During the pandemic, our staff have worked some from home to minimize exposure. As I’m sure many of you can relate, it’s been an adjustment!
But one thing I’ve appreciated during this is the ability to focus time and energy on my first raised garden. When I was younger I watched my grandpa tend to several large gardens in his backyard. I wish I inherited his green thumb, but I didn’t; which is why I am frequently on the phone asking my dad for advice. He even came over recently and broke up the soil around the plants. I have a lot to learn!
I’m grateful for my parent’s investment in me, from helping me learn to tend to my garden or sew a button to more consequential lessons such as proper respect of others and lending a helping hand when needed. I see these lessons as important as ever now in the midst of such difficult, divisive, yet hope-filled days.
Of course, parents have always been their children’s most influential “teachers.” They are their first and nearest examples of how to behave.
As The Center for Parenting Education says: “What you do and how you behave as an adult tends to be the biggest influence on how your children act. They are watching and learning from you every day. You can use this fact to help instruct your children. … Your children learn best how to do things by watching what you do.”
My pastor puts it a little more simply: “We learn more from what is caught rather than what is taught.”
This why our life skills classes and programming are so important. They help adults develop the tools needed to live self-sufficiently. Our case managers work alongside residents to create and maintain a budget. We help with resume building and have volunteers who teach meal prep and gardening (don’t worry, I leave the garden up to our skilled volunteers). Our advocates work hand-in-hand with parents to build the skills they need to raise their children to be emotionally healthy, resilient and secure. We also utilize the 40 Developmental Assets framework developed by the Search Institute to build the supports and strengths children need in their lives to succeed. While teaching and modeling life skills demands a lot of hard work, intentionality and sacrifice, our residents and their kids are worth it!
This is how the support you give to Sheltering Wings translates into thriving children and adults. Thank you!
Now I’m off to sing to my plants; I hear that helps them grow. (Please send real advice … I’m clearly desperate!)
With gratitude,
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
PS – Christmas in July is one month away. This event provides a vital mid-year boost, It sustains the life skills programming that directly benefits the women, men and children who reside at Sheltering Wings. Learn more about how you, your family, your church or your business can participate.
Help us make the Summer merry and bright for our residents and their children. Thanks to our generous sponsors, including presenting sponsor Hendricks Regional Health, you’ll can double your donation through matching-gifts. We’re also planning a fun – and competitive – wish list drive. Learn more about Christmas In July and about sponsorship opportunities.
We have canceled the Fairway To Haven Golf Outing. But, thanks to our friends at West Chase Golf Club, you can still enjoy a round and support the women, men and children at Sheltering Wings. Register to golf by June 25.
We want to partner with parents to help kids grow up with the supports and strengths they need to succeed. In the coming weeks, we’re presenting a series of ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your summer. Check it out!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Help us raise awareness at the Men IN Action Breakfast, the National Night Out Against Crime, Dine Out Against Domestic Violence and more. Learn more and mark your calendars.
