of Dimes once again.  The work this organization does truly saves lives.  We, like many, have been impacted by premature birth.  Erica was a premature baby born four weeks early with a collapsed young.  Friends and family have had premature babies who have survived and live healthy lives today.  These stories of survival are possible due to work done by March of Dimes.  They save babies.  I want you to visit www.marchofdimes.com and learn more about the organization.  Read the stories and find a way to get involved.  Don’t do it for me.  Do it for the Cockrell family.  Do it for babies like Addison.

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April 30, 2012

Making a Connection

By Impact 52

We often hear people say “I would like to get involved in the community, but I just do not have time.” For some, this statement is an easy out because they do not really want to get involved. For others, this statement might be true. I have a hard time believing it however. We all make time for things that are important to us. If you want to go shopping, you will make time. If you want to play golf on a Saturday you will work your calendar and make the time. Why can’t this be done when thinking about community involvement? It can be. We just have to make volunteerism a priority. As a business leader, I made every attempt to make volunteer opportunities available to my employees during the work day.  This would allow those individuals who felt like they didn’t have time outside of work to get involved.  The Fort Wayne community to blessed to have many companies and churches who have done the same thing.  Many of these organizations have made a commitment to giving back by bringing those they serve to their place of work.  This makes the volunteer experience just a little bit easier and more convenient.  These businesses are Study Connection tutor sites.

Study Connection was founded in 1989 by a Fort Wayne businessman.  The program was adopted a few years later by Fort Wayne Community Schools and still thrives today.  The business/education partnership has been very successful in developing students and tutors.   Students who have been identified by teachers as needing extra help are paired with a community tutor.  The students are bussed one day a week to a workplace where the tutor and student spend one hour together.  The tutor spends quality one-on-one time with the student working on homework while developing study skills.  One hour a week of focused time with a child makes a huge impact.  The students, tutors, and companies that participate all reap rewards.

Do It Best Corporation is one of the companies in our area that strongly supports the Study Connection program.  I had the opportunity to volunteer some time with them during their weekly study session.  At 3:45 pm the bus arrived with the students.  We escorted them into the cafe where they met their tutor.  I was paired with a first grade student who has struggled with previous tutors.  I was actually told that she was almost removed from the group because of her lack of effort.  The tutor basically had given up on her and did not want to continue.  We sat down and worked on her homework.  She had forgotten her math homework so we had to make copies of another student’s sheet.  There was no issue with her effort.  She worked hard to complete the two worksheets and I worked hard to help her understand it.  I also made an effort to make her laugh, smile, and enjoy the time.  She has a million dollar smile that others need to see.  After math, we read two books.  She struggled to read the words so we focused on breaking them down and sounding them out.  Again, I was pleased with her effort.  Before I knew it the hour had flown by and it was time to clean up.

This one-on-one time between volunteer and student is about more than just homework.  Relationships are built and trust is earned.  During our time together Ariana opened up and shared information about her family.  She and her mother live with her aunt.  They do not have a bed so they sleep on the floor.  Her newborn cousin keeps her up at night which makes her tired during the day.  She has 5 or 6 siblings, all with different mothers.  Her father lives out of town and she does not see him often.  This young girl is facing many life challenges.  Each of which potentially play a role in her inability to focus at school and during her Study Connection session.  Children from low-income families need extra support to succeed.  The employees at Do It Best and the Study Connection staff fully understand how to meet the needs of these students.

As a mentor I have witnessed the challenges that young people face in today’s world.  School is not always a top priority for them.  This lack of focus and effort takes them down a road of low performance, discouragement, and despair.  It is important that we, as a community, work to teach them about the importance of school.  Study Connection makes these students a priority and the results prove the impact the program has on them.  Statistics show that the grades of those enrolled in Study Connection are improving.  This record of performance has led to national recognition for the organization.  The students of Fort Wayne Community Schools are lucky to have this program available for them.  We, as business leaders and community members, are blessed as well.  It gives us a chance to get involved, impact our youth, and make our community a better place.  All we have to do is give up one hour a week.  I can do that.  You can too.  Take this opportunity to act, get involved, and make a connection!

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April 22, 2012

Get Up and Dance

By Impact 52

My view of the world is much different today than it was almost a year ago.   Week after week, volunteer experiences have opened my eyes to social issues in our society, organizations that serve people, and the emotions that are intertwined within it all.  I have also been exposed to inspiring individuals, community collaboration, and creative minds. I have been introduced to non-profit organizations that I did not know existed.  I have realized that my commitment to giving is truly a commitment to my self-development.  Each week I learn.  Each week I grow.

This week I had the opportunity to volunteer with an organization I did not know much about.  An organization that has been serving our community for more than thirty years through dance, multi-cultural arts, and outreach programs.  It is an organization that eloquently describes itself much better than I ever could.  I wanted to share this excerpt from the program of a recent performance:

“Founded in 1979, the Fort Wayne Dance Collective provides people of all ages and abilities a respectful environment to learn, collaborate and perform using movement, rhythm, and language.  We provide an environment where new ideas can be tested and old ones honored, where pride is seen through the diversity, which exists in age, skill and experience, and where the first priorities are the nurturing of self-expression, the cultivation of integrated strength and the desire to create.”  - Fort Wayne Dance Collective

I will be the first to admit that I know very little about dance.  Everyone who knows me will tell you that I cannot dance.  Other than the Safety Dance and the Worm, this is a true statement.  I have not been exposed much to the art of dance.  The girls have been involved in gymnastics and other sports, not dance.  This week was a new experience in more than one way.  MaKenna and I started the volunteer experience by spending some time working in the box office selling tickets for the RUBBERBANDance Group performance.  Unfortunately, we didn’t sell too many tickets during our time.  Many people had already bought tickets or planned to buy them at the door.  We were working the shift 4 hours prior to the doors opening.  Regardless of the lack of ticket sales, we enjoyed this time in the box office.  We worked with another volunteer who had a deep passion for the Fort Wayne Dance Collective.  She had been volunteering with them for many years.  I experienced one of my proudest moments as a father during one of our conversations.  MaKenna introduced Impact 52 and led the discussion about what it meant to her.  She talked about how serving others makes her feel and that she loves helping people.  She spoke about advocating for volunteerism and the passion to get her classmates more involved.  I realized the impact our project is having on her in this moment.  A shy girl is growing into a confident young women willing to lead and inspire.  I was inspired by her words and her actions.

After volunteering in the box office we had the opportunity to watch the RUBBERBANDance Group performance.  I was not sure what to expect as we settled down into our seats.  I was hoping that I would not be bored and regret the decision to attend.  The RUBBERBANDance Group never gave me a chance to get bored.  The performance was filled with precise movements and speed.  A story was told without a single word being spoken.  It was an unbelievable performance that MaKenna and I enjoyed very much.  My first dance performance, but not my last.  Once again, my eyes were opened to something new due to volunteerism.

After the performance, I volunteered to help strike the floor.  By strike I mean tear it up.  When I originally told my daughter I had volunteered to tear up the dance floor, she said, “they asked you to dance?”  That was hilarious.  I had to inform her that I was literally tearing up the floor.  I helped remove and roll up the rubber dance floor.  I removed lighting, extension cords, and speakers and stored them back stage.  Striking the floor gave me a chance to see the happenings of backstage production.  It was a visual that I, like many, have never seen.  The work was not difficult.  It was a quick and easy way to help a great organization.

This week, I was reminded once again about the importance of opening your eyes and ears to something new.  There are things happening around you in this world that you are missing.  These happenings are uplifting events that positively impact you and those around you.  Step outside your comfort zone and you will reap the rewards.  I know that I have.  The Fort Wayne Dance Collective has been impacting our community for years and I am thankful I had the opportunity to learn about and serve with them.  Visit www.fwdc.org to learn more about the programs and outreach programs they provide.

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April 16, 2012

An Amazing Race

By Impact 52

For over ten years couples have been traveling around the world completing challenges on the CBS reality show The Amazing Race.  Each challenge must be completed in order to receive clues that lead to the next destination and the next challenge.  It is a race against other teams, time, and your emotions.  Those who watch the show often dream about competing in the race with a friend or loved one.  For most, this will always be just a dream.  Luckily, there is a great option locally that gives them an opportunity to feel the rush of The Amazing Race.

Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation recently held its 5th annual Amazing Race.  This event gave local families the chance to solve clues, complete challenges, and tour our great city.  Clues took the teams to local businesses and beautiful parks located around the city where obstacles awaited.  We, as a family, volunteered to run a challenge station during the morning session of the race.  We arrived at Shoaf park early Saturday morning and set up the challenge called Puke Pong.  Recent college grads or those who partake in parties and tailgate activities have probably played this game under the name of Beer Pong.  That is exactly what our challenge was, minus the beer.  In this twist on the game, the drinks would be far less enjoyable.  Teams would bounce ping-pong balls into cups consisting of delicious refreshment.  Players had to consume the contents of the cup before the next ball could be thrown.  In all, 12 cups needed to be consumed to complete the challenge and receive the clue to the next destination.  Our question entering the day was “How many people will vomit?”  We debated this as a family as we drove to the park.  I, personally, didn’t think anyone would puke after reading this list of drinks:

  • Relish
  • Cranberry Kiwi Juice
  • Maple Syrup
  • Soy Sauce
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Gatorade
  • Hot Sauce
  • Beef Broth
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • Lemon Juice
  • Milk with Cottage Cheese
  • Peach Tea

It did not take long for me to realize that I would be wrong.  The first team of the day did not finish the challenge due to someone throwing up.  Ten minutes into the day and the puke bucket was already in use.  Team after team struggled to complete the challenge.  Men, women, and children all struggled to drink, and keep down, the contents of each cup.  However, in the end, it was obvious that each team was having a great time.  They were spending time with friends and family.  They were laughing, high-fiving, and offers words of encouragement to each other as they faced each undesirable cup.  Each team was competitive.  They wanted to win.  It was fun to watch.  Disgusting at times, but fun.  I always enjoy volunteering with my family.  This experience was no different.  We had a great time.

According to its website, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation has a mission to “enhance the quality of life in Fort Wayne by providing positive opportunities for leisure time and by being stewards of our park lands, facilities, public trees, and other resources entrusted to our care.”  If you spend time in any of our city parks, you know they are fulfilling the mission.  We are blessed to have so many great parks and public spaces within our city.  These places are the perfect backdrop for a stroll with a loved one, a quick game of Frisbee golf, and even an amazing race.

Visit www.fortwayneparks.org to learn more about the programs, facilities, and parks managed by the organization.

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April 9, 2012

It is Not Too Much for Me

By Impact 52

“Lots of people limit their possibilities by giving up easily.  Never tell yourself this is too much for me. It’s no use. I can’t go on. If you do you’re licked, and by your own thinking too. Keep believing and keep on keeping on.”  – Norman Vincent Peale

A powerful quote with deep meaning.  We must always believe and we must never give up.  This quote is very relevant as I face the challenges of a being a mentor.  I have been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a youth mentor for almost three years.  I enjoy the role I play in impacting the lives of children.  The experience is very rewarding and, at times, very frustrating.  My little brother Ty’ere and I have been matched for almost three years.  During that time, I have watched him grow and mature from a boy to a young man.  We have overcome behavioral concerns.  The school referrals have been reduced and eliminated.  We have eradicated hygiene issues.  The days of terrible body odor and bad breath are behind us.  We have learned about the consequences of our actions and the importance of making good choices.  We have accomplished a lot together since we being matched in 2009.  So why do I feel as if I am failing?

This week during my time with Ty’ere I received the update on his school performance.  I learned that his recent report card featured one D and four Fs.  Four Fs, really?  Instantly, feelings of major disappointment came over me.  We have been talking about and working on study habits for many months.  His grades have fluctuated from failing to barely passing since I met him.  I have worked with him on homework and I have helped him study for tests.  I have read with him and helped him write papers.  I have challenged his effort on more than one occasion.  I believe that this is at the core of the issue.  He just doesn’t want to invest the effort or the time needed to be successful.  I will not let anyone use his ADHD as an excuse for poor performance.  I want him to succeed and so does his mother.  She has sacrificed so much over the last few years to put him in a situation where he can develop as a student.  She enrolled him in a small Christian school so that he could get more one-on-one teaching during the school day.  She has given up hours at work to transport him to and from school since there is no bus system.  She could barely make ends meet before, what about now?  In some way, I feel responsible for Ty’s inadequacies at school.  I know I should not feel that way, but I do.  Why can I not get through to him?  Why can I not motivate him to work harder in school?  I am at a loss for answers.  I am disappointed and frustrated.

The role of mentor is a challenge.  I knew that when I signed up.  I have experienced many highs and lows over the years as a mentor.  I have mentored students, athletes, and business leaders to various degrees of success.  With the highs come the lows.  I am at a low point now with Ty’ere’s school performance.  It is times like these that I remember the words of Pastor Peale.  I will always believe in myself and my friend Ty’ere.  There is no situation that we cannot overcome.  I will not give up on him.  Unfortunately that is what happens in our society today.  Teachers, school administrators, parents, and communities give up on young people living in poverty who face many life challenges.  I refuse to fall into this crowd.  I may be disappointed and frustrated, but I am also inspired.  I am driven to overcome this obstacle.  As a mentor, it is my task.  As a friend, it is my commitment.

If you possess a passion to impact others I encourage you to become a mentor.  It is role that you will enjoy and cherish.  You will lead, teach, and coach while learning lessons along the way.  Thrill seekers will enjoy the roller coaster of emotions, accomplishments, and challenges you will encounter on the journey.  There will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but I promise that it will never be too much for you.  It is not too much for me!

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April 1, 2012

Healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body

By Impact 52

Since 1858, the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne has been positively impacting lives.  Its commitment to healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development has helped to strengthen the foundation of our community.  More than 45,000 individuals have been served by the facilities located in our city.  The YMCA is a non-profit organization that offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the needs of our community.  These programs support the mission to “put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

One of the youth development programs offered by the YMCA is child care.  The YMCA believes that children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.  The child care programs allow them to learn and cultivate skills while building solid relationships with others.  There are three different child care programs offered by the YMCA: Before and After School Care, Summer Day Camps, and Child Watch.  I had the opportunity to volunteer some time in Child Watch.  This service allows members to drop their kids off in the Child Watch center while they workout.  It is a free service for members that is very convenient.

My time in Child Watch was a great experience.  I spent time playing with blocks, Lego’s, and the famous Mr. Potato Head.  I wanted to connect with each child.  I wanted to create smiles and laughter.  We had a good time playing.  It took some of the children a few minutes to warm up and feel comfortable with me.  I do not believe that the Child Watch center gets too many male volunteers.  They did not know what to think of me at first, but it didn’t take long for them to jump in to our games or jump on my as a jungle gym.  We also enjoyed story time together.  I read two books and had a great time doing it.  After story time, we sat down to complete a craft.  We all colored butterfly masks.  Each mask was filled with color and mounted onto a stick.  The children really enjoyed coloring the masks and making their butterflies fly afterwards.  I finished my time with the children watching a movie.  Sleeping Beauty was the movie selection on this particular day.  We sat down on the floor as the movie began.  I had children fighting to get on my lap.  I think I ended up having one on each knee.  We sat and watched the movie as Child Watch came to close.

I am a firm believer that investing time in children will always create a positive memory.  I spent two hours volunteering with the YMCA and I made many new friends.  I went from a complete stranger to someone the children hated to see leave.  I did not do anything special.  I took time to play with and read to children.  We live in a busy world.  Our calendars are full of stressful life events.  This volunteer experience is another reminder that we all need to stop and spend time with our children.  This is something that I have been saying for years, but often fail to do.  I have put so many things in life before my children and this is something for which I am ashamed.  I realize that this is an opportunity for me and it is something I will always work to improve.  Love to a child is spelled T-I-M-E.  We need to invest it in our children and the children in our communities.  When we do, we make a positive impact.  I enjoyed my time with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne.  I admire the passion the staff showed for members and the children.  This passion and commitment will continue to positively affect our community by creating a healthy spirits, healthy minds, and healthy bodies.

 

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March 25, 2012

Open Your Eyes to Poverty

By Impact 52

The U.S. Census Bureau states that one in seven people live below the poverty line.  This means millions of Americans struggle day-to-day to make ends meet.  Every day they face many questions.  How are we going to eat?  Can we pay our rent or our mortgage? Will our water and power be shut off?  What can I do to ensure my children are taken care of?  These are just a few of the questions those battling poverty might ask themselves each night as they lie in bed.  It is hard to imagine the stress and huge burden this puts on a father, a mother, and a child.  Poverty has deep effects on every member of the family.  It is a crisis in our country.  The wealthiest country in the world.

Community Action of Northeast Indiana (CANI) is a non-profit organization that is committed to ending poverty in our region.  It offers many types of programs to assist and educate those living in poverty.  In 2010, CANI served more than 30,000 people in Northeast Indiana.  Families received assistance with their utility bills.  Quality childcare was provided to keep moms and dads working. Individuals attended workshops focused around building resumes and managing money.  CANI’s mission is to help families, individuals, and communities remove the causes and conditions of poverty.  It is obvious that they do this year after year.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with CANI during a poverty simulation.  This simulation helps educate the community about the stressful day-to-day lives of those who lack the money and resources to live.  During the simulation, participants role play the lives of those living in poverty.  Some people act as the single parent struggling to raise children while working a low paying job.  Others play the role of the family with unemployed parents and children involved at school.  The goal for each participant is to provide shelter and food for the family during the simulation.  My role in the simulation was to play an important member of the community.  I played the part of schoolteacher.  It was my responsibility to run a quiet and orderly classroom during each 15 minute week.  Before we started, this task seemed simple.  I was quickly convinced otherwise.

The role of teacher in this simulation was not easy.  Children who live in poverty face a multitude of challenges.  As the teacher, I had to deal with them first hand.  One student was pregnant.  Another acted out and was a real disruption during class.  Many of the students were open about their lack of money.  One week, I sent a note home to parents asking for money for supplies. The following week, most students came back empty-handed.  We also had a field trip planned to the zoo and the children needed money.  The day of the field trip we had to keep three children in school who couldn’t pay the fee.  It was hard to see children miss out the opportunity to experience the zoo because of their family situation.  As a human being, you wanted to reach out and help.  As a teacher, I understood that I could not.

The simulation opened my eyes to the challenges our teachers have in low-income, poverty-stricken schools.  There was no money for supplies or field trips.  The students did not want to be in school and many were worried about their families.  Education was not a priority.  In some situations it was more of a hinderance.  School got in the way of helping the family make ends meet.  The lack of education led to mischief and illegal actions.  Children felt obligated to find ways to help their family.  Others acted out to get the attention of their parents who were too busy treading water to spend time with them.  These observations were real and scary.

Everyone who participated in the simulation seemed to enjoy the experience.  It was educational, informational, and inspirational.  Poverty changes people.  Many individuals spoke about the feelings of desperation.  These feelings led to thoughts of stealing, selling drugs, and other illegal actions to make money.  These were leaders of our community who were faced with the realities of poverty.  They considered unthinkable acts to provide for their family.  We often hear stories of theft and robbery by people from which we would not expect it.  This simulation gave me insight to the reasons why they do it.  As a parent, I will always provide for my family.  If your back was against the wall would you do whatever necessary to provide for them?  Ask those who experienced it firsthand in this simulation and you may be surprised with the answer.

We must all commit to get involved in our communities to help those in need.  Poverty affects everyone in the community.  It leads to high dropout rates in our schools, increased crime in our cities, and families with children who have to live on the street.  I am a firm believer that I, that we, can change the world.  In order to do so, we must act.  There are many ways you can help those in poverty in your community.  CANI offers great services and programs, but they need our help.  You can visit www.canihelp.org to learn more about the mission to end poverty in Northeast Indiana.  If you want to learn more about poverty, CANI, and yourself, volunteer for a poverty simulation.  It will open your eyes.

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March 18, 2012

May I Take Your Pledge?

By Impact 52

Public television has been providing cultural, informational, and educational programming for decades. Sesame Street helped me learn my ABCs and how to count.  Mr. Rogers taught me what it meant to be a good neighbor.  Reading Rainbow made reading relevant and cool.  These programs were a huge part of my childhood and the childhood of many others, but PBS offers more than just kid’s programming.   PBS offers shows and documentaries that promote an understanding of nature, history, science, and the performing arts.  The local stations work to build and promote a sense of community by covering statewide topics.  Regardless of the reason for which we watch, we all enjoy what we see.  Due to this, PBS holds a special place in our hearts.

I volunteered to work the phone bank during PBS 39 of Fort Wayne’s spring pledge drive.  PBS relies on the support of its members, sponsors, and community pledge drives for its revenue.  During a pledge drive, the station phone numbers are scrolled across the screen to entice viewers to call.  When they called on this particular night, I was the one on the other end of the line.  I answered each call with “Good Evening!  Thanks for calling PBS 39.  May I take your pledge?” I would then gather their information and document how much they were willing to donate.  I ended each call by thanking the caller for their support.  For three hours, I watched television and talked on the phone.  A very easy way to volunteer and help out a great organization.  This short volunteer experience gave me a true view of what PBS means to our community.  Many callers took time to tell me just how much they enjoy the programs offered by the station.  One caller actually called in to ensure that Lawrence Welk had not been pulled off of the air.  She had noticed that it was not on during the normal times and this concerned her.  I was able to inform her that it would return to its normal schedule once the pledge drive ended.  I am pretty sure that Lawrence Welk will never be pulled from the programming of PBS.  In the words of a PBS staff member “We would have an angry mob with pitchforks and torches if Mr. Welk wasn’t available.”

As a volunteer, I want to be valued by the organization that I am serving.  I want to know the organization and how my time helps them fulfill the mission.  My experience with PBS 39 did just that.  I was the only volunteer working the phone bank on this particular night which gave me a chance to work with Ray Steup, a director and producer for the station.  He was a great ambassador for the organization.  He made me feel welcome and he appreciated my service.  He took time to model a few calls so that I felt comfortable with the script.  He wanted me to have a great experience.  He even made time to take me on a tour of the station.  I really enjoyed the tour.  I am a huge fan of television and getting a glimpse of the studio and the production rooms was a real treat.  An organization’s success often sits on the shoulders of the employees.  The energy and passion for the mission has to be present in the staff so that volunteers feel good about what they are doing.  Employees like Ray make organizations a success.  I enjoyed my time with PBS 39 and Ray helped make it a great experience.

Public television plays an important role in our lives.  We have all been impacted at some point in our life by something we have viewed on PBS.  We must find a way to give back to the stations that give us so much.  These stations rely on us for support.  We need to step up and continue to do our part.  I encourage everyone to learn more about their local public television station.  Find out how you can help.  Offer a pledge or offer your time.  We must do so to ensure that future generations get the same quality programming and life experiences that we have enjoyed.

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