Newsletter - New Danville

What began as a prayer ended up being a blessing

Sherry Franklin, Retired
What began as a prayer ended up being a blessing.

It was 2007 and I was looking for a part-time job to help fill some gaps as I tried to start my own business. I put the need on a prayer list and at a meeting with a church group I was told of a part-time position at a new business close to my home. That business was New Danville, which I had not heard of, so I applied for the job as a driver. I guess I have held a dozen roles since then, and each one has helped make me a better person. The Wranglers have a way of doing that.

In about three years, I was working full-time in the day program. I guess most people think of me as the “woodshop lady,” which began at about that time. One of our board members made pens and we picked up the project in our woodshop. And to think, we’re now looking at making distinctive executive pens as one of our job creators. It was in pen making that we created the “Ooops Box” where mistakes in making were placed. The Wranglers realized that it is okay to make mistakes. Oooops. Put it in the box and move on.

So much has changed over the years, and I am proud to have been part of it all. People have said that I was a “Jill of All Trades,” and it felt that way at times. I had the pleasure of doing so many different assignments. Each one had a way of shaping me and teaching me a lot about life and about others. There were times when I was driving routes that some of the Wranglers would get in the van and it was clear that they had had a rough start to their day at home. I was determined to help give them a new, brighter start to their day. That gave me a brighter start to my days, too.

At different times over the years, people – friends and family – would encourage me to look at other job opportunities. I couldn’t. There is nothing like working here. It chokes me up when I reflect on how much this job, the Wranglers, and everyone I’ve worked with here has meant to me. But, it’s family, so no wonder.

I didn’t know anything about this world, the world of adults with IDD, when I began working at New Danville. I’ve learned so much along the way. I’ve learned how to do a variety of jobs, and I’ve learned patience for myself. I wished everyone could learn what I have learned by working with the Wranglers and the New Danville family: be nice, slow down, strike up conversations with people with IDD – they are funny, insightful — and listen. Listening…it goes a long way.

Sherry began her career at New Danville in 2007 as a part-time driver. Her work ethic, empathy and compassion moved her through a multitude of roles. She resigned in June 2021 but will remain in the hearts and lives of the New Danville family.

Catch and Release

A new addition to the list of activities available to Wranglers is storytelling. Okay, it’s not storytelling. It is fishing, but that’s the same thing, right?

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbor, Ranger Oilfield Products, the Wranglers can now learn how to fish at the beautiful, stocked, easy-to-access lake on the company’s campus. The class is called Catch and Release, and the first fishing trip occurred in early June.

Adults with disabilities enjoying fishing

Colt is already hooked on fishing, all puns intended, even though he has not yet had a chance to take one of the trips. His taste for angling in pursuit of Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) now whetted, he proudly announced, “I got a new fishing rod. It is long, six-foot eight, and has a camouflage pattern. I will let others borrow it if they want.”

There will be plenty of opportunities for him and others to use it. According to Nicole Martinez, day program coordinator, “We have had to juggle our schedule a lot because of the rain and muddy conditions, but there is a lot of interest among the Wranglers to wet a line.”

Debbie Rigsby, a direct support professional who works with our Wranglers IIs (clients who need more assistance and attention), took them on the first fishing trip. “Even with their short attention spans, they had a lot of fun. We enjoyed taking fish off their hooks for them and rebaiting because we knew they were about to have fun catching another soon,” she said.

Several more fishing trips are on the schedule for the summer. As the trips continue, the stories of the ones that got away will certainly become more and more creative. Matt Harughty, director of sales for Ranger Oilfield Products, assured that there are some beauties in the retention pond turned catch-and-release fishing lake. “I hope I’m there the day a Wrangler gets a really nice one,” Matt said. “I’m sure the expression on their face will be priceless.”

I’m not good with free time

While he described his work experiences and philosophies, I interjected a question, “You think a lot, don’t you?” He inhaled a bit and replied, “Yes.” Even when Robert Egley is not keeping his hands busy with work, his mind is working on ideas, concepts, plans and the next opportunity to “move things along.”

Adult with disabilities learns how to use scroll saw

Robert has lived at New Danville for several years and has worked in a variety of jobs off- and on-site. He has produced a lot of things, not the least of which are philosophies about life, work, business and time.

“I’m not good with free time,” Robert said, adding that staying busy is good for him. Over the years at New Danville, he has been very busy. He has had many jobs, both on-site and off. He delivers mail on-site and has worked in the woodworking area as well as in production, which includes packaging a variety of food products and making beauty (spa) products. He has worked in the community at a restaurant where he was stationed next to the sanitizing water. He is very proud that the manager could trust him with chemicals such as those. He cites the restaurant job as his most fun ever, largely because he was able to be in the community working with others who enjoy work.

Of his many roles, the production of bath and body products clearly made a big impact on him. When asked what his ideal next job would be, he said, “To help build a new building, a store in town that sells products. I would call it Mind, Body, Soul.”

Quick with metaphors to help explain his perspectives and philosophies on all manner of things, he often returns to the value and purpose of work. “It is good to get people jobs…it is the stuff that makes life meaningful. Jobs here helps accomplish the line of ‘self-sustaining’ from our mission.” Robert looks forward to the day that the sound of bulldozers moving dirt at 6:30 in the morning wakes him up as they prepare the land for future buildings at New Danville. “I will look up the hill and say, ‘I want to help build that.’”

“I’ve always had that firecracker personality,” Robert said, “and I like moving things along. I want a grand thing to do.” When asked whether others would describe his personality similarity, he paused long enough to take a sip of drink before replying with a simple “Yes.”

Madalyn Cooke Foundation donation provides iPads and Laptops

It is good to learn some basic computer skills, but altogether different if the technology gives you the power to tell someone how you feel or where you hurt when you had no words for it before. “Good” doesn’t even begin to describe the outcomes made possible by a recent contribution by the Madalyn Cooke Foundation to allow New Danville to purchase laptops and iPads.

iPad being used by New Danville client with app for adults with disabilities

Laptops used by adults with disabilities to learn keyboarding, art and more.

Last year, the foundation awarded a grant to New Danville for the purchase of a few laptops. The success of keyboarding and basic computer skills classes sparked ideas for expansion, and, thanks to the recent contribution that enabled the purchase of four laptops and seven iPads, the original building on the New Danville campus now includes a computer lab. The classroom for the Wrangler IIs is home for the iPads.

A variety of specialized apps are getting “test drives” on the iPads before the team settles on the best combination to meet the needs of the Wrangler IIs, but on a recent visit by Walter Cooke (former board member who set up the Madalyn Cooke Foundation in honor of his late wife) a few examples of their potential were on full display. Apps provide users with spoken words to communicate messages created by the user choosing icons and images. Another app allows a user to use images moved onto a body to indicate their moods (smiling, angry or sad face, for example) where they hurt, and more. Still, others allow for coloring pictures or putting together puzzles. All apps include positive reinforcements like bubbles, stars, or other graphical celebrations for successfully accomplishing the apps’ purposes.

The Social Club is back in business

It’s baaaaaccccck…and no one could be happier than the Wranglers. The Social Club is back in business, taking two social excursions per month so Wranglers can take in pizza, movies, mall trips or dining out. But, the Club is not just about having fun, enjoying each other’s company, eating yummy food, laughing, and all that good stuff. “The Wranglers get to showcase their independence as individuals,” said Jennifer Mauboules, who now runs the program.

2020 threw a wrench in the works of the Social Club’s plans, but the long-standing tradition has been re-engaged under new leadership after the retirement of Sherry Franklin who ran the program for years. Jennifer put a notice on the lunchroom wall at noon and by close of business the same day, all the seats for the upcoming trip were filled, she said. Of course, if a Wrangler cannot get a seat on New Danville transportation, they can have their parent/guardian provide transportation to and from the meeting place.

The group meets twice a month. As with everything at New Danville, the empowerment of the Wranglers is paramount. “They get to apply everything they’ve learned in day habilitation programs, under the guidance of staff. It helps us see other areas that we can help them learn and develop.”

Wranglers don’t attend all the activities, thus a range of offerings. Many will find the trips they like and learn how to save money for the excursion. “They learn how to save and budget, how to pay for their purchases, how to tip and so much more,” Jennifer added.

If you would like more information about the Social Club, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Mauboules@NewDanville.org.

In the News – July 2021

News from local media and external sources, please follow the links to read the entire articles:

“Play a Round for the Wranglers” Golf Event Scores an Ace: New Danville’s first annual golf tournament was a resounding success and a good time was had by all.

Madalyn Cooke Legacy in Education Continues: Walter Cooke visited New Danville to see the benefits of the technology purchased with a gift from the Madalyn Cooke Foundation.

“The Pallet Lady” Retires from New Danville: After 14 years of service, Sherry Franklin has retired.

Sherry Franklin with the Charbonneau Family

Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

“Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better.” Proverbs 15:30

Dear Friends, Families, and Supporters:

As I was searching for an appropriate quote to introduce my message of “good news,” I came upon the above from Proverbs as the perfect introduction.

New Danville is full of smiling faces. The daily joy, laughter, and raucous energy is intoxicating and uplifting. It is truly joyous to see more and more of our Wranglers returning to the program, as well as several new faces that have come on board.

And now for the good news: With the worst of COVID in the rearview mirror, life at New Danville is returning to normal. Gone are the days of extreme social distancing and canceled community outings. Not to say that we have thrown caution to the wind, we continue to implement smart safety and personal hygiene practices, but at least we have begun to introduce more community-based activities and events. One exciting new activity during the month of June and July is the introduction of our weekly fishing class. Thanks to a new relationship with Ranger Oilfield Products, which is located about a mile away, we are able to enjoy their beautiful, fully stocked fish pond for a day of fun. We are so appreciative of their generosity and support of our Wranglers and our program. Likewise, we will soon be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new building donated by Charbonneau Industries. The building will be our new pallet production center. Thanks to this partnership with Charbonneau Industries, we have been able to employ six of our clients for almost two years. The value of work can never be underestimated and our new partners are making a world of difference for our agency and our pallet workers. We’d love to see you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new production center. (The event announcement is in the “Upcoming Events” section of this newsletter.)

On other program news, the large brown cabin has been turned into a computer lab! Thanks to the generosity of the Madalyn Cooke Foundation we were able to purchase the needed laptops and tablets to kick off this expanded program. Likewise, the pantry in the cabin that supports our residents has been expanded with more variety, thanks to a new partnership with the Willis TLC Food Pantry. Our residents in need not only have access to hygiene and cleaning products, but we have been able to add non-perishable foods to help them stretch their food budget.

Lastly, our first-ever golf tournament, Play a Round for the Wranglers, was a huge success. We are so thankful for all of the hard work of the event committee, and the support of the sponsors, participants, and volunteers. They truly hit a hole-in-one, netting about $115,000!

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for more smiling faces and good news.

How did a birdhouse become a bowling ball?

How did a birdhouse become a bowling ball? The answer is in this Wrangler’s Tale.

Eric has been a resident at Meadowbrook, the residential part of New Danville, for many years. He’s quite busy, watching over the chickens and goats, assembling pallets, working in the woodshop, and participating in outings, like bowling. And that is how a birdhouse becomes a bowling ball.

In the woodshop, Eric created a birdhouse that he entered into the art and craft competition at the Montgomery County Rodeo and Fair. He won an award for his entry, and with the award came a cash prize. On one of the regular bowling excursions that our Wranglers participate in, he set his eye on a new bowling ball. He proudly proclaims, “The award money is how I bought the ball.”
As he continues to get accustomed to his new, flashy bowling ball, his scores are creeping higher and higher, which he enjoys sharing the latest of in between his many chores and activities.

Pallets, Pallets, Pallets!

Charbonneau Industries approached New Danville in 2019 with an idea: hire Wranglers to assemble pallets for them. The company needs pallets for the shipping of its products in the oil and gas industry. More than 4,500 pallets later, the program has been so successful that we are looking at other opportunities to do the same. Thank you, Charbonneau Industries!

Luke Charbonneau said, “The US Oil & Gas Industry is very generous and innovative. At Ci, we found an innovative way to spread generosity and give back to our community. We designed pallet patterns and a work plan for the New Danville team that complemented their fabulously unique capabilities. The New Danville team is part of our supply chain for those pallets. It is our responsibility to find ways to reach out and be supportive and create mutually beneficial partnerships in our communities.”

Sherry Franklin, the Direct Support Professional who oversees the pallet-making project, uses the word “exciting” many times when describing what she has seen develop since the inception of the program. The Wranglers were excited, and remain so, about being able to produce something that generates wages for them and revenue for New Danville; they are excited when a new team member is added to be trained on the processes of producing pallets – there are seven members on the crew now; and, they are excited about moving into the new building that Charbonneau Industries built on-site to increase our project capacity.

“One of the greatest things is to see the Wranglers’ feelings of independence and the confidence they gain by being part of something like this,” Franklin said.

Upcoming Events – June 2021

JUNE 01
A new semester began on June 1st, offering a wide range of classes to choose from, including some new ones: aquaponics, Who Done It?, Let’s Craft, Catch and Release, Mall Walking, Life Hacks, and Small Animal Care.

JUNE 21 & JUNE 22
Family meetings will re-start in June! June 21 and 22. Watch your inbox for details on how to register. We look forward to getting together again, share news and listen to what you have on your mind.

Reminder: Our Holiday Schedule can be found here: newdanville.org/holidays

I got married twice. On the same day.

Nicole Martinez, Program Coordinator
I got married twice. On the same day. I did it because I wanted all my friends to be part of my special day, and my friends are the Wranglers of New Danville. My then-fiancé suggested we have two weddings because he could tell something about our wedding plans that was bothering me. Who would have thought that a receptionist job in a field that I had never been in before would affect me so? Not me, that’s for sure. But, it has.

Because of a forced career change, I sought the help of a temp agency to find a job. I received a call after my interview with the agency rep; she called me while I was still in the parking lot after the interview. She said that she felt I should check out a receptionist position at New Danville. “Look them up before you go,” she said. I did. I saw a photo of Seth, one of the Wranglers, and I was moved. I had never heard of New Danville and when I arrived for my interview, I thought “Is that a barn?” The environment here is wonderful.
I was turned down for the job, actually. The then-CEO thought the job would not challenge me enough. But before I made it back to my car…I decided. I returned and told her that I wanted the job and that I would do the best I could. My heart told me I wanted this job, and one of the pleasures of the job is having a team of people who have that heart, too. Together we provide a safe place where the Wranglers can be themselves.

I don’t just enjoy my work. I am “in joy” working here. It seems like everyone is. And that is why I had two weddings.
My friends, the Wranglers, knew about my wedding. They asked for invitations. I couldn’t not invite them, but the regular wedding would not provide them the specialness that they give me all the time. So, with my fiancé’s support, we held a wedding at New Danville. My makeup stylist agreed to do the bridesmaid’s makeup, everyone got invitations and learned how to RSVP, they got dressed up for the day, one Wrangler gave me away, Wranglers served as ushers and groomsmen and maids of honor…we even had our own version of “Say Yes to the Dress” when I took some of the girls with me to pick out the dress. I had so much support from vendors and services. My friends here do so much for me every day that I had to do something special for, and with them.
My wedding is a love story unlike most. Not only the love story of my husband and me, but also the love story of me and my New Danville friends.

Nicole Martinez joined New Danville in October 2016. She quickly gained new responsibilities and now leads our day programs, known as day habilitation.

Kristen’s spirit

Her favorite miniature horse at New Danville is named Perfection. The name closely matches Kristen’s spirit. A resident at Meadowbrook since its opening in 2010, she first became familiar with our little community in Willis when she began attending the day programs in 2009. A few minutes with Kristen, her toy horse Brownie, and her mom Connie shed light on life in Meadowbrook.

Kristen learned about horseback riding thanks to some of the people her dad knew early in his career. Her love of horses was just one of the attractions for her to New Danville. “As soon as I saw Perfection, I felt connected to him. And him to me, too,” she added with a smile. She and another New Danville resident ride horses at a stable in Magnolia once a week.

While holding her toy horse, Brownie, Kristen said the top reasons she likes living here are the ability to walk to the day programs and the ability to see Perfection whenever she wants. Connie added, “I believe what she is getting at is that living here gives her a sense of independence while feeling safe, secure, and happy.”

Kristen laughs by adding, “A swimming pool would be a nice addition, too.”

Connie, who volunteers with Legally Authorized Representative Alliance (LARA), a group of people who support New Danville and the Wranglers, smiled her affirmation. “I’m glad that the plans including adding more for the Wranglers to do on evenings and weekends. That will be nice.”

Hopefully, Kristen will have some new neighbors in the not-too-distant future.

New Danville’s leadership has undertaken a three-year capital initiative that will bring new residences, a recreational facility, assisted living options, and a variety of other enhancements to the campus and for the programs. For more information on how to support the Wranglers, contact Dion McInnis, Development Director at either Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org or 936-253-5757 x 1008.