The HALO Center has been buzzing that last few weeks with
all kinds of different events (in addition to our typical weekly workshops). It
is with grateful thanks to our volunteers and donors that these events are
cause for big celebrations.
Back-to-School Backpacks - The weeks of
August 15th and 22nd were not only weeks of excitement and anxiousness for HALO
Center kids as they prepared for another year of school. But they were also
weeks of appreciation. The generosity of HALO Center supporters
allowed us to provide all HALO Center Members with Back-to-School Backpacks.
Not only did each youth get to chose their very own backpack, but they also got
pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, glue, scissors, rulers
and calculators. I believe that to succeed, you must be set up for
success. Our Back-to-School backpacks are a small steps toward a year's worth
of knowledge and growth.
End of Summer Movie Night -
In honor of their good behavior and enthusiasm, we hosted a special movie
night for reStart Family Shelter youth. 17 youth, 5 parents, 3 HALO Center
volunteers and myself bonded over popcorn, apples, banana splits and The Diary
of a Whimpy Kid this past Monday night. Our next big outing, with these youth,
will be a trip to the Farmer's Market in River Market for fruits, veggies and
spices which they will use to prepare a meal for their parents.
Niles Home for Children DREAM Journal Gallery Showing -
Niles Home for Children youth have been working all summer in their DREAM
Journals (two DREAM Journals featured below). The journals comprise a number of
different activities that guide the youth through the DREAM Campaign by
encouraging creativity, self-exploration and self-expression. By working with a
number of different art mediums and forms, youth learned about themselves, as
well as developed emotional intelligence and learned giving back.
Wednesday we honored all the hard work these youth put into their DREAM
Journals in an Art Gallery Showing. Youth self-priced their work - art was
available for anywhere from $1 to $1600. When prompting a conversation about
what to do with money made from the art work, I was prepared to offer
suggestions: a pizza party, design your own shoes project, etc. I didn't need
to present any of my ideas because immediately upon bringing up the topic, the
Niles youth shouted, "Let's give the money to Mexico." It was a
group consensus and a done deal - proceeds would go to the HALO supported
Mexican orphans.
Volunteerism - If you have ever been in The Center, you
have seen our DREAM Journal wall. This wall displays all of the activities
included in the DREAM Journals. The journals are structured to progress through
the activities, so we have a special order in which we do them.
From the very first time the youth saw the DREAM wall, they have begged and
begged and begged to do the Shoe project - designing a pair of white canvas
shoes, Amyah's shoes are featured below. So when it finally came time to do the
shoes, they were beyond excited. But, our Shoe project extends farther
than just designing the shoes - and some youth had reservations. Each shoes has
been specially bought, with reference to size, for children living in the HALO
supported orphanage in Mexico. Most of the youth were all about designing shoes
and sending love to Mexico; yet, a couple weren't keen on the idea and took
some time to themselves. But after seeing everyone else enjoying the project, they
participated. At the end of the project, the unenthusiastic teens had
transformed into the most enthusiastic, running over to their featured artwork
to show off the shoes made for Mexico. In fact, we have a
future humanitarian in our midst - when asked what project Master, 8
years old, wanted to do on the 'free to do what you like' day, he screamed,
"I wanna make a pillow. One for a Mexican kid and one for me. I wanna help
all the kids, I'm gonna SAVE THE WORLD", ending with a super-hero-inspired
save-the-world jump in the air.
Dream Page - The DREAM Page project is our
first project in the DREAM Journals. It's purpose is to help visualize your
dreams - to take the dreams that are inside your head and put them down on
paper. It is a great way to remind yourself and to keep on track; and it is
just as important to be able to share with others. Below is Master's dream
page. He wants to build cars that have mattresses on top.
My Timeline - Youth created a timeline that
shows important points in their past, as well as steps toward achieving
their dream for the future. Below is Master's timeline.
Role Model Mobile - Looking up to someone and
learning from their experiences can help you with your dreams. On the
computer, youth researched professionals in their desired field or people who
started off in their shoes. By gathering quotes, stories and pictures,
they were able to create their very own inspiration mobile. Below is Kayondez's
Role Model Mobile.
Garage Sale - Today we hosted a garage sale
to benefit our upcoming Apprenticeship Program, set to begin October 10th. A
huge thank you to those volunteers that helped out with the event, as well as
those supporters who got a 'good deal for a good cause'. We are excited and
encouraged to launch this new program.
Until next time,
Chelsea
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