5 Things I am Most Proud of at HopeTree

1. Graduation.
   
   The vast majority of students that come to HopeTree Academy are at least a year behind their peers when they arrive. Through the small class sizes, personalized education plans, and year-round classes, students can catch up on their work and be exposed to a variety of opportunities through job placement, vocational training, and secondary education. At HopeTree Academy, these students, for the first time, have the opportunity to achieve.

2.  Baptism.

Most, if not all, of the residents in Residential Care come to us without any time at all spent in a church. Our Christian Education Director works hard to provide sermons and activities that present the Word of God to them in a way that is both accessible and invigorating. That is why, when a resident decides to make a profession of faith, it is quite an endearing experience. Despite their difficult background, they have grown comfortable in their environs at HopeTree and open to the Christian values we try to instill in them.

3. Work.

From the hands-on training in the vocational classes, to the required chores around the cottages, to the job placements in the community, HopeTree teaches students the value of work. Seeing a student who has trouble focusing in the classroom suddenly delight in sanding down and staining a bed frame with such enthusiasm lets me know that he has found his niche in the vocational classroom. Not every student will go to college and some won’t make it through high school, but it makes me proud to know that they have every opportunity to find their passion and guide it towards a career aided by the helpful staff at HopeTree Academy.

4. Community

Despite all the struggles with acclimating to a new home, the residents at HopeTree always seem to pull through when we need their help. The youth are always willing to volunteer for our Walk-A-Thon, alumni reunion, and other special events when we need them. They also become enamored with on-campus community challenges like decorating the cottages for Christmas or building our Salem Christmas Parade float.

I also am proud of the community outreach seen in our Developmental Disabilities Ministry. Whether it’s volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House or serving as the chaplain at the local Civitan, our DDM residents are committed to service.

5. Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . at HopeTree! (I’ll give you a minute to get the song out of your head.) Christmas truly is a great time to be working at HopeTree. Each resident fills out a wish list and the community, even in these tough economic times, always pulls through and ensures that each youth will have a pile of presents come Christmas morning. For many residents, this will be the most plentiful Christmas they’ve had.

Grouped together by area, our DDM homes put on several Christmas lunches throughout the month. Adorned with Santa hats and filled with the holiday spirit our DDM residents enjoy delicious finger food, Christmas music, and fellowship.

HopeTree in the Salem Christmas Parade

"This has been the longest ongoing project I have ever done, and the interest level has never dropped," stated an enthusiastic Wayne Perkins, Vocational Teacher at HopeTree Academy.

The project began two summers ago when students built a small rectangular deck. It ends when an Appalachian-themed cabin sits on top of that deck as it travels along in the Salem Christmas parade on December 3rd, 2010. 

 Perkins’ vocational class and Heather Leisch’s art class have kept students busy this semester putting together this intensive project. The reason it was so time consuming is that most of the work was done by hand: hammers, chisels, hand saws, and a draw knife. 

 "Appalachian Studies specifically has a lot to do with the summer program [at HopeTree Academy]. The history classes were about Appalachian Studies so the kids really got to learn about the region and the era." 

 "We did a lot of field trips to areas that were rich in Appalachian culture and the way things were back then. And we just thought it would be really neat if the kids were creating the same style of furniture to carry that [theme] on to the float," stated Behavioral Support Specialist Dawn Alfonso. 

 After the deck was built students began cutting the logs, stacking them to dry in the hot summer sun, skinning the bark off with the draw saw, cutting them to length and chiseling notches to fit one another; all tools and techniques used by our forefathers. 

 Recently students have been using power tools to get the project ready on time. Students are still building a roof and installing window panes as the final touches. 

 Perkins collaborated with Leisch’s art class on the project that had the students make decorations for the cabin. The art students drew Christmas trees, stars, and snowflakes to be cut out on drill saws by the vocational students. 

 This is the first so many students at HopeTree Academy have been involved in the same project.

"I think all of the students are really excited about working together on something really big. And I know that the students who have worked on the cabin are excited about finishing it and having it have a purpose, using it for something," stated Leisch. 

 "They can see something that they have created and see what they can do with their creativity and their artistry and see something that they’ve put themselves into come to a final product," Alfonso claimed.

Keeping Score

Bill Jones has probably run the floor of the HopeTree gym more than many of the residents who have lived here over the years. Jones referees recreational league basketball games in the gym during the winter, maintaining a relationship with HopeTree that began when he was 15 years old and discovered that two of his closest friends lived here.

"I was just amazed at the opportunities here for people who didn’t have parents," said Jones.

Recently, the gym’s original scoreboard, which had ticked off the seconds and tallied up points and fouls for 45 years ticked its last tock. Despite a diligent search, replacement parts simply were not to be found. Rather than see HopeTree incur the expense of a new scoreboard, Jones, who owns and operates a Fast Signs franchise in Salem, consulted his contacts in the sign industry and was able to locate a supplier who offered a discount on a new scoreboard. Jones covered the remaining cost out of his own pocket.

"I was lucky and had two parents who raised me. People up here sometimes don’t have that opportunity for one reason or another. I think anytime the community can help these kids get set in life, we need to help. The fortunate people need to help the unfortunate people. It’s a privilege to be able to donate something back."

Green and Burgandy Hearts All Across Virginia

  One of our most valuable constituents do not receive enough attention for the hard work they do on behalf of HopeTree. They coordinate Walks, generate mailing addresses, recruit and train volunteers, speak on our behalf, and disseminate HopeTree publications to their congregation. These volunteers are passionate, active, and inspiring. They are our Church Representative Network.

  The HopeTree Development staff work very hard to spread the good news of the wonderful ministries at HopeTree. However, with so many Baptist Churches on our mailing list we do not know if our message is reaching everyone. Thus, the CRN was created to act as a liaison between HopeTree and the Baptist community.

  While our CRN volunteers are active and enthusiastic, there simply aren't enough of them to effectively spread HopeTree's message across the great state of Virginia. Volunteering as a CRN is an incredibly emotionally satisfying experience. It makes you an active participator in enhancing the lives of the at-risk youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in our care. Rather than being a passive observer, why not indulge yourself in HopeTree's great ministries and see for yourself the difference you can make in the lives of others?

  So to all of our CRN volunteers: thank you. You truly effect the lives of the residents at HopeTree in a tremendous way. To everyone else—active supporters, passive readers, or people just learning about HopeTree—consider joining the CRN. It won't cost you any money or extensive travel. It isn't very time consuming either. All it takes is a big heart.


If you are interested and live in the western half of the state, contact:
David Wilson
(540) 389-2112
davidw@hopetreefs.org


or in the eastern half of the state:


Donna Lohr Wilbourne
(804) 545-1202
donnaw@hopetreefs.org

We Hope She's Always Here

Patti works carefully, cheerfully. Her brilliant smile and her bubbling laughter leave their unmistakable traces along her designated aisles of the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Patti has volunteered here for over a decade. In those years she has made an impression on everyone around her. Truly, everyone.

"Patti will brighten [the clients’] day with the comments she makes and the conversations she will start with them. The other volunteers look for her on a regular basis and she brings them little gifts. She brings joy to all of our hearts. She really inspires the other volunteers and the employees with all the things she can do and how hard she works," said Food Bank Volunteer Coordinator Julie Kishpaugh.

Each month, the Food Bank provides food to roughly 300 people and agencies from five surrounding counties: King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline, and Fredericksburg. Patti, a resident of the Kelly Home for adults with intellectual disabilities in Fredericksburg, spends one day a week stocking shelves at the food bank with dry goods, cereal, and other non-perishables. While some may consider the task tedious, Patti believes its important. Furthermore, Kishpaugh and the other Food Bank staff members know the task is important.

"Organization of the shelves is very important. The people who come in here are intimidated enough. The nicer and straighter and the better quality of food we keep on the shelves, the better they’re going to feel about their visit here. Patti makes sure everything on the shelves is neat and clean. Most of the products’ use dates are checked, but if she sees something she’s not sure about, she’ll let us know," explained Kishpaugh.

Patty began her time at the Food Bank when she once worked at a local fast food restaurant and had some extra time on her hands. Staff took her by the Food Bank to see if she might have an opportunity to volunteer or even work there. Soon after, Patti found a job that required more of her time, but she did not want to surrender her time at the Food Bank.

"She really enjoys helping others, so this is great for her. It has to do with Patty’s compassion for others. Even at home, she is always wanting to help," explained DDM Area Coordinator Gail Hylton. 

A true ‘go-getter’, Patti also holds a part-time job elsewhere in the area where she works three days a week. She is also active in her church. Like many of HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry residents, Patti enjoys participating fully in the life she sees going on around her. The work she does at the food bank is just one of the ways she contributes to the overall quality of life in the Fredericksburg community. In doing so, Kishpaugh says, she becomes a shining example for others to follow.

 
"When you are giving yourself to volunteer, you do it whole-heartedly to your best ability and let people know that you are actually enjoying yourself. We’ve had younger kids come in here, either court-ordered or probated and they look at her and say ‘Wow, she comes here every week and she likes it and nobody makes her?’ Patti is the perfect example to hold up to the younger generations and say this is what it means to volunteer and help someone who truly needs it," said Kishpaugh.

A Special Class for Special Friends

Aww, he’s a handsome dude," Patty commented on the picture of a young man in military attire, standing in front of a fighter plane. 

The young man is the son-in-law of Fredericksburg Area Coordinator Gail Hylton and the subject of the Special Friends Sunday School Class topic on Psalm 91. For many years, verses from Psalm 91 have been sent to soldiers overseas, offering them protection and encouragement. 

The framed picture of the young pilot, Gabe, was passed around among each DDM resident. The picture is important for adults with intellectual disabilities, Gail notes, because the residents benefit from having physical objects in their hands. 

"We do a lot of object lessons. We do things that are visual for them," Gail said of the DDM residents. "We do role playing. We’ve done the manger scene and Joseph and his coat of many colors." 

The DDM residents at HopeTree represent a wide spectrum of functioning, making it difficult to teach a class that will reach everyone. That’s why Gail’s picture of her son-in-law works as a visual learning tool for most residents’ cognitive abilities but also addresses the needs of a blind resident like Mark. 

"Mark is very attentive to everything he hears, and he’ll ask you something if he doesn’t quite get it," Gail noted.

Having something to hold is a normal part of Mark’s learning process and it makes him feel like he’s a part of the group. 

The residents’ interest, spirit, and understanding came as a bit of a surprise to Gail when she started the Special Friends Class in 1979. Fresh out of college with a degree in Special Education, Gail was the only person at Fredericksburg Baptist Church with any experience working with disabled individuals. The mother of a future DDM resident needed a place for her daughter while she attended Sunday school class and the Sunday School Director thought Gail would be the perfect person to start up the program. 

"At first, we thought it would be like a babysitting service," Gail stated. "Our goal changed very quickly. We found out they have a wonderful spiritual life. They taught us a lot about simple things. All those things we take for granted, or forget about as adults, they remember those things." 

The residents became very involved in the class and the numbers began to grow. Through the strong spiritual foundation of the class, several residents were baptized. 

"I’ve been in the baptismal pool with one lady. I’ll never forget, she was clapping her hands the whole time saying ‘Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me,’" Gail remembered with a smile. "Well, you can’t get anymore profound than that." 

That energy is just as strong in the residents today—where a class can field up to 35 total people—as it was 31 years ago. The residents enjoy starting the morning off with several songs led by a volunteer duo that play piano and sing. 

What’s remarkable is not just each resident’s familiarity with every word of every song, but the fact that they all know the signs for each word as well. This way, the several residents that have audio and visual impairments do not feel left out and are often the most enthusiastic of the group. 

To reflect the day’s message of supporting our troops overseas, the songs shift to patriotic themes. After the last verse of "My Country ‘tis of Thee", Gail asks for prayer requests. DDM resident Barbara is the first to respond with a request for our troops. Her appeal is not solely topical. She makes the request every week. At home in the Kelly Home, Barbara frequently watches the news and will often bring questions to Gail about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"She’s very well-aware and she’s very spiritual," Gail said of Barbara. "Their spirituality is so awesome because they have compassion for so many people." 

Barbara was a member of Fredericksburg Baptist Church for many years and, in many ways, was the catalyst behind the foundation of the Kelly and Cates Homes. Her parents began to wonder who would care for her after they had passed. Because the Special Friends were so embraced and supported by the church, its members set out to find them a home. Soon after, a local community member donated the homes and church members donated their time and resources to fixing it up. 

"The church owns the property and takes care of the maintenance, while HopeTree runs the program," Gail stated. "It’s really a wonderful relationship." 

Now the class consists of nearly all of the Kelly and Cates Home residents as well as other members of the community with intellectual disabilities. It has turned into a program that fosters community, fellowship, and the Word of God.

Motorvation

  Four years ago, WOODS Vocational Teacher Richard Dudding had an idea. Why not introduce his students to a lifetime hobby of his that he had enjoyed since he was even younger than they were? Finding no reason not to, Dudding initiated his students into the world of Demolition Derby.

  Perhaps not the most attractive or alluring of all the variations of motor racing in the world, but Demolition Derby racing gave Dudding the perfect opportunity to meld three important concepts into a single cohesive activity: teaching auto mechanics, recycling, and fun.

  Certainly, the auto mechanics teaching component would easily fit into the world of demolition derbies. But what about recycling?

  Dudding and his students build their race cars from donated automobiles that their former owners are ready to park on the junk heap. Essentially, having them demolished is almost an improvement for some of these ‘junkers’. Once an old clunker is dragged or pushed into Dudding’s shop, the first stage of recycling is over and the mechanics instruction kicks into high gear.

  "We bring in an old car and totally dismantle it. The only thing left inside is the steering wheel, the shifter, the brake and accelerator pedals. Then we install a safety cage which protects the driver," explained Dudding.

The body comes completely off the car and then the frame is inspected for rust damage and structural weakness. Designed weak spots, called crush points, are reworked to take away their flexibility and give the vehicle frame more strength and additional protection for the driver.

  Then work begins on the engines.

  "We completely tear down the engines and transmissions and make sure all the components are good. If not, we put in new rings, bearings, timing components, and rebuild carburetors. Transmissions get new clutches and new differentials; plus the gear ratio has to be changed," said Dudding.

  While Dudding could, and has, taught all these same skills in a more traditional vocational manner, he finds that since the students are working toward the definite goal watching their work driving around the race ring, not only does their motivation increase, so does their satisfaction in completing their work.

  "The main thing I try to stress to the kids is just have fun. Actually, they get a lot of hands on learning that they wouldn’t get anywhere else. When they tear a car down they get a complete knowledge of the internal components of a vehicle. Most people can’t even change the oil."

  Dudding’s students learn enough about automobiles and how they function to perform all the basic maintenance on their own vehicles someday. Furthermore, some students learn they have a great affinity for this type of work and plan to pursue auto mechanics as a career. At that point, they will need to enroll in a program with greater resources than WOODS offers. Vehicles today have many advanced computerized systems that WOODS is not equipped to teach. However, the basic overview Dudding provides does give his students a good head start.

  Students frequently recycle their attitudes during the course of the class. Many of the WOODS residents have anger management issues to contend with. Dudding has found that wrestling rusty fenders off old cars and freeing up frozen nuts and bolts provide healthy outlets for pent up anger and aggression.

 

  "After the car is finished and it accomplishes something, the kids feel better about themselves. They have the great experience of starting something and finishing it. This gives them a sense of pride. Some of our kids come in angry at the world. They’ve never done anything besides sit behind the remote on a television or a video game. Once they get into this program, some really shine. Some will go on to trade schools," said Dudding.

  Once the cars have been rebuilt, it’s time to race. Dudding, who has driven in demolition derbies for years, climbs behind the wheel while his students cheer from the sidelines. The class has built four cars in four years and each car has reached the finals multiple times over the course of their ‘season’.

  With trophies, photos, and memories to show for their time and effort, not to mention a far more detailed understanding of how an automobile functions, Dudding’s students are then ready for the next round of recycling. When the season is over and the car is finished, the students take out their tools once more and completely dismantle the vehicle and sell it for scrap. Any parts that are still in good enough condition to re-use go on a shelf to await new life in the next car. Everything else gets sold. Proceeds from each car help pay for any parts needed for the next vehicle the class revives for demolition. Students learn and practice new skills, vehicles destined for the junk heap are utilized far beyond what their previous owners would have imagined, an already respectable program gains a new way of improving the skills it teaches participants. Certainly, a combination worthy of a checkered flag.

Higher Education

  A great many of our residents come to us a grade or two behind their peers in the classroom. Some struggle with truancy issues while others simply have not been given the necessary attention that is often absent in too many overcrowded schools nowadays. It is a struggle for the teachers at HopeTree Academy to keep the students focused on their work load while getting them to believe in themselves. However, with patience and diligence the teachers do see success. Within a year, most students are caught up with their school work and will either return home or continue their education at HopeTree.

  What is more impressive, is the growing number of graduates from HopeTree Academy continuing their education when they leave. The encouragement and networking efforts from the staff foster the interests and confidence in students to take the next step once they receive their diplomas.

  Recent graduates Kaylah and Scottie already have their career paths lined up, having enrolled for classes at Virginia Western Community College already. With the upcoming Personal Development class (Caring Times, August 2010) I think we will be seeing more students discovering their talents and interests and finding ways to pursue them as careers.

  The staff at HopeTree Academy, as well as the cottage counselors and social workers, and very good at getting the residents to believe in themselves. Once the residents have taken that step, the sky is the limit.

Appreciating Vacation for What it Really is

  My annual summer vacation is approaching ever-so-slowly and soon I will only be thinking about three things: the beach, sleeping in, and . . . well . . . the beach. Okay, so maybe it's only two things but that's only because the beach means so many things to me. It means relaxation, reading a good book, and most importantly, time with my family. The latter I cannot stress the importance of enough.

  Sometimes I take it for granted how lucky I am to have such a great family. I often think of our residents and their family lives and how they probably don't view vacation in the same light that I do. That is, if they've even had the opportunity to go on vacation at all. HopeTree is fortunate enough to have an active and enthusiastic Activities Coordinator that provides plenty of fun experiences for our residents.

  I just recently read an email about an upcoming trip to King's Dominion for our residents, just one of several trips this summer. It warms my heart to know that they will be able to have their fun in the sun, but at the same time, I think about what means the most to me. It is important to us for cultivate the idea of family here at HopeTree; in the cottages and in the classrooms. We provide that element that was absent in many of our residents' lives and, when possible, mend those relationships at home.

The First Chapter of HopeTree Academy Comes to an End

  On a warm, sunny, Friday afternoon the campus Chapel was filled with students, staff, and faculty to celebrate all the hard work the students and teachers of HopeTree Academy had put in throughout the past ten months. The ceremony serves as a consummation of the school year before the students move on to summer jobs, summer vacations, or summer school.
 
  One at a time, each teacher presents several awards to various students based on criteria such as highest grades, best behavior, and most improvement. This is one of my favorite parts of the school year because it reveals a moment of transparent candor among the students. Even the most resistant and apathetic student shows a noticeable appreciation when they are recognized for an award.
 
  A lot of our students also deal with issues of self confidence. The wide scope of awards given allows for students who might not have the best grades to realize that they do possess value. There is a quality about them that others can see and appreciate.

  Too often in life, we do not stop to appreciate these qualities in the people in our lives. Whether it's the person in the office who always has the coffee pot freshly brewed (thanks David!) or a coworker giving you a ride to pick up your car at lunch, a simple "thank you" always goes a long way.

  To this year's graduates, I wish you the best of luck. Keep in touch.

An Eventful Weekend

  In the last five days I've seen puppies, hot dogs, story tellers, karate kicks, and Frank Beamer. I don't think too many people can make that claim. The Hot Diggity Dog & Tall Tales Festival on Saturday was a fun, albeit windy, day. People enjoyed being able to bring their dogs to the HopeTree campus and participate in the Cutest Dog Competition (sadly, my dog did not win). There were plenty of hot dogs for everyone and the Homestead Creamery's ice cream was fantastic.

  The Tall Tales Competition was incredibly entertaining and something I look forward to even more next year. This year's winner's story about training a fish to be his out-of-water pet had me in stitches. The entire event exceeded all of my expectations.

  More recently, I had the opportunity to hear Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer speak at our Hopes & Dreams Gala last night at The Hotel Roanoke. As he spun story after story about how just one specific event -- good or bad -- can be all a person is remembered for, I thought of our at-risk youth at HopeTree. What will they be remembered for? What will their legacy be? Our dedicated chaplain, teachers, social workers and cottage staff work each day to make HopeTree a positive experience for our residents. Maybe one resident will be remembered at HopeTree as the person who excelled in Vocational class and learned a new trade, or earned top grades, or gave their life over to Christ and became a positive role model to others.

  Whether we are in high school, college, a new job, or even a festival, life moves pretty fast. Before we know it, it will be over and we will be on to the next phase of life. So while we are here, what do we want to be remembered for?

  This current school semester has been a little different for me. First of all, I'm referring to a time period as a "school semester", something usually reserved for students and teachers and not someone who works in Development & Communications. This semester, however, I have been teaching a Digital Journalism class to one of the students at HopeTree Academy.

  It has been quite an experience for me and I've loved every minute of it. I have been blessed with a student who is well behaved and eager to learn. I have learned patience when explaining how a complicated program works to someone with little prior knowledge of it. I have been humbled by being asked questions I don't know the answer to, only to find out the answer and learn something new myself.

  We color corrected old pictures with a horrible yellow background. We enhanced photos to make them more eye catching. We practiced photography, journalism, and design layout. We shared laughs, traded stories, and became frustrated when a program wouldn't do what we wanted it to do.

  Sure, the class takes time out of my day and I have to plan the rest of my work around it. I also have to prepare material for each class and follow a rough course outline. But it is so important to me to know that a student at HopeTree Academy has an option like this and can develop their interests. Certainly other schools have similar courses that teach similar skills, but nowhere else will a students be able to build a one-on-one relationship with a teacher and have hands-on experience that will take them to the next level.

  Today I had the blessing of attending and giving the invocation for the dedication of the Bledsoe Home, our newest DDM home on our Salem Campus.  While looking around the room, the world "hospitality" came to mind.  The home is warm and inviting, and impeccably decorated.  Yet even more welcoming were the people it contained, from the excited residents with their proud families, to the dedicated staff, our administrative staff who have worked so hard to pull it all together, and sponsors including our board, architect, and friends.  While our gifts are all different, it took all of them working together to make this dream a reality.  From the person who made the punch, to those who cleaned and readied the house, to those who see to all the day-to-day details, all were working from a sense of hospitality.  We get this passion from God, who in his grace is so welcoming to us and gives freely of his many gifts.  When we have received God's love, we can't help but share it with others, extending God's hospitality.  And through it all, God's love is revealed to the world.

  In 1 Corinthians 3:6, the apostle Paul says, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow."

  In your work this week, think about what kind of seeds you are planting and who will continue the work, but above all, trust in God who makes it grow.

Rev. Jenny Frazier Call, M.Div.  
Director of Christian Education 
HopeTree Family Services

The Many Ministries of HopeTree

  I really enjoyed reading this Wall Street Journal piece about the benefits of orphanages. In a first-hand account, the author cites the advantages of orphanages and other group homes over foster care and includes some pretty impressive figures comparing orphans to the rest of the population. The author didn't swing too far in the other direction and call for the elimination of foster care either. In fact, I stand with him in agreement on his central thesis: children need options.

  There has been a shift within our state government to move more at-risk youth into foster care. I am certainly not against foster care as it is one of the many wonderful ministries at HopeTree. I also know that Residential Care is not the best option for all kids. What I would like to see, is the people making these decisions being the ones that know the kids the best. The social workers, Residential Care directors, and others who work with at-risk youth each and every day and are most equipped to determine the best environment for them.

  Some youth need the group home setting of our HopeTree campus. Some youth need a more restrictive environment like our Camp on Craig WOODS program. Some are almost ready to enter the adult world and need the life skills classes found in Independent Living. Whatever the case may be, HopeTree is in a position to determine what is best for the youth placed in our care and I hope to see that continue.

A Story For All Ages

  I am very excited about HopeTree's Tall Tales competition at our Hot Diggity Dog and Tall Tales Festival in May. Story telling is an art as old as mankind. It is a common thread that all cultures around the world use to pass on their traditions. Its delivery has changed with the advances in technology, but its message is almost always the same.
 
  When I think of great story telling, I always think of Jesus Christ and the parables he told to the apostles. He was smart enough to know that simply answering difficult questions about life can often be confusing. By using parables, he gave the apostles context and perspective to the meaning of truth. These parables have lasted for 2,000 years and still bring comfort and insight to millions of people across the globe. What an impact!

  Television seems to have replaced most of the story telling in our world today. Sure, it still is a form of story telling, but there is such a disconnect between the viewer whoever is writing the script. There is nothing like sitting in front of a compelling story teller and getting lost in the moment. So if you miss that old fashioned story telling or you are a story teller, please come to our Tall Tales Contest on May 8. Contact David Wilson at (540) 389-2112 for more information.

  My thin black dress socks don't do much to prevent the cold. Normally, this isn't much of a problem as I am only traveling outside from my house to my car, and my car to my office. Yesterday, however, was not a normal work day. Yesterday, I was standing on  top of a mountain at Wintergreen Resort for the Virginia Special Olympics in the cold, cold weather.
  Do I resent being there on that chilly morning as the snow seeped in through my dress shoes and soaked my socks? Not one bit. First of all, the feeling has returned to my feet. Second, I was there to support two of our DDM residents, Mark and Peter.
  I always enjoy the time I spend with HopeTree's DDM residents because I am reminded of what amazing people they are. Most residents, or any persons with intellectual disabilities, are some of the most happy, thoughtful, and selfless individuals whom I have ever met. When I saw Mark at the finish line after one of his runs, he looked at me and met me with his arms wide open for a big hug. (His mom later told me that he's so friendly with strangers that she has to keep a watchful eye on him at all times.)
  The radiant smiles from our DDM residents are enough to make me forget all my troubles. When Peter was presented with one of his several gold medals he looked as if he had just won the lottery.
  It's little moments like these that remind me just how special these people are. I am so fortunate that there is an organization like HopeTree that can provide the nurturing care that persons with intellectual disabilities need.
  So yes, it was cold. And yes, it was my fault for not dressing properly. But once again, I found that whenever I spend time with our DDM residents it is always an enriching and rewarding experience.

Happy New Year

  Happy New Year!  How are your resolutions going so far?  If you haven't made any yet (or the ones you have made have already been broken), let me share some inspiration I just found in a great book I'm reading called An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor.  Brown, a minister, left the church to become a professor.  In leaving behind the sacraments of the church that she dearly loved, she struggled to find new symbols of faith in her "ordinary" life.  Thus, this book is made up of the spiritual practices of daily life (i.e. The practices of waking up to God, paying attention, wearing skin, walking on the Earth, getting lost, encountering others, living with purpose, saying no, carrying water, feeling pain, being present to God, and pronouncing blessings).  

 

  I was moved by a particular practice in chapter two, which focused on developing an attitude of reverence.  Reverence is the awe of understanding that there is something greater than ourselves.  While it can be found in many places, Brown comments on how often we lack it in our lives due to our busy pursuits that seem to state that we are of the utmost importance.  She suggests instead taking moments out of our day to pay attention to others.  

 

  Instead of being annoyed or angered when others cut us off in traffic or disturb our peace with loud cell phone conversations, we could take a moment to pay attention to these other individuals, realizing they have their own lives, issues, and struggles.  We may see them as being on the periphery of our important lives, but they likely view us the same way.  When we take a moment to value their humanity, we accept our own as well. We may then recognize them as a neighbor, whom we are to love as we love ourselves. 

 

  And wouldn't this, this second greatest commandment, make a great resolution for 2010?

 

  May God grant us eyes to see, hearts to feel, and hands and feet to serve and share God's love in this new year.

Rev. Jenny Frazier Call, M.Div.
Director of Christian Education
HopeTree Family Services

P.O. Box 849