My first day with TURN Community Services was filled with lots of paperwork, orientation videos, and even a shot! Surprisingly, I wasn’t very nervous going into the orientation. Because my sister works for TURN, I have been able to ask her a lot of questions about how the organization works and what I’ll be doing with them. My time will be split between working for their SHARE program in Midvale and their summer youth camp program. TURN is a fantastic organization whose sole purpose is to make the lives of disabled individuals better. They firmly believe that each client deserves respect and value the uniqueness and importance of each individual. TURN really emphasizes promoting independence for their clients. I am glad that they go through such a thorough training program for their employees and volunteers. They spend a lot of time teaching about the characteristics of TBI and Intellectual Disabilities, and how they affect individuals. It is interesting to be focusing on the life-skills elements of the disabilities in-depth, whereas our class has focused more of the educational needs and development of the individuals. As part of the training I will be taking SOAR and CPR/first aid training in the near future, and I know those will be valuable skills to have in my future classrooms. I am excited to start working with the adult clients and children, and I’m hoping that by completing so much of the required training today that I’ll be able to work at SHARE next week. I can’t wait to jump in and get to work! Mindi Cella
When I first entered the first grade class as a volunteer I was amazed at how eager and accepting the students were of my help. As I walked around helping with the math assignment I was able to spot the children who struggled, the kids who had a hard time staying in their seats or being quiet for periods of time and the one student who had a distinct disability. As I started answering questions, it became apparent that I would have to start planning ahead in order to answer questions that to me were memorized facts and procedures in a way that first graders would understand. I was also able to see how children who are at different levels need varying amounts of time as well as different teaching methods. I was really able to see that each child is unique, but they all need love and encouragement.
Today was my first day at Youth Impact! First I was ten minutes late because I could not find the dang place and there was construction everywhere!! But once I finally got there I went through orientation, and I became really excited as the man was telling me about the program. When we went into the arts and craft room, I instantly knew I made a good decision going with this group. I am going to be spending a lot of time in there this summer! After I finished orientation, I decided to stay for an hour or two. The kids were piling into the vans to head to the park. I stayed back to help out with the children that didn't want to go. One little girl instantly became my friend and introduced me to all her friends. She told me how she wants to become a special ed teacher when she is older and she is saving all her birthday money to visit her sister in Ohio. Her sister is a teacher and she goes there as often as she can to help her with her class. She opened up to me and I really liked talking with her. She is in fifth grade and I couldn't believe how smart she was, it felt like I was able to connect with her and we had similar interests. I am really excited to start this program at Youth Impact and I don't think I will have a problem meeting the hour requirements for this course. I wouldn't be surprised if I am there a lot more frequently than I thought I would be because it is really fun! Cant wait for next week! -Kennedy Haggard
Kennedy, I am glad that you have begun your CEL experience, but more importantly that you are excited to return. It's great that you have connected immediately with one little girl. I hope that relationship continues to build throughout your time there.
I am thrilled that you jumped right in and got started and then promptly got the kids engaged too! I hope that with each passing week your relationships with the kids continues to develop.
My first day with Youth Impact was a little overwhelming! I had a lot of fun but I have never been to a youth program like this before. There are so many things to do. Board games, pool, basketball, drawing, cards, lounging on the couches, painting in the garden, building bikes, studying, etc. There are a fair amount of staff and volunteers are there. However, it is amazing to me how many kids there are. There are upwards of seventy kids that all have the flexibility to go wherever and do practically whatever they want. This phenomena is somewhere between the lines of controlled chaos or complete insanity. There are several behavioral issues that I noticed from the students. On the other hand it was delightful to be approached by so many kids that asked me questions "Are you on staff? Will you be back tomorrow? How old are you? etc." My hope is that this will prove a highly rewarding and engaging opportunity. Now that I have me "feet wet."
The first night volunteering for Hope Kids wasn’t what I was expecting. We met at the library for Story Time. There were about six of us that showed up to help. There was only one child and her mother that showed up for the activity. I was disappointed at first that there weren’t more children there. We made the best of the situation and let the child (I am going to call her T for the purpose of this paper) chose some books that she wanted us to read to her. I asked her if she would also like it if we chose some books we knew of and like to read to her. She was very sweet and agreeable to the suggestion. We took turns reading her books out-loud. We asked questions to her about the books as we read them and tried to ask her questions about herself to get to know her likes and dislikes. I think she really enjoyed all the attention she was getting from us. Her mother was very appreciative of us being there and took the opportunity to have some time to herself and look at books, as we read to T for two hours and visited with her. T is a very intelligent, funny, sweet girl. She is nine years old and has two older siblings and a dog. She was very positive and polite. She told us that she was homeschooled by her mother. We never talked about what illness she has. It was hard to know that she had a terminal illness, she is such a sweet child and she is the same age as my youngest daughter. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to meet her and get to know her. She is supposed to be at our next activity next week at the park. I look forward to getting to know her better and to meeting some of the other kids involved with Hope Kids.
My first encounter with Hope Kids was very different from what I was expecting. We had one child and one parent attend along with seven volunteers. This one little girl was very spoiled as each of us took turns reading library books to her. I was not apprehensive about my visit until, upon arriving, I realized that we were it! There was not a representative from Hope Kids to direct us. I was under the impression that the activities would be planned, and we would just be implementing them. Not true. I was even asked by library staff to complete paperwork, assuming liability for the reserved room. I opted to use a table within the library and forego the paperwork. Next time I will ask for more information, arrive early to choose books, and possibly plan activities to go along with the books. Both mother and daughter expressed appreciation for our time and efforts. It was a fun experience, and I look forward to seeing this family at future events. The mother spoke highly of the experiences their family has had with this organization, and I am excited to get to know more of the families in the upcoming weeks.
I was one of the first volunteers to show up for the HopeKids Zoo Night. I have anxiety when being put into large group situations with unfamiliar people, however, all of my anxiety went away when the children showed up to sign in. During registration, I was able to talk to hundreds of "HopeKids/families," and it was truly amazing to see the life and excitement in their eyes. I met a wide variety of children with varying cancers/life threatening illnesses, and they were so happy to be at the zoo-one child was so grateful to be there that he taught me how to say "thank you" in sign language. I was so moved to see children, and families, have to opportunity to exhibit pure joy. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.
Having the chance to begin participating with Hope Kids was a cool experience. It was supposed to be a story time night with the children. However, only one child and parent showed up. We ended up having the one child and six volunteers there the whole time to read together. The volunteers from our class just rotated reading stories to her. During breaks where one may be getting more books, we talked with L asking her about her family, what she likes to do for fun, and different things we could figure out to carry on a conversation with her and make her feel more comfortable. Luckily, she loved being the center of attention and opened up to us immediately. It was a fun night getting to know her and reading stories! Hopefully the next activities will have a better turnout.
I had my first experience at youth impact today. I was a little nervous to start because I was getting glared at by some of the older kids. It scared me a little, and that is what I would like to focus on next time I am there. I need to not be scared of them, and just get engaged. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I was intimidated by some of the kids, but I'm glad it happened so I could focus on getting to know them throughout the summer. Today I spent most of my time in the arts and crafts room where there were 5 kids that all knew each other pretty well and were younger. J was a very talkative child, and was very excited to meet me. She made me some cute little cards, but I think I may have left them on the table on accident. The children were very open and were happy talking about their home life, and opening up to me. Next time I would really like to find some cute little activities on pinterest or something for the kids to do. They were pretty engaged in just drawing, but I think it would be fun to have an activity planned out for them. They were pretty excited about past experiences that they have had. I'm really excited to get to know these children and I think this will be a great experience.
I am glad that you finding ways to engage the students. I also appreciate you admitting to being a little scared and hopefully as your visits went on, then things became easier for you.
-Daniel Newman I really enjoyed my first day at the Juvenile Detention Center. At first, the confusion was disappointing. None of the kids or staff had a clue what workbooks they should be working on and there was no list available to find out. The kids eventually figured out what classes they did not complete and what classes they need to take. I was a little apprehensive about this opportunity because I did not know what type of kids I would be working with. If they were very aggressive and dominating, I would have been very uncomfortable. I am always uncomfortable around people with these traits so I avoid hanging out with anyone that has them. The kids were just kids. Thought they knew everything, wanted attention, and wanted someone to talk to. The next time I go in I want to find out what these kids think about education and what, if anything, it can do for them.
That's great that you quickly realized that kids are just kids. Sometimes we set ourselves up for situations that are in our minds 'scary' and somehow there should be a feeling of apprehension, but like you say, kids are just kids.
Ashlee Scott I was nervous going to my first day at Youth Impact. I did not know what to expect and how I would be received by the kids. I was treated so well. The staff at Youth Impact were all so helpful and willing to answer any of my questions. The kids were also happy to see a new volunteer and eager to talk with me. I sat and colored with many of the kids for a coloring contest they were having that day. This gave me an opportunity to talk with the kids and start working on relationships of trust. I enjoyed getting to know them better. I had a wonderful time volunteering and look forward to going back. Next week I want to try to interact with some of the older kids at Youth Impact. I also want to go out into the greenhouse and help out. Great Experience!
What a great introduction to your time at Youth Impact. It is always nice to ease into a new situation and it sounds like the staff and the kids were very accommodating to the 'newbie'
My first day with Youth Impact was a little overwhelming. We went over the rules with Craig and what to expect. I was so nervous to start because I was a little afraid of not connecting with the kids. But after orientation, I felt a lot better because Craig told us everyone there just wants to have fun. They have so many activities form arts and crafts to fixing up bikes. I realized that they are there to have a safe and fun environment, something they might not get at home. I became so excited to interact with these kids and jut overall, have a great time. I think this is such a great program and helping these kids is what they need. Giving them these opportunities is so important and providing things that they can engage in and creating hobbies. I am so excited to start interacting with these kids and setting a good example for them.
I had no idea what to expect when I first went to Youth Impact. When I got there, I began to feel more relaxed as I realized that they deal with volunteers from WSU all the time and they understand how to work with the new volunteers. I enjoyed seeing the layout of the facility and seeing all the many things that the kids can do during their time there. Something that was mentioned during orientation is that only a few of the kids will step up and initiate a conversation with you. I want to reach out the the kids who might be more shy and help them be more comfortable. I'm excited to get started.
My first day with TURN Community Services was filled with lots of paperwork, orientation videos, and even a shot! Surprisingly, I wasn’t very nervous going into the orientation. Because my sister works for TURN, I have been able to ask her a lot of questions about how the organization works and what I’ll be doing with them. My time will be split between working for their SHARE program in Midvale and their summer youth camp program. TURN is a fantastic organization whose sole purpose is to make the lives of disabled individuals better. They firmly believe that each client deserves respect and value the uniqueness and importance of each individual. TURN really emphasizes promoting independence for their clients. I am glad that they go through such a thorough training program for their employees and volunteers. They spend a lot of time teaching about the characteristics of TBI and Intellectual Disabilities, and how they affect individuals. It is interesting to be focusing on the life-skills elements of the disabilities in-depth, whereas our class has focused more of the educational needs and development of the individuals. As part of the training I will be taking SOAR and CPR/first aid training in the near future, and I know those will be valuable skills to have in my future classrooms. I am excited to start working with the adult clients and children, and I’m hoping that by completing so much of the required training today that I’ll be able to work at SHARE next week. I can’t wait to jump in and get to work! Mindi Cella
ReplyDeleteWhen I first entered the first grade class as a volunteer I was amazed at how eager and accepting the students were of my help. As I walked around helping with the math assignment I was able to spot the children who struggled, the kids who had a hard time staying in their seats or being quiet for periods of time and the one student who had a distinct disability. As I started answering questions, it became apparent that I would have to start planning ahead in order to answer questions that to me were memorized facts and procedures in a way that first graders would understand. I was also able to see how children who are at different levels need varying amounts of time as well as different teaching methods. I was really able to see that each child is unique, but they all need love and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThat is great Cathy, it sounds like you are already making plans on how to make this experience meaningful.
DeleteToday was my first day at Youth Impact! First I was ten minutes late because I could not find the dang place and there was construction everywhere!! But once I finally got there I went through orientation, and I became really excited as the man was telling me about the program. When we went into the arts and craft room, I instantly knew I made a good decision going with this group. I am going to be spending a lot of time in there this summer! After I finished orientation, I decided to stay for an hour or two. The kids were piling into the vans to head to the park. I stayed back to help out with the children that didn't want to go. One little girl instantly became my friend and introduced me to all her friends. She told me how she wants to become a special ed teacher when she is older and she is saving all her birthday money to visit her sister in Ohio. Her sister is a teacher and she goes there as often as she can to help her with her class. She opened up to me and I really liked talking with her. She is in fifth grade and I couldn't believe how smart she was, it felt like I was able to connect with her and we had similar interests. I am really excited to start this program at Youth Impact and I don't think I will have a problem meeting the hour requirements for this course. I wouldn't be surprised if I am there a lot more frequently than I thought I would be because it is really fun! Cant wait for next week! -Kennedy Haggard
ReplyDeleteHey it says Kennedy Pobanz, which will be my new name after the wedding! I changed my email name already but its HAGGARD on the attendance! Thanks
DeleteKennedy, I am glad that you have begun your CEL experience, but more importantly that you are excited to return. It's great that you have connected immediately with one little girl. I hope that relationship continues to build throughout your time there.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you jumped right in and got started and then promptly got the kids engaged too! I hope that with each passing week your relationships with the kids continues to develop.
DeleteMy first day with Youth Impact was a little overwhelming! I had a lot of fun but I have never been to a youth program like this before. There are so many things to do. Board games, pool, basketball, drawing, cards, lounging on the couches, painting in the garden, building bikes, studying, etc. There are a fair amount of staff and volunteers are there. However, it is amazing to me how many kids there are. There are upwards of seventy kids that all have the flexibility to go wherever and do practically whatever they want. This phenomena is somewhere between the lines of controlled chaos or complete insanity. There are several behavioral issues that I noticed from the students. On the other hand it was delightful to be approached by so many kids that asked me questions "Are you on staff? Will you be back tomorrow? How old are you? etc." My hope is that this will prove a highly rewarding and engaging opportunity. Now that I have me "feet wet."
ReplyDeleteSounds like you will have a lot to do this summer!
DeleteThe first night volunteering for Hope Kids wasn’t what I was expecting. We met at the library for Story Time. There were about six of us that showed up to help. There was only one child and her mother that showed up for the activity. I was disappointed at first that there weren’t more children there. We made the best of the situation and let the child (I am going to call her T for the purpose of this paper) chose some books that she wanted us to read to her. I asked her if she would also like it if we chose some books we knew of and like to read to her. She was very sweet and agreeable to the suggestion. We took turns reading her books out-loud. We asked questions to her about the books as we read them and tried to ask her questions about herself to get to know her likes and dislikes. I think she really enjoyed all the attention she was getting from us. Her mother was very appreciative of us being there and took the opportunity to have some time to herself and look at books, as we read to T for two hours and visited with her. T is a very intelligent, funny, sweet girl. She is nine years old and has two older siblings and a dog. She was very positive and polite. She told us that she was homeschooled by her mother. We never talked about what illness she has. It was hard to know that she had a terminal illness, she is such a sweet child and she is the same age as my youngest daughter. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to meet her and get to know her. She is supposed to be at our next activity next week at the park. I look forward to getting to know her better and to meeting some of the other kids involved with Hope Kids.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the low numbers, maybe next week you will have a better turn out.
DeleteMy first encounter with Hope Kids was very different from what I was expecting. We had one child and one parent attend along with seven volunteers. This one little girl was very spoiled as each of us took turns reading library books to her. I was not apprehensive about my visit until, upon arriving, I realized that we were it! There was not a representative from Hope Kids to direct us. I was under the impression that the activities would be planned, and we would just be implementing them. Not true. I was even asked by library staff to complete paperwork, assuming liability for the reserved room. I opted to use a table within the library and forego the paperwork. Next time I will ask for more information, arrive early to choose books, and possibly plan activities to go along with the books. Both mother and daughter expressed appreciation for our time and efforts. It was a fun experience, and I look forward to seeing this family at future events. The mother spoke highly of the experiences their family has had with this organization, and I am excited to get to know more of the families in the upcoming weeks.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the low numbers...maybe next week.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the first volunteers to show up for the HopeKids Zoo Night. I have anxiety when being put into large group situations with unfamiliar people, however, all of my anxiety went away when the children showed up to sign in. During registration, I was able to talk to hundreds of "HopeKids/families," and it was truly amazing to see the life and excitement in their eyes.
ReplyDeleteI met a wide variety of children with varying cancers/life threatening illnesses, and they were so happy to be at the zoo-one child was so grateful to be there that he taught me how to say "thank you" in sign language.
I was so moved to see children, and families, have to opportunity to exhibit pure joy. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.
What a great opportunity for you. I am glad that you took the initiative to fond other ways to volunteer.
DeleteHaving the chance to begin participating with Hope Kids was a cool experience. It was supposed to be a story time night with the children. However, only one child and parent showed up. We ended up having the one child and six volunteers there the whole time to read together. The volunteers from our class just rotated reading stories to her. During breaks where one may be getting more books, we talked with L asking her about her family, what she likes to do for fun, and different things we could figure out to carry on a conversation with her and make her feel more comfortable. Luckily, she loved being the center of attention and opened up to us immediately. It was a fun night getting to know her and reading stories! Hopefully the next activities will have a better turnout.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that little girl absolutely loved having all that 1:1 attention and that mom appreciated the break.
DeleteI had my first experience at youth impact today. I was a little nervous to start because I was getting glared at by some of the older kids. It scared me a little, and that is what I would like to focus on next time I am there. I need to not be scared of them, and just get engaged. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I was intimidated by some of the kids, but I'm glad it happened so I could focus on getting to know them throughout the summer. Today I spent most of my time in the arts and crafts room where there were 5 kids that all knew each other pretty well and were younger. J was a very talkative child, and was very excited to meet me. She made me some cute little cards, but I think I may have left them on the table on accident. The children were very open and were happy talking about their home life, and opening up to me. Next time I would really like to find some cute little activities on pinterest or something for the kids to do. They were pretty engaged in just drawing, but I think it would be fun to have an activity planned out for them. They were pretty excited about past experiences that they have had. I'm really excited to get to know these children and I think this will be a great experience.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is Kiersten Campbell by the way..
DeleteI am glad that you finding ways to engage the students. I also appreciate you admitting to being a little scared and hopefully as your visits went on, then things became easier for you.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-Daniel Newman
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my first day at the Juvenile Detention Center. At first, the confusion was disappointing. None of the kids or staff had a clue what workbooks they should be working on and there was no list available to find out. The kids eventually figured out what classes they did not complete and what classes they need to take.
I was a little apprehensive about this opportunity because I did not know what type of kids I would be working with. If they were very aggressive and dominating, I would have been very uncomfortable. I am always uncomfortable around people with these traits so I avoid hanging out with anyone that has them. The kids were just kids. Thought they knew everything, wanted attention, and wanted someone to talk to.
The next time I go in I want to find out what these kids think about education and what, if anything, it can do for them.
That's great that you quickly realized that kids are just kids. Sometimes we set ourselves up for situations that are in our minds 'scary' and somehow there should be a feeling of apprehension, but like you say, kids are just kids.
DeleteAshlee Scott
ReplyDeleteI was nervous going to my first day at Youth Impact. I did not know what to expect and how I would be received by the kids. I was treated so well. The staff at Youth Impact were all so helpful and willing to answer any of my questions. The kids were also happy to see a new volunteer and eager to talk with me. I sat and colored with many of the kids for a coloring contest they were having that day. This gave me an opportunity to talk with the kids and start working on relationships of trust. I enjoyed getting to know them better. I had a wonderful time volunteering and look forward to going back. Next week I want to try to interact with some of the older kids at Youth Impact. I also want to go out into the greenhouse and help out. Great Experience!
What a great introduction to your time at Youth Impact. It is always nice to ease into a new situation and it sounds like the staff and the kids were very accommodating to the 'newbie'
DeleteMy first day with Youth Impact was a little overwhelming. We went over the rules with Craig and what to expect. I was so nervous to start because I was a little afraid of not connecting with the kids. But after orientation, I felt a lot better because Craig told us everyone there just wants to have fun. They have so many activities form arts and crafts to fixing up bikes. I realized that they are there to have a safe and fun environment, something they might not get at home. I became so excited to interact with these kids and jut overall, have a great time. I think this is such a great program and helping these kids is what they need. Giving them these opportunities is so important and providing things that they can engage in and creating hobbies. I am so excited to start interacting with these kids and setting a good example for them.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that at first YI felt pretty overwhelming. I am glad that you started to settle in and get comfortable right away.
DeleteI had no idea what to expect when I first went to Youth Impact. When I got there, I began to feel more relaxed as I realized that they deal with volunteers from WSU all the time and they understand how to work with the new volunteers. I enjoyed seeing the layout of the facility and seeing all the many things that the kids can do during their time there. Something that was mentioned during orientation is that only a few of the kids will step up and initiate a conversation with you. I want to reach out the the kids who might be more shy and help them be more comfortable. I'm excited to get started.
ReplyDeleteDid you only attend orientation on your first visit? I would have liked to hear more about your interactions with the students.
ReplyDelete