Sweet Smiles for Valentine’s
Holidays can be a difficult time for foster youth, many youths come to us having never celebrated a holiday, birthday, or special occasion. Volunteers can make a big impact in helping to celebrate and help youth feel cared for, valued, and seen.
Peggy Fleming, Barbara Ingraham, Valarie Pagnini, and members of the Alamo Women’s Club spent the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day baking treats, gathering candy, and collecting gift cards. The club also partnered with Volunteer Coordinator Danielle John and daughter, Milly, to provide Valentine's themed ceramic art project, and the ladies at Rossmoor Quilting Club stitched the most beautiful, handmade quilts, (83 altogether over the past 4 years!) as ongoing gifts to the youth. Everyone involved finds that helping these very deserving youth is both fun and fulfilling.
Youth at Anderson House woke up to a sweet surprise on Valentine's Day Morning, thanks to the Alamo Women's Club.
The candy, ceramics, and treats, were lovingly wrapped, and fabric bags and hand-sewn pillowcases were given to complement the quilts. Far from just donations, the resulting items had the hallmark of specially made, heartfelt gifts. But it didn’t end there; once the items were delivered to the Short-Term Residential Therapeutic homes (STRTP), Youth Homes residential counselors got to work, decorating their houses, and preparing for the morning’s sweet surprise. Christal Black, Youth Homes STRTP Residential Supervisor, particularly loves to decorate Pryor House for all her clients.
“For myself and staff, the goal is always to make the client or the staff feel the most special. Oftentimes, our kids come to us never having a birthday. Can you imagine being a teenager who has never been celebrated? So many youth come to us from previous placements who haven’t celebrated them or maybe only minimally. So, going big has been our thing!” Christal said.
Cherry Lane, ceramics courtesy of Danielle and Milly John, and sweet treats to enjoy!
Yet, in the midst of parties and holiday celebrations like Valentine’s Day, it is not uncommon for clients to feel overwhelmed. For youth who have experienced trauma, feelings about holidays can be complex and emotionally draining. Christal understands that youth have a lot to process, and respect for mental health is vital. “Sometimes the clients feel really overwhelmed, so we take our time throughout the weeks leading up to it to prepare them and feel out the situation. Our kids generally laugh; that giddy and excited kind of laugh. Sometimes they cry, and sometimes they ask to sit in their rooms and wait to open gifts when no one is around. We let them process it, it’s their day.” Christal added.
We are thankful for the enormous hearts Of Community Members…
…like The Alamo Women’s Club, and grateful for the deep commitment of staff like Christal Black, who work relentlessly to ensure that Youth Homes is a place where young people can heal, recognize their innate strengths, and find a path to healthy adulthood.
Would you like to learn more about supporting our young people with volunteer power? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Danielle John volunteers@youthhomes.org for information,
