Photos from the first annual donor appreciation event, in thanks for contributions made in 2021.
Fundraising Factoid Field trips are some of the favorite activities for Wranglers. They go out in the community, visit cool venues and have new experiences. Trips to places like NASA, exhibitions, Lone Star Flight Museum, Moody Gardens, sailing and more become highlights of their year. These trips are only possible because of contributions from organizations or individuals. Please consider sponsoring a field trip for $1,500 or make a contribution of any amount toward field trip expenses. Simply note “field trips” with your online gift at https://newdanville.networkforgood.com/or in your cover letter if submitting a check.
We are pleased to announce the completion of our first-ever annual report. It provides an overview of New Danville’s busy 2021 and a glimpse into what is on the horizon. We are proud of the great work of all the Wranglers and residents, the staff and volunteers, and our board to make the year as successful as it was.
“I had the same answer to everyone who asked me. Teachers in high school and college would ask me about my plans for the future. Sometimes they asked for essays. I always had the same answer. I had it in my desire to live here (New Danville). ‘I want to live at New Danville.’ That was always my answer.”
Mariann has lived in Meadowbrook, New Danville’s residential community, for several years. She had been on the Meadowbrook waiting list for a long time. She clearly believes it was worth the wait.
Prior to moving to New Danville, Mariann lived with her parents. With her eye on being a resident in Meadowbrook, “It felt like forever to get here,” she said with a broad smile.
Having friends and neighbors, and the chance to socialize as well as have private time, make for a great environment to live in for Mariann. She is involved in the day program, too, and has several things she enjoys doing when she gets home after a busy day in classes and activities. “I like walking around outdoors, relaxing and cooking. I used to cook at home with my mother and now I cook in my own home.”
She learned how to deal with bullies in high school and college, “But we don’t have that here.” When asked how she would describe Meadowbrook in her own words, she replied, “In my words: nice, peaceful, the sounds of fun.” She said she sometimes enjoys listening to her neighbors and friends having fun with get-togethers. “I like the sounds of my neighbors having fun.”
Rosie Aguirre is a recent addition to the New Danville team of Direct Support Professionals, but she is making friends fast. Apparently, the way to anyone’s heart is through their tummy, and taste buds. Rosie leads the return of the Culinary class to the list of day program options.
“We’ve made traditional breakfasts, as well as a lot of other things like cheese enchiladas, chicken enchiladas and….,” she tried to explain before several Wranglers happily chimed in with some of their favorite dishes they learned to cook in class.
Wranglers and Wrangler 2s (those who need more attention and assistance) enjoy the class, helping in ways they are able to. Everyone gets to do what they can, and together they create great meals while having fun. Whether it is measuring ingredients, stirring a flavored drink, putting trays in the oven or watching a pot on the stove, there is plenty to do so no one is bored during class.
What the Wranglers learn doesn’t stop at the classroom kitchen door. Many like to cook at home, whether they live independently at New Danville or at home with parents or care providers. “My favorite thing to make at home is shepherd pie,” one Wrangler said.
Everyone likes their food to their own taste, but on one topic the entire class had the same answer to a question. “What’s your favorite part of class?” “Eating the food!”
From Pallets to Pizza “Because there are bills to pay.”
About a month ago, Becky changed jobs from being a member of the pallet crew (see the article hereabout the Pallets to Partners program with Charbonneau Industries). Though she loved being part of the crew, the hours were inconsistent, as with many manufacturing-type jobs. “I had bills to pay,” she said with a smile, “so I asked my parents if I could find a job in the community. My first job ever was in the community and they said to go ahead and try to find one. I started at Incredible Pizza (in Conroe) and love it.”
“I applied to work where the games are played but they asked if I was interested in working in the kitchen. I told them that I didn’t have experience there, but they said they were sure I could learn. They hired me on the spot! I think it was because I was happy and smiling. Maybe they liked my dimples,” she said with her ever-present smile.
She was reminded about how important being a good team member is. “They don’t want anyone who is a gossiper or folks who talk about others.”
Her parents suggested she get the opinions of others who know the restaurant or who worked there so she could learn about the company, just as they would learn about her in the interview. A current Wrangler and resident, Justin, worked there in the past and had great things to say about working there, Becky said. With that information, she pursued an interview. Right after she was hired, Spring Break hit and the restaurant was very busy. Normally there are three to five tubs of dough to roll and weigh, but during Spring Break they had nine. “But I was able to keep up!” she said.
It was easy to get to work when she was on the pallet crew since the Charbonneau Family Building where the pallets are made is only a couple of hundred yards from her home on the New Danville campus. She has transportation worked out for her new job with New Danville and her special guy, Blake. Commuting provides opportunity. “I like to work in the community because I can run errands and shop on the way home, too,” she said.
“Then, out of nowhere, he began to sing to the music. He is usually just quiet in class, but he came out of a shell and sang. He did it on the bus, too,” Debbie Rigsby, Direct Support Professional (DSP), said. Debbie works with New Danville’s Wrangler 2s who need a bit more attention and assistance than the day program Wranglers. “Patrick and Sebastian both found singing.”
Randy McCaffety, also a DSP who recently began working with the Wrangler 2s, agreed. “It is not every time, but fairly often when we play some rockin’ songs during class, they will dance and sing. This is new for them.”
Finding new forms of expression and joy is a sign of growth.
“We look at all growth steps, large or small, as something to celebrate. Progress can be inconsistent, but progress is progress, and singing for someone who usually doesn’t communicate much verbally is a big deal. Everyone in the class celebrated the new singing voices,” Debbie said.
Randy concurred. “Sometimes you just have to catch it on a good day. That’s okay. Every positive step is to be applauded. Everyone in class applauds for those who sing, dance and show they are happy. Mutual support is everywhere.”
Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville, said, “Early in my career, a speaker at a conference said something I will never forget when it comes to the population we serve. He said, ‘All joy is equal.’ That is what I get out of growth like that of Patrick and Sebastian…joy. The joy they feel for that accomplishment is like the joy others may have for landing a big contract, catching a big fish or finishing a marathon. All joy is equal, and all of us share in the joy of Wrangler accomplishments.”
A Decade in, James Has a Big Vision for New Danville
James has been a New Danville Wrangler for about a decade. It has been a very busy ten years for him onsite and away. He has a lot of interests and friends, both heavily influenced by attendance in the day program.
He states he is excited about learning, which explains his myriad of interests and sense of joy. This life of joy is a Wrangler’s tale.
“I don’t remember my first day exactly,” James said, “but I know it was a good one.” For all the things that he described as enjoying to do, the years must be a blur. He enjoys swimming – “I enjoy it; it can be fun.” He enjoys diving off the low board, too. He also likes collecting comic books – “They are all my favorites,” he said with a smile. James can be found playing basketball, though he says, “I’m not a good shot all the time, but most of the time.” He has a good time in the recently returned culinary class – “My favorite is chicken sandwiches.” James also enjoys art class that includes all types of art, such as ceramics, painting and many other projects. “Sometimes we need help,” he says, “but it is fun learning.” Learning and fun are central to James’ outlook on just about everything.
Perhaps the most important thing to James is the friends he has. He said he enjoys all the activities at New Danville, but mostly, “I have a lot of friends here.”
He is certainly impressed with what he has experienced at New Danville. He shared that he and Nicole Martinez (Program Coordinator) have a “dream to start making international global New Danville, in every nation, continent and country because it would be awesome. Then make New Danville commercials.” (The leadership team at New Danville believes he will be pleased to hear about the dream it will soon be making public.)
Joe Cutillo: CEO of Sterling Construction on Volunteerism
Volunteer Appreciation Week is in April 17-23. New Danville benefits from its dedicated volunteers, as all nonprofits do. Whether the volunteer serves regularly at Jazzy Junque(our upscale home décor resale store), occasionally at a special event or as a program/class assistant, or as part of corporate-related team that takes on significant on-site projects, we appreciate all that they do to make us successful. In the past year, the corporate team of Sterling Construction has visited New Danville to tackle day-long projects three times. Joe Cutillo, CEO of the company, shares his perspectives on volunteerism in this month’s “Guest Voices.”
I can’t help but look at volunteerism from various perspectives: as a leader of a major company, as an individual who is part of the human race, and as a member of the community. Those views fit into all my ideas about volunteerism, but for our involvement with New Danville, I also look at our team’s efforts as a father.
I believe that all people are giving and want to help others who are in need. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things that we can do with our time. It has been said by many that the volunteer always gets more from the experience than the people who benefit from the volunteers’ efforts; I believe that to be true. I’ve seen it with every project that we undertake.
Our corporate team began volunteering as a team once per quarter. I was not sure how dedicating a day of service would be received by the team. I could not be more pleased or proud of the team for how quickly they adopted the notion of a day of service. Now they ask “Where are we going next quarter? What do we get to do this time?” in anticipation of our next effort. I hope, and believe it to be true, that their experiences encourage them to adopt the notion of service on a personal level and begin to involve their family and friends with volunteer opportunities in the community.
Volunteering provides the opportunity to learn, too. Many of my team members learned a lot about the challenges of special needs adults by working on site. I think the average person does not realize the realities of life for a special needs person. I was one of those average people until my wife and I learned that our son was on the autism spectrum. We had a lot to learn. I believe my team has learned a lot by coming to New Danville. Any time you serve a population with different challenges than your own, you learn something important. Since we began helping at New Danville, several people have shared that they have friends, relatives or family members with special needs. They want to talk about it; that is a good thing.
As a company leader, I am always looking for ways to develop a sense of camaraderie and team. Volunteering does that. It provides a day of focus and we can see the results of our efforts on the same day. In the busyness of projects, travel, meetings and the million things that go on in people’s personal lives, it is helpful to separate from the rush and focus on service. Not only does it help develop a team mentality, but it provides fun stories that become part of the company culture, like the story of the two guys who painted themselves into the center of the bridge at New Danville. We still laugh about that.
Whether as an individual, a group or as a company, we are all called to help others. We are part of the community, as individuals and as a company. Sterling Construction has 3,500 employees across several states. The day of service concept has worked so well for the corporate team that we are now encouraging it throughout the company by using internal and social media to promote the idea and the benefits that come from it. You just have to get started and let the ripple effect happen.
Everyone has causes that are important to them. I’ve learned it is more important to take action and get started with volunteering than to worry about picking the perfect organization to get started with.
We love trees…use them to honor those you love… and reflections on a year
To plant trees is to give body and life to one’s dreams of a better world. – Russell Page
Last month marked my one-year anniversary at New Danville. The cliché states, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” This past year has gone by at warp speed. I’m proud of the things that I’ve been able to contribute to New Danville; I am blessed to be part of the team and of the family of Wranglers and clients that New Danville is composed of.
From April 2014 to March 2021 was weird for me and my career, but that is what it took to get me here. Divine intervention on a career path rarely results in a straight line. As I look out my office window to the beautiful environment, I ponder, “Was I planted or am I planting?” Yes. I was brought here to grow, and to grow things (plans, programs, funding, visibility, etc.) It is exciting to be part of shaping New Danville’s future of service to adults with special needs. Great things are coming…keep watching/reading for updates!
Speaking of planting for the future…
April 29 is Arbor Day this year, a recognition that celebrates trees. It has been a national cause since the late 1800s. Every day at New Danville feels like Arbor Day thanks to the beautiful environment here. Our vision includes additional beautification of our campus with a park and main road lined by live oaks. This effort is part of a much more expansive plan for campus additions and renovations that you will be hearing more about soon.
Russell Page’s quote conveys our mission at New Danville…create a better world, one corner at a time, for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will be planting young live oaks in 2022, each of which will be available for sponsorship. Donors will be able to honor a legacy at their tree with a recognition plate that will be on a stand by the tree. Along with the name, donors will be able to add about 50 words of text. The trees, that can live to be centuries old, will stand as reminders of the dreams of many for a better world for special needs people.
Though we are not yet ready to roll out the formal order form, we are now taking non-binding reservations for trees. There will be a limited number – probably 40-50 – that are available. We project the cost for each will be about $1,500. We will contact the names on the “call me” list as soon as we have the prices and details ironed out. Though it is early in the process, the month of Arbor Day seemed like the perfect time to share this with our friends and donors.
To be added to the advance list, please email me at Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org; being added to the list is not a commitment, but simply a desire to be notified ahead of mass marketing of the opportunity when the details are finalized. Feel free to call if you have any questions or if you simply want to hear a cool New Danville story. I can be reached at 936-253-5757.
We are pleased to introduce Live, Learn, Work and Grow: Wisdom from Under the Windmill, an inspiring, motivational, immediately usable presentation by Dion McInnis, development director. Bring this to your organization, association, business or group; everyone’s life can be better with the 15 nuggets of wisdom for living discovered at New Danville. Contact Dion at Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org to book the presentation for your event.
New Danville is a 501( c ) 3 nonprofit rural community in Willis, TX for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. New Danville provides our clients an opportunity to live enriched and purposeful lives; we proudly call them Wranglers.
“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be”
Author Unknown
The month of March reminds us that change is coming and that spring is just around the corner. We notice new buds on the tips of trees, and maybe even new patches of bluebonnets. It is a magical time filled with longer days, trees and flowers blooming, and the return of green lawns.
Here at New Danville, every day is a magical time. We hear laughter and joy. We experience first-hand our adults learning new things. We get to hear stories of what happened over the weekend and who broke up with whom. Our Wranglers help us to appreciate what is truly important in life: friendship, love, and the appreciation for the smallest of things in our lives. As you read this edition of our Wrangler Gazette, you too will see what a magical place we have here at New Danville. A community filled with caring staff and with inspiring stories in the lives of our Wranglers.
The month of March also brings to mind all things celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. One of those things is the four-leaf clover. A rarity of nature, it symbolizes Faith, Love, Hope, and Good Fortune. We are fortunate in that what has been created at New Danville is reminiscent of the four-leaf clover. We are filled with a sense of faith that no matter the hurdles before us, a higher power is guiding us forward. We have love for those we serve and a genuine love for what we do. We are full of hope for a bigger and brighter future, and we know that with a little luck, our good fortune will see our vision for the future become a reality.
All of us here extend our deep gratitude to all of our volunteers, donors, families and community partners in helping us continue to provide a place for personal growth and joy, where our Wranglers can live, learn, work and grow.
Spring Thing, April 22, 2022 To hat or not to hat, that is the question. Mark your calendars! The Spring Thing (formerly known as Tea on the Lawn) is back! Troy Ball will be our speaker. Originally scheduled for the events that were canceled, Troy will share her story of life and resilience while raising two children with special needs, and also starting a distillery in North Carolina. She has attracted audiences around the country and her story is detailed in her book Pure Heart: A Spirited Tale of Grace, Grit and Whiskey.
We are pleased to announce the completion of our first-ever annual report. It provides an overview of New Danville’s busy 2021 and a glimpse into what is on the horizon. We are proud of the great work of all the Wranglers and residents, the staff and volunteers, and our board to make the year as successful as it was.
Wranglers line up to fill their water bottles at the new water-and-ice machine located in the Classroom Building. A new water station has been placed in the ETC Building, too, for the Wrangler IIs. The purchase of both machines was made possible by a grant from Montgomery County Community Foundation. Thank you, Montgomery County Community Foundation.
As a man who loved Boy Scouts and camping as a kid, Brad believes New Danville’s Meadowbrook community is a great place to live. Having lived in a variety of places over the years, being “in the country,” which is a first for him, suits him fine. Leaving the temperatures of Illinois behind, his solution for the heat of Texas is simple: “Don’t go out.”
Brad likes being able to take walks and enjoy nature. “It is healthy. It is good for you,” he said about his jaunts. He has always enjoyed walking, recalling his walks to school and church when he was younger. Walking is not his only way of getting around.
“I drive,” he said. “I go to the grocery store, my mom’s and the library. I don’t go on the highway though. That would be dangerous.”
Brad remembers first learning about New Danville when there was little development on the campus. He didn’t move here until years later. “I have seen a lot of changes. There is a lot here now,” he said.
Brad enjoys cooking a lot and is happy to share with others his menu of the day or day before. When asked whether he took the culinary class at New Danville, he shook his head. “No, I have been cooking a long time. I enjoy it.”
Does New Danville’s environment inspire him to try camping again? “I like camping. Tent camping, like in Scouts. Not big trailer camping. I don’t think I could camp outside like I used to. It is too cold.” Part of life is leaving behind some activities and learning new ones, which Brad embraces fully at New Danville.
