We've got another compelling volunteer story for you, this time from Melody Nadeau, a fabulous supporter of our mission. Here's what she has to say:

Volunteering for the first time can be a little intimidating, just not knowing what to expect, but when you get there (Serenity Place) you really get that feeling of being a part of something bigger. Then before you know it, you get to see something pretty amazing. That’s progress. While playing on the playground it’s a four year old telling you proudly (after he shoots you with his Spider-Man web) that, “I’m not crying after my mommy today,” when just two months ago he wouldn’t leave his mothers side when “the babysitters” came. Or a 15 month old reaching for you while smiling and laughing, then later falling asleep in your arms in the rocker when, just two weeks prior, he and his mom first arrived he wouldn’t go to anyone willingly. And seeing a young mom do the robot dance to a Mickey Mouse cartoon on TV with her two young kids when months ago she may not have even had a presence in their lives because of her addiction.

One evening one of the moms asked me and another volunteer, “Why are you here? I mean do you have to be or is it because you want to?” She seemed so surprised that it was of our own free will that we were there. For many of these ladies consistency, reliability, and the simple act of caring are not something that they’ve experienced often in their lives. That is something I want them to get from my volunteering, my regular presence just because I want to.

When you care for others, you share the gift of hope. And progress combined with hope makes for a better tomorrow for everyone!

Guest Blogger: Steph Smith

At The Family Effect we love to hear great stories from great volunteers about the time they spend with us, and even more so, we love to share those stories with others! This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week and one of our volunteers, Steph Smith, was kind enough to send us some of her thoughts on her service with The Family Effect:

My name is Steph Smith, President of VOICES For All. I provide free, confidential support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Volunteering at Serenity Place is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. When women come to my group and confide in me, wanting to heal and understand, there is no better feeling than being able to talk with them and guide them through their trauma. They are so appreciative, trying so hard to change their lives and be better mothers to their children. They not only want to heal themselves but they want to know how to protect their children against the same pain they had to endure. On so many occasions they have cried, releasing some of the built up anger and suffering from their past. I could never explain the feeling of being able to listen to them, having the honor of simply being present for them. I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me. These are women who are asking for and reaching out for help. They are incredibly strong and sometimes do not realize it. They do not give up on hope. How many of us can say the same?

The staff at Serenity Place is absolutely wonderful, kind, and supportive in every way. If you are interested in volunteering at Serenity Place, please, don't hesitate any longer. The women are reaching out for help and the ripple effect you start will never end. You will literally be helping generations to heal and be happier.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with The Family Effect, check out our volunteer page.

The Fridge: Employee Spotlight

In conjunction with our new initiative to bring you the loveliest art work from our little ones at Serenity Place, The Fridge, we want to share the spotlight with some of our valuable employees who make it possible for our kids to make such masterpieces. This month we talked with Ms. Sally Duncan, the lead teacher in the Toddler room.

When Daniel* first arrived at Serenity Place he was withdrawn and shy. He wouldn’t talk. He kept his head down. This is typical behavior for a three year old with his background.

As soon as the music came on, though, Daniel smiled.

“The best part of my job is getting to see a child make that transformation,” explains Ms. Sally, the lead teacher in the Toddler room, and, not to mention Employee of the Quarter. Many of our children come from homes where addiction is present. As a result, these children are often neglected and don’t receive the proper attention necessary for healthy brain development. They don’t know what to do with a book or a box of crayons, and they certainly aren’t ready for mainstream classrooms.

Daniel blossomed when he heard music playing so she made sure to include music daily in the class room. “It really brought him out.” In addition to playing favorite children’s songs like “The Wheels on the Bus,” the teachers encourage the children to make their own music; spilling out buckets of instruments and even including pots and pans. They learn rhythm even through free play, Sally tells me.

Music is just way one to bring the children at Serenity Place out of their shells. It’s not the only way. That’s why it’s important, Sally says, to include activities daily that are geared towards each child’s preference.

During her time working at Serenity Place, Sally has worked in the infant room, the toddler room, and the preschool room. The toddler room is by far her favorite because every single thing is a learning experience. The children get the experience of finding out glue is sticky, that mixing colors creates a new one. “It’s not so much about the name of colors, but experiencing different materials,” she says. “They get to learn about different textures—sponges, brushes, fingers…”

Sally explains two different processes for creativity used in the toddler classroom. The first is teacher guided, where the end result, or the product, is more important. The second is much more oriented around the process—what the kids discover through music, art, and free time—how they put their imagination to work.

The structure of the classroom and the attention of the staff truly help the children flourish. Though they’ve been exposed to so much, they are much more resilient than adults. They learn to trust and they learn to cope. They learn that red and blue makes purple, that pots and pans can be musical instruments. They learn to use their imaginations and be themselves.

According to Sally, working in the toddler room is really rewarding and really challenging, but most importantly, she really loves it!

*Name has been changed.