Halloween 2010

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Halloween 2010

What is the Buddy Program?

The Buddy Program is a community service of St. Ann Center that reaches out to central city youth between the ages of 12 and 16, aiming to teach them valuable life lessons.

“Youth gain job training, budget training, and have an opportunity to work on social skills,” Tony Phillips, Buddy Program Coordinator, said.

Youth qualify for the program based on their attendance at the Academy of Learning and Leadership, Central City Cyber School, and Fernwood Montessori. Even though the program collaborates with these schools, the program is open to youth throughout Milwaukee. Transportation is a challenge in getting the youth to and from St. Ann’s. “Currently, we only have one 7 passenger van,” Phillips said. The gift will help support transportation.

Through the program, youth spend time at St. Ann Center, learning while interacting with St. Ann clients. “Youths spend two hours a week with St. Ann Center clients, sharing life experiences, playing various games, and helping transport clients to their vans at the end of the day.”

The program is effective in teaching the young people to show respect to all, no matter their age or what kind of challenges they’re facing. Buddy Program participant Cassidie said, “I have learned not to judge someone because of how they look or talk.”
The program is mutually beneficial to the young people and St. Ann’s clients, who benefit from having the youth around because of the assistance and company they provide. “Clients get an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others despite their own challenges.” Phillips said.

Written By: Brandon Lemke and Bianca Constanzo

A Visit to the Respite Center

There are so many different units and services here at St. Ann Center that if you were walking in for the first time, you probably wouldn’t know where to begin. One of the, the respite center, is a place where people can bring their loved ones, usually frail from age or challenged with a disability, when they need someone to care for them for a while. Stays are no longer than 20 days. The respite area has 9 rooms, each with distinctive décor and cultural theme. Guests may stay in the Irish room or the Polish room, for example. Guests are invited to "feel at home" during their stay, and are treated like family. A departing guest recently remarked, "I loved my stay and can't wait to return!"

Marian, one of the respite staff, said “St Ann's is a wonderful place to work. This job is a blessing to have, for more reasons than one. I was able to bring my daughter to work when she could not be in childcare. When my car was snowed in and they were able to come get me. The spirit is wonderful here.”

Now, if you can name a place where not only the service is excellent, but the people providing that service genuinely enjoy being there, then I'll be happy to say that I was wrong when I thought “there's no community in the world like St. Ann Center!”

Written by St. Ann Center staff

Shriver Report Gives a Face to Alzheimer's

Halloween Harvest Carnival

Bring the whole family for a night of fun and maybe a little bit of fright. Take your pick and walk down one of two “haunted” hallways, one with a little bit of fright for the older goblins and one with a little more fun for the younger kids.

There will be fun for the whole family; including an exciting hayride (weather permitting), six different craft tables and six different carnival games with prizes for everyone. Kids can take part in the special costume contest with prizes for the best and most creative costume then mini corndogs, applesauce, chips and cheese, and refreshments.

The annual event takes place on Saturday, October 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Ann Center 2801 East Morgan Avenue. The cost is $7.00 for advanced purchase tickets or $8.00 at the door. Children 1 and under are FREE! Call Delma at 414-977-5000 to purchase your tickets in advance.

The mission of St. Ann Center to to provide community based health and wellness services for children and frail adults, and to serve as a resource for caregivers and the community. St. Ann Center, at 2801 E. Morgan Ave., is a not-for-profit day services facility sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. It is open to persons of all religious faiths and all abilities. St. Ann Center is a handicapped accessible facility.

Wellness with a Smile

Roy is a decorated World War II veteran who was a pilot in service to our country. After the war he kept flying as his job and also for fun. But now he is coping with dementia and has found help at Shepherd House, a special program at St. Ann Center for all ages. His wife, who has been his primary caregiver, was trying to balance his needs with her own struggle with recurrent cancer. So Shepherd House is a great relief for her and a secure, loving daycare for her husband.

Roy requires almost full care from the staff for his basic needs, but he continues to enjoy cowboy movies, loves music and has joined the music group at the center. As part of the wellness program offered at the center he also receives whirlpool baths and takes advantage of the new dental hygiene program. At St. Ann Center its service and being served with a big, healthy smile!