Bringing “April” to June and July

Kristi McClatchy during Neighborhood Centers field trip

I am the daughter of a preacher and a coach. It’s little wonder that my childhood summers were devoted to sports camps and vacation Bible school.  I recall one vacation Bible school I attended in Orlando, Florida when I was 9-years-old; it was the ultimate Bible school experience. The camp was located in a five star hotel with pool-side devotionals, catered meals, and a full day at Disney World. These were events that we believe children dream of having. Interestingly enough, I have almost no recollection of such “impressionable” events.  I have a vague memory of seeing Cinderella’s castle, but that’s about it. What I remember most about this Bible school was the time I spent with my counselor.  Her name was April, and she had three major interests: staring at the male chaperones, talking about how “dreamy” the male chaperones were and hanging out with me.

April made me feel like I was the coolest kid on the face of the planet. She had a genuine interest in who I was. I vividly remember her introducing herself to me the first day of camp. She shook my hand, looked me in the eye, and told me that she was so excited that I had decided to come to the camp. Throughout the week she took extra time to make sure I felt comfortable and included – I was incredibly shy. Looking back, I realize that she coached me through several social interactions with my peers. Without her help, I honestly doubt I would have made as many friends as I did.

Neighborhood Centers 2011 Summer Youth Enrichment Program

On the last day of Bible school, April gave me a letter telling me that I could do anything, that I was special, and that I was of great value. It is a letter I still have to this day. She was one of the first grownups in my life other than my parents or my teachers who took the time to get to know me.  She made an everlasting impression on the person I am today.

Now I am working at the Center for Children and Families, Inc.(CCFI) Neighborhood Centers’ program. As we begin our Summer Youth Enrichment Program this week, I find myself often thinking, “We have to take the children to the Natural History Museum because Sam loves dinosaurs,” or “I need to schedule a rock climbing trip because Trey asked to go again this Summer.” Sometimes I feel myself primarily focusing on providing the children I serve with the most fantastic field trips, the most delicious and nutritious food, and the most educational opportunities.

Indeed, most of the children I serve have had limited experiences such as these.  We all want nothing but the absolute best for the children in Neighborhood Centers. They are so precious.  They deserve to have the same wonderful opportunities I, and most others, had growing up. However, while I recognize these types of experiences are central to enriching the lives of children, I hope that I never lose sight of how significant building a positive relationship really is.

I only hope that I will be some child’s April during the course of our Summer Youth Enrichment Program.

- Kristi McClatchy, Neighborhood Centers AmeriCorps Member

What I've learned from volunteering

Mollie pictured on right

I began volunteering for the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) just a few short months ago, and oh has it been a ride! I came into the children’s play group on Tuesday night’s not having a clue what to expect. I was a little apprehensive, but felt immediately comfortable when I met the other volunteers. Everyone was so nice and seemed genuinely passionate about what they were doing. That is when I knew CCFI was special.

I quickly learned that CCFI is an organization that cares so fervently about making a real difference in the community. The entire staff and volunteers love what they do, and it reads so clearly in the manner with which they go about their work. Having the opportunity to contribute just a small portion of my time to the unique mission of CCFI has really humbled me.

I love watching how excited the kiddos are to see us every Tuesday night, and how equally excited we are to see them. These kids remember us and depend on us to be there, and that is why I keep coming back. I know that just the little amount of time I spend with them each week helps bring stability and consistency into their lives, which is something I can be proud of. I learn as much from these kids as I hope they learn from me, and I will continue to volunteer with CCFI for as long as I am able.

I am more than honored to be part of this special organization, and to help support their compassionate mission to improve the lives of children. I feel extremely blessed to have stumbled across CCFI because of the perspective it has brought to my life. 

I encourage every person to support the mission of CCFI in any way that they can. I have no doubt it will enrich and touch your life in the way that it has done so to mine.

Mollie Rischard 

CCFI Children's Group Volunteer

Family Wellness Month

It’s hard to believe that May is upon us, and with it of course comes spring weather. In Oklahoma, however,that actually means warm summer weather! Memorial Day marks the return of family get-togethers which means lots of good food, BBQ, fried chicken, potato salad, and yummy desserts. Which all coincides with something May is a little less well known for -- Family Wellness Month.

Never heard of it?  Well Family Wellness Month is a way to publicize healthy family lifestyles and habits. The healthier each individual family is, the healthier an entire community can be overall.  And then maybe Oklahoma could break our cycle of being one of the 10 UNHEALTHIEST states in the nation!  Yuck!

What is important to remember is that the choices, habits, and activities we make now continue for a long time.  Here are some healthy ideas of things you can do with your family to increase your family’s emotional, physical, and mental wellness this month that will hopefully transform into healthier habits that will last the rest of the year!

Take your children or grandchildren to a neighborhood park, swing on the swings or play on the teeter totter.  They do still have them, right?  Even better, if there is a playground close by, just walk to get a little extra exercise.  The key word is “move”.   Move off the couch and out into the yard, the park, walk at the mall, just move!

Change your eating habits.  Even making a few small changes can make a difference. Eating lean meats, more fruits and veggies results in fewer bulges around the tummy and more energy to do the things you enjoy!  It doesn’t mean that you can’t eat a piece of fried chicken or indulge in your favorite dessert…moderation and portions are the key.  Watch your portions!  Do not supersize your food, rather eat smaller portions which can equal getting into those favorite pair of shorts!

So this May get your family started on the choices that will last them and you a lifetime and embrace Family Wellness Month by making your family just a little healthier!  

-Karen Walker, LPC, LMFT, LADC, Director of Service Operations