Living in a shelter doesn’t mean missing out on summer fun! We reunite resident kids with alumni kids & community kids for a 6th unforgettable summer.
Thanks to our volunteers, donors, & sponsors.
Morgan Stanley brings a carnival to opening day.
Erin gives our kids a relaxing break every week.
302 E Roosevelt Rd; Little Rock, AR
www.ourhouseshelter.org
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Meet the people who volunteered to spend their summer serving as a VISTA or intern at Our House.
Meet two of our 64 team members in each issue.
Find out how your bird drawing can help homeless kids.
Look here for one-click access to every issue of our newsletter.
newsletter design & all photos by Amanda Woods, an Our House VISTA © Amanda Woods or Our House 2012
by Katy Grennier, Youth Programs Coordinator The 2012 My Picture Perfect Summer is officially over, and what a great summer we had! This year, like every year, was full of smiles and adventures. Our VISTAs were dedicated members of the program. They poured their hearts out to the kids every day, stayed late, played basketball in 100째 weather, and sat with kids as long as they needed them when they were feeling sad. Our programming expanded this year, and our classes got even better. We celebrated Spanish holidays while learning Spanish. We learned about science in all kinds of ways, from how to make pop bottles explode to why our bodies get dehydrated and what we can do to avoid it, even if we are little. We worked with the Junior Achievement Organization to build our own towns and continued on page 6
Photo: The kids learn new things every day at My Picture Perfect Summer. At Dunbar Garden, Jayden gets to hold a real live chicken! Drawings throughout this article were drawn by the kids of My Picture Perfect Summer to show their favorite memories of this summer.
elect city boards, and we learned to budget our money when we are in college or working one day. We took yoga classes with Ms. Erin to calm our bodies in the middle of the day. We made slip-and-slide art with paint. We cooked, and we partnered with Dunbar Garden to make our garden the best it has ever been. We went on field trips all over the city. We went to First Tee to learn golf. We got to go to the Clinton Presidential Center and eat at Forty-Two. We saw some movies. The teen group even got to go to Memphis, which they say was the best trip because they learned about the Civil Rights Movement and got to see another state. Some of the teens had never left Little Rock! Most importantly, we got to be together again for another summer. With mostly familiar faces in the program it was nice to continue to
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Photo: Robert shows off his papier-mâché-covered hands in art class.
build those relationships we began in previous summers, that shape who we are and teach us how to be better friends, club members, and staff. Graduation day was a sad day for many, knowing that we will not see each other until next summer. We can’t wait. For many of us, this summer, without this program, would have meant spending time inside all day watching television or playing alone outside. Instead it was a summer of learning, love, and lessons, but most of all another place we call home. We are all looking forward to the new Children’s Center where we can finally have our own space, and maybe all of us can be here all year! continued on page 8
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Photo: In one of the most fun art classes of the summer, Zadie slips & slides through yellow & blue paint (the kind that washes out, of course) to make green paint.
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Laura Downing Amy Griffin Amber Hood Erica Parish Janet Pauletter Kyle Sanders (& friends) Erin Simpson MaryAnne Stansbury Katie Strickland Dunbar Garden
Matt Gray Jay Hedges Ethan Johnson Phoebe Porter Jacob Prather
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Randell Eller, Illusionist Matt Johnson, Reporter Peter Miller, Attorney Laura Robinson, Police Officer
Cabot Public Schools Builders Club Ted Dickey & Friends Stacy & Scott Harter Keller Williams Realty Kevin Robinson Jan & Albert Taylor Regina Taylor & the Girl Scouts Woodlands Edge Women’s Group
St. James Pioneer Class Angel & Drew Weber
Heidi Niswander & Friends
Southwest Airlines
Lena Cheatham eStem Public Charter Schools Carla & David Greenway Shana Ricks Womenade
Dana donated our Wild River Country field trip.
The group planned, donated, & led the Summer Kick-Off party.
Ben E. Keith donated drinks & desserts for graduation.
U.S. Pizza Co. donated dinner for our graduation & over $5,000 in backpacks & school supplies.
First Tee donated golf lessons for all of our kids.
Connie donated our trip to the Clinton Museum & lunch for our whole group.
Thanks to all of the kind community members who answered the call for donations to help with field trips during our final weeks of My Picture Perfect Summer 2012! (Donors will be listed in our September issue.)
by Katy Grennier, Youth Programs Coordinator Morgan Stanley Smith Barney put together the best summer kick-off party yet. About two months before My Picture Perfect Summer began, financial advisors Summer and Karen asked what we would like the summer kick-off to look like. They took our few suggestions and ran. The circusthemed invitations set the tone for how much effort went into the party. They were shaped like a circus tents with a pop-up. The exclusive invitations made our kids feel one-of-akind. The kids in the after-school program were talking about who had already gotten one and who was still waiting. When the big day arrived we could not have asked for a better team of volunteers, and they planned for continued on page 20
Photo: JaQuay, Willie, Malik, & Jasayas race across the yard.
Above: After winning 10 stickers in the games, 6-year-old TaNiasha turns in her game card & chooses a prize. Right: Summer VISTA Jazzy Jackson plays with 8-year-old Mrs. at the party’s popular dress-up station.
everything under the sun, or under the circus tent. We had bouncy castles of all kinds, all-you-can-eat carnival food, ice cream, and games galore. Each kid had to play ten games to win a prize. The coolest part, according to the kids, was the obstacle course. Since the kick-off is about meeting their summer team leaders and teammates, the obstacle course was a fun way to show the kids how much fun they will have while enforcing teamwork. The team with the fastest time won lots of hugs and praise from Ms. Katy. Smiles and hard work from the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney crew made the best kick-off in the six years we have had the summer youth program. The kids felt important on that day, and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney set the tone for a wonderful fun-filled summer.
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by Megan Corbett, Youth Programs AmeriCorps CIA Member Serenity and peacefulness in the midst of bustle and noise is what Erin Simpson provides the youth in our summer program every day. Erin works fulltime at Heifer International and is a full-time mom and wife, but she still has made time this summer for our kids. The soft music plays, the lights are off, the mats are down, and the mood is set for a solid 30 minutes of yoga. The youth love the chance to take time to breathe and relax in the middle of a packed day of high-energy programming. Erin teaches them ways to calm down quickly as well as the importance of stretching their bodies to keep them healthy. Erin is a positive and necessary contribution to our summer team. The kids come away from yoga class excited that they could look like a tree or a warrior and love acting like happy babies.
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On the first day of the summer, the kids asked, “are we doing yoga again this summer?” Thanks to Erin, the answer was YES!
Photo: The youngest My Picture Perfect Summer kids, the 6- to 8-year-olds, may not always copy Erin’s movements exactly right, but they are always eager to try.
This year, Our House had 18 Summer AmeriCorps VISTA members and 5 summer interns serving in almost all of Our House’s programs. Meet them as they share their favorite memories of their summer of service.
Education: Senior, Political Science & Biology Major, St. Louis University Education Goal: Law School or Masters in Public Health
4th summer at Our House Education: Nursing Major at Henderson State University Career Goal: Nurse Practitioner My favorite memory from this summer is when we went on a field trip to Wild River Country. It was great to see everyone having a great time & not complaining. All of my kids (ages 6 to 8) were so brave they all got on big rides & scared me!
During a dry ice experiment in a science class with my younger students, one excited student said, “I wish you would teach at Dunbar Elementary!” In that one quote, I realized how much the work I was doing really meant to the kids & how I was able to have an impact on the kids just like they did for me.
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continued on page 26
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” Photo: Dominic & Jasmine stand strong with the Green Team!
Education Goal: Nutrition BA Career Goal: Registered Dietician My most memorable moment was when I was serving lunch in Little Learners & my grandson said, “Thank you Ms. Grandma!” Then all of the kids said, “Thank you Ms. Grandma!” That was so touching I said, “ok, I’m everyone’s Grandma!”
Education: Second Language Acquisition & Pedagogy MA, UALR Career Goal: ESL teacher My favorite memories will be all the hugging & when one boy in the youngest age group fell asleep with his arm around me during nap time. It amazes me how affectionate all of the kids are. I’ve never felt so loved.
Education: Musical Theatre/ Creative Therapy Major, University of Alabama Career Goal: Creative Therapist My favorite memory of the summer was walking around during our tie-dye day & seeing how much fun the kids were having & how creative they are. They constantly amazed me with their ideas & expression, & art really gave me an outlet to connect with them.
Education: Social Work BS, UT-Martin; MSW student, UALR Career Goal: political advocate for marginalized populations My favorite memory is getting to know the beautiful people who make Our House such a wonderful place! continued on page 28
“ ” Photo: VISTA Hannah meets Christian, a new Orange Team member, on the first day of My Picture Perfect Summer.
3rd summer at Our House Education: Sophomore, UALR Fayetteville Career Goal: to be a member of a non-profit that specifically works with the homeless Some of my most prized memories come from the unique lessons I learn from one-on-one time with the kids. It’s very humbling to interact with children who appreciate the small things that life has to offer.
Education: Anthropology, Florida State University Education Goal: to earn MSW My favorite memories center around the kids discovering what they themselves can grow in a limited space. Many kids came here without understanding how root vegetables grow & how some can be sweet-tasting & used for juicing. I saw them become aware of the different types of vegetables & their multiple uses.
Education: Professional & Technical Writing MA student, UALR Career Goal: poetry teacher
Education: International Business, UALR Career Goal: World Traveler/ Business Woman The memories that stick out in my mind the most are all of the hugs that I received every day from all of the kids.
Watching residents rehearse for a play was a magical experience. They had begun to memorize some of their lines, & they were demonstrating how hard they had worked to learn their lines & come up with movements & actions on their own.
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“ ” Photo: VISTA Jorge & the Blue Team make pizza with fresh vegetables.
“ � Photo: Jacob helps an Tyra with her first time ice skating.
Education: Business Management Career Goal: to own a business
Education: MSW student, UALR Career Goal: to be a therapist & mentor for at-risk inner-city youth
My favorite memory is getting the chance for learning experiences. I learned that it takes patience & a good heart. I also learned to listen & how to be a shoulder to cry on. This has been the best summer ever & a learning experience that will last a lifetime.
My favorite memory is getting to know all the youth & being able to share my own personal youth experiences with them. We were able to relate to one another, understanding that any obstacle is never too great to overcome. Understanding this concept makes life different.
Education: Psychology major Career Goal: Psychologist My favorite memory has to be the day I got to ride along with the kids to the water park. It was so much fun to hang out with them I couldn't believe I was working!
Education: Senior, Anthropology major, Non-Profit Leadership Studies & Writing minor UALR Education Goal: Anthropology PhD Career Goal: work at a nonprofit, teach at UALR The fashion show in Our Club was amazing. I will never forget the little boy who came out doing back flips! It was great to see the kids having a great time & encouraging one another. continued on page 32
3rd summer at Our House Education: UAMS College of Public Health Career Goal: to open a wellness center for underserved populations My favorite memory was learning about the different components of health, particularly social & mental health. Many of the students had a strong understanding about health & their environment. During a lesson on diet & nutrition, one student challenged his team to give up an unhealthy food for a week.
I have learned so much from the children that I have on occasion forgotten that I was here to teach them. The best moment was when I saw the results of my kids learning healthy habits they will take with them forever.
Education: Sociology BA, Hendrix College Career Goal: to continue working in an environment that motivates me I have really enjoyed getting to know all the staff members, AmeriCorps VISTAs, and clients here at Our House! It is a real gift to be around such an amazingly diverse group of people—never a dull moment!
Education: Psychology BA, Philander Smith College Education Goal: School Psychology MA My favorite memory will be a kid who I didn’t see eye-to-eye with telling me he is glad I didn’t give up on him.
Our House’s kids love their summer staff as much as the staff loves them. For his Favorite Summer Memory project, 8-year-old Jacovee draws his friends, the Summer Youth VISTAs, interns, volunteers, & even the photographer with her camera.
hometown Milwaukee, Wisconsin education Social Work BA, University of Wisconsin previous job 8 years working with inner-city youth community involvement member of Northeast Earth Institute, which finds greener ways of living Our House staff since September 15, 2010
I manage the after-school & summer programs. I look after all of our little guys & work with 13 hard-working VISTAs.
Seeing some families not succeed right at this moment. It breaks my heart. But the kids are strong, & they will succeed.
The kids provide me with as much strength & support as we try to give them. Every day there are scribbled love notes & pictures waiting for me. I get to watch the kids grow & have fun with them. If you come to visit, you will hear lots of laughter coming from the Our Club rooms.
It reminds me of the beauty that can come from the world, from families, & from youth, if you connect with people who may not be just like you. It reminds me that none of our experiences are even close to the same, & that is the coolest thing we’ve got going for us.
My goal is to continue doing work I want to wake up for in the morning. That’s it. The truthfulness that seems to pour out of the kids’ mouths always makes me laugh.
Compassion.
education Social Work BA, Arkansas State University Our House staff since October 3, 2011
I am responsible for providing enriching activities for those in the programs. I reach out to members of the community who are willing to give their time, talents, & resources to our youth. I also build relationships with the youth & their families.
I wish everyone knew & could experience the greatness of this job. With this service comes great rewards. It is not all a cup of tea, but the perks outweigh the hardships. I wish everyone could get to know those who live in the Shelter as I & many of my coworkers get to know them. There is a sense of family that I adore & wish all could experience.
My role models have developed here at Our House. My supervisor Katy Grennier has been a source of strength & guidance. She knows about youth & what it means to build strong community. She is also hilarious & the most caring person I know. Another role model of mine at Our House is my AmeriCorps leader Sarah Ryder. She is a supportive & empathetic leader & a friend to those she leads. These women have rocked my world over the past year with their strength & love. When other people, especially kids, are happy & laughing.
To love people all the time.
My backyard. I always wanted to be outside.
Bank of America
Fellowship Bible Church
Volunteers from Bank of America spent a week in Little Learners.
The group, led by Ashley Briggs, helped with child care & hosted a family night.
Catholic Charities Catholic Charities did a service learning project.
First United Methodist Youth
Jason Domerese
The group helped build shelves for the tool shed & organize clothing donations in both dorms of the Shelter.
Jason donated an aquarium to Little Learners.
Left: One of Bank of America’s volunteers reads with the Little Learners. Right bottom: Andrea Lee & the Little Learners point out their favorite fishies in the aquarium donated by Jason Domerese.
Ian Park The local artist led an art project about favorite foods with the kids in Little Learners.
Mary Anne Radmacher The writer & motivational speaker led a writing project for the adults.
Right top: Sam, Our House’s own writing talent who we featured in our July issue, attends the writing project in led by Mary Anne Radmacher.
by Amber Hood, Volunteer Relations VISTA 13,978 children are homeless in Arkansas over the course of one year. They sleep on the streets, in abandoned buildings, and in cars. Since we don’t see them, they are easy to forget. To remember each homeless child as a real person and not just a statistic, Our House is collecting 13, 978 handmade birds to represent each child and his or her voice that often goes unheard. The birds can be drawn with crayons, sketched in pencil, crafted from scrapbook paper, or any other medium you choose. Each bird will be unique just as each child is unique. The only stipulations are that each bird must be twodimensional, no bigger than 8.5 x 11 inches, and cannot be made with glitter or perishable items. All birds can be hand-delivered to Our House’s volunteer coordinator or mailed to: Our House Attn: Volunteer Coordinator 302 E Roosevelt Rd Little Rock, AR 72206
Individuals Twylla & Drew Alexander Anonymous Donor Robin Burkett Ann Butler Linda & Rush Harding Julia & Lyle Heim Sarah & Theodore Hood Amanda Hughes Chase Keefover Janet Korenblat Barbara Lee Derick Malone Cathy & Michael Moran Patty Neumeier Nicole Nix Evelyn Rose John Tetens Bridget & Andrew Upchurch Angel & Drew Weber Jodi Woods
Congregations Cathedral of St. Andrew Christ the King Catholic Church Church of the Immaculate Conception Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church St. Anne Catholic Church St. James United Methodist St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Government AR Special Nutrition Program City of Little Rock: Summer Youth Program HUD: Supportive Housing HUD: Transitions Pulaski County Organizations 4ArtSake Corporations AR Electric Cooperative AT&T Gusano’s Pizzeria, Inc. Other Grants Sturgis Charitable & Educational Trust Heart of Arkansas United Way Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation
All of our issues are viewable on issuu.com or by clicking a cover on these two pages. An index of articles from our newsletter’s first year is in the May 2012 issue.
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