Infant Massage at St. Ann Center

Who doesn't like a massage?

I wanted to share with you some photos from our recent Infant Massage workshop.  Sandy Anderson, CMT, is sharing her techniques with some students.  The babies in the Ladybug room just LOVE the massages, they coo, smile and calm down. 

 

With the best interest of parents and caregivers in mind, Sandy Anderson, CMT, provides workshops throughout the year.  Participants learn the nurturing hands-on techniques of infant and child massage.  The workshops are designed for parents, grandparents, caregivers and siblings.  Within the 1-2 hour workshop individuals will discover how a caring touch can enhance the bond between child and caregiver.

Why Infant Massage?  The benefits are more far reaching than they may at first seem. Massage is a tool for maintaining health and well-being on many levels for both caregivers and children.  It helps parents and caregivers feel secure in their ability to do something positive for and get a positive response from their baby.  This special bonding time between parents and their babies teaches parents to read baby's cues such as body language and types of cries.

Infant massage provides psychological and physical benefits to the baby too.

Physically, infant massage can;
Accelerate development of premature babies
Increase circulation.
Strengthen the immune system.
Aid the digestive system and can help calm some of colic's characteristics.
Calm the nervous system by stroking which may lead to better sleep times.

Psychologically, infant massage can:
Promote parent and baby bonding.
Provide stress reduction for the baby.
Help babies develop body awareness.
Create a positive reaction to touching.

Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant.  Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins Dr. Frederick Leboyer

One-on-One Music Therapy

Do you know what Music Therapy is?

Music therapy is the use of music to reach goals that are tailored to each specific client. Music is a non threatening entity, and has characteristics that allow it to be especially useful with clients who may not respond to traditional therapies. Music therapists assess emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses, create goals, and design music sessions appropriate for the individual.

Some common goals of music therapy can include the following: sensory stimulation, interaction with therapist, developing decision making skills, increasing expressive communication, learning a leisure skill, such as adaptive piano lessons, and different relaxation techniques.

A few of the different techniques and methods a music therapist may use can include, music improvisation, song writing, lyric discussion, learning through music, and music performance.

When clients who are currently receiving one on one music therapy were asked what they liked about music therapy, they said “I like learning how to play the piano.” “I like singing songs together with you.” “I like learning songs I haven’t heard since my childhood.”

St. Ann Center offers one-on-one music therapy that is available to anyone, not just St. Ann Center clients.

It's the Little Things

Sometimes it's just the little things that matter most.
Sometimes it's just a "God bless you," when someone sneezes.
Sometimes it's an "excuse me," when trying to move out of the way of a wheelchair.

Sometimes it's as simple as an act or gesture of caring; bending down to pick up something someone has dropped, holding a door for someone who struggles, moving things out of the way for a wheelchair to get through, a high five, a hand shake, a pat on the back.

Yolanda, the art and crafts teacher at St. Ann Center, understands this well.  She teaches arts and crafts, helps with computer time, feeds clients at lunch time, and occasionally, when she has time, she also paints the clients nails.  It's a small act really.  It doesn't take much time.  But it really means a lot to the clients.  It helps to make them feel cared for and loved.

"Look at my nails!" said one client as I was walking through the atrium.  Yolanda had just painted her nails and she was feeling very pretty!  It made me smile all day!

Summer Camp Learns about the Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Our summer program kids had so much fun learning about the life cycle of the caterpillar to butterfly. With the help of several St. Ann Center staff the kids gathered some caterpillars and a lot of leaves and branches put them in a large plastic container with holes punched in the top…and then they waited.

Each day they checked the container and watched as the caterpillars ate the leaves and pooped…and boy did they poop. They learned to clean out the container and make sure the caterpillars had plenty to eat and someplace strong to attach themselves to so they could make their cocoons.

The caterpillars attached themselves to the top of the container and began to spin their cocoons. The children got to see the whole process. Once the cocoon was formed they waited. It turned out they waited about 12 days; that was the average wait.

Right before their eyes a magnificent monarch butterfly emerged ever so slowly from its chrysalis (also called a pupa.) The kids also learned some new words! When the butterfly’s wings were dry they took the butterfly out of the jar and took turns letting it land on their hands, or shirts and noses! When it was time, they released the beautiful butterfly outside so it could start the life cycle all over again!

It certainly didn’t take long and they were lucky enough to experience the full life cycle of the butterfly. The summer program learned many new things this summer. Our next summer program article will be about Mad Science!

 

Jewelry making is art, therapy and a whole lot of fun!

Susan G. and her jewelry creations!

Suzanne Leberman is St. Ann Center’s jewelry teacher and works one-on-one with many clients creating beautiful wearable art. St. Ann Center offers jewelry classes for a small cost to any client interested in learning to make their own jewelry.

A new client named Susan G. started attending St. Ann Center in November. She was recovering from a brain aneurysm and part of her therapy at her rehab facility was stringing beads so naturally when she heard about the Suzanne’s jewelry classes she was intrigued and signed up right away.

When Susan began the jewelry making classes her jewelry was beautiful but very simplistic and followed an easy pattern of 3’s. As Susan progressed her jewelry has increased in beauty as well as design complexity. She has steadily moved beyond set patterns and advanced to creating lovely necklackes, bracelets and matching earrings. Suzanne says that she has really witnessed a change and definite progress in Susan’s abilities since she started. It’s exciting to witness such change and improvement in the health of our clients.


This is one of the first jewelry pieces that Susan created.



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 This is one of the later pieces that Susan created



 Susan (St. Ann Center Client) and Suzanne L.(jewelry teacher) 

African Dance comes to St. Ann Center

This week a very inspirational dance group came to St. Ann Center to entertain and share their talents with the clients, kids and staff!


The DanceCircus and Xalaat Africa Drum and Dance for Life dance groups is an dance corp that trains junior and senior high school students in modern and African dance and modern and African drumming. For two weeks during the summer the group performs for Boys & Girls Clubs, senior centers, care centers and community sites.

We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience their wonderful dancing and drumming skills. Everyone was entertained and had so much fun! The little kids were just dancing in their seats and waving their hands in the air. The clients were trying to clap along to the beat of the drums and the staff was cheering! Some of the St. Ann Center kids were asking how they can get involved in this wonderful group.

For more information about Dance Circus check out their website at http://www.dancecircus.org/.
Check out the dancing on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/stanncenter?feature=mhsn

Taking steps to prevent memory loss

Study hopes to prove exercise could help many

e-mail print By Kelly Hogan of the Journal Sentinel

July 25, 2011
Long before Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed - before it robs one of language, judgment and temperament - a person capable of normal daily activities starts to have trouble remembering things.

This early form of memory loss is considered a harbinger of Alzheimer's disease, which affects upward of 5.1 million people in the United States.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are studying whether exercise can stall this form of memory loss - called amnestic mild cognitive impairment, or aMCI - and stave off the progression of Alzheimer's disease.  Follow this link to read more! http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/126130108.html

Mary, Mary...Oh How Your Garden Grows

Mary is a massage therapist and "gardener extraordinaire" at St. Ann Center. Although Mary is an amazing massage therapist she also works as the landscape gardener. Each spring, summer and fall the grounds at St. Ann Center are full of beautiful blooms thanks to Mary and her many client helpers!

There are different types of flowers and colorful explosions sprouting up all around the center. Mary is very happy to let us know that the majority of plants and flowers were shared from other’s gardens. Most of the plants are perennials and they spread each year. Mary spends time digging and transplanting and weeding each day. She’s always happy to share a helpful gardening tip.

Mary has a great ability to bring the outside in. Throughout the year Mary cuts blooms and brings them into the Center to add a special caring touch and sometimes lovely flower aroma to the clients. Many clients also help Mary do different gardening activities. Pam (pictured at right) is a client at St. Ann Center who helps Mary cut blooms and makes them into lovely flower arrangements.

Mary was also most recently named winner of the St. Ann Center Employee “Maggie Cary – Recognize a Winner Award!” Here are some of the wonderful things Mary’s co-workers said about her:

• “She is filled with warmth and love.”

• “She keeps St. Ann Center a beautiful place in various ways. Not only does she tend to the atrium, garden, and grounds, her decorations during the holidays are lovely too.”

• “She is always ready to listen to concerns you may have and has an attitude to help out whoever needs it!”

• “The beauty that is gifted to us truly creates a peace filled environment.”

St. Ann Center is very blessed to have Mary McCanna care for it’s grounds as well as its clients, staff and visitors!

How much can one older woman survive?

More, apparently, than we might think. Real life example:

Many years ago Clementine S., at the age of 60, met with an assortment of daunting medical crises, any one of which might well have been enough to wipe out a weaker woman. But weak she was not.

She had two brain aneurysms. Then came 10 hours of surgery, followed by a massive stroke. The stroke left the right side of her body paralyzed and also deprived her of speech. Then she was stricken with meningitis, for which was given strong antibiotics. But she proved to be allergic to the antibiotics. At times, during these ordeals, physicians expressed to her daughter, Sheila their concern that Clemmie might not make it. She was near death several times. But after seven months in the hospital she began to rebuild her life. As a right-handed artist who could no longer use her right hand, she began, hour by hour and day by day, to paint the flowers she loved, using her unaccustomed left hand.

Years ago she had studied art with Sister Thomasita Fessler of Cardinal Stritch University and she had not lost her talent, her training, or her desire to paint. She began to feel like herself. She returned her hair to its original brown, with the help of the St. Ann's staffers, and she looks younger than her years. She also began water therapy in the warm waters of the St. Ann Center pool, two days a week. She can float on her back, kick with her left leg, and paddle with her left arm. Staff members assist her in dressing, and help her in and out of the pool as needed. One called her "An inspiration to all of us."

Clemmie passed away a in 2006 but she always serves as a reminder of the optimistic human spirit so alive in many of the clients at St. Ann Center.
Written by: Dorothy Austin
An excerpt from her obituary(Published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from 4/3/2006 - 4/4/2006)

“Her incredible strength, spirit, and positive attitude allowed her to overcome a multitude of serious medical challenges including 7 continuous months at Columbia Hospital beginning in July 1987. Two brain aneurysms, a stroke, and meningitis, afflicted her at that time, and left half her body half paralyzed and robbed her of her speech. Yet, Clemmie remained a joy to be around and a great inspiration to all those who knew her. She loved life and cherished each day as a gift. Her smile would light up a room and her hugs were strong and plentiful. Clemmie will be so deeply missed by many, many friends, but her spirit and love will most certainly live on forever - in the hearts of all those who knew her.

Special thanks to all friends and staff at St. Ann Center, Milwaukee, where Clemmie loved to swim in the warm water therapy pool.”

Crazy Tie Day

Every Friday Danny Crivello (Milwaukees 1st Golden Idol) plays a concert in the park for the children, adults, staff and community of St. Ann Center. But today, in honor of Father's Day, it was Crazy Tie Day. Everyone was was dancing and shanking it to the fast paced lively music. Friday concerts are always a great way to start the weekend. You can check out our online photo album to see photos from the the days festivities.

Don't Miss St. Ann Center at the Farmer's Markets

St. Ann Center is again participating in the South Shore Farmer’s Market, at South Shore Park, which kicks off Sat. June 18th, from 8am to 12 noon each Saturday, through October 15th. Please stop to visit us, and purchase your supply of jams & jellies, Salsa, Soups, and our famous home made insect repellant with all natural herbal oils!


Also,
Sr. Edna will again take her home made jewelry to the East Town Farmers Market at Cathedral Square, downtown, on Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm, starting June 4th through October 29th.

Buddy Program Hosts Awards Ceremony

The 2010-2011 Buddy Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday evening, May 19 at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. Opening Prayer will be given by Buddy Program director, Rev. Tony Phillips, with Vicki Boston introducing the evening’s MC Ms. Melissa Owen. The guest keynote speaker will be Ms. Tecia Greer, CEO of Signature Dance Company.

The Buddy Program is a unique aspect of the Service Learning Program offered at St. Ann Center. It pairs “at need” youths ages 12-16 with clients of St. Ann Center and several other adult centers throughout the Milwaukee area. A goal of the program is to break down barriers between generations by bringing together marginalized groups of adults and young people. It is strives to:

• provide youth with a positive learning experience involving those perceived as different
• help participants learn that they can make a difference in the life of another person
• teach skills necessary to secure and maintain a job
• help youth develop self-esteem by learning new skills
• teach youth to appreciate and work with others perceived as different from themselves

For more information please contact student services director Rev. Tony Phillips at (414) 977-5000 (414) 977-5000 or email him at tphillips@stanncenter.org.

Submitted by Ron Zeilinger

Clients can make their own necklace, bracelet or earrings!

If you walk into the English tea room any day, Monday through Friday, you might just be lucky enough to see Suzanne and a few of clients at St. Ann Center beneath the bright lamp light creating beautiful wearable art!

Jewelry making is one of the many activities offered to the clients of St. Ann Center Classes can be very exciting and are always a creative adventure! There are about 18 clients who take part in the jewelry making classes; though there is always room for more. The clients truly enjoy their time in class. They converse with one another and meet other clients they may not have met before. During each class the clients receive personalized attention and some one-on-one instruction time. They get to learn a new skill, socialize and get their creative energy going.

Suzanne Leberman is our wonderful and talented Jewelry instructor. She has been beading for over 22 years and owned her own bead shop in Oak Creek where she taught jewelry making classes for the general public. She makes her own glass beads, fused glass, and stained glass pieces. “Working with the clients is so rewarding,” says Suzanne, “They love to bead and they get so happy with their finished pieces. The joy in their eyes is pure and beautiful!”

The one hour jewelry classes are offered one day a week, Monday – Friday at 9:45 or 12:15.

Saying Grace in a Restaurant

   Today, April 18, is "Culver Day" at St. Ann Center if you go to Culver's on 6th and Layton today between 5 and 7 pm, 10% of your purchase price will go to St. Ann Center.  So, I couldn't resist adding an ice cream story today!  This story was sent to me via email and we liked it so much we decided to repeat it on our blog!  I don't know who wrote it, but the story is very heartfelt!

Please read the story below:

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.


As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and Justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray... Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

Senator Herb Kohl on SeniorCare

In Wisconsin we have a great program that helps seniors afford prescription drugs while saving taxpayers money. I’m talking, of course, about SeniorCare.

The popular SeniorCare program provides affordable and comprehensive drug coverage to 91,000 Wisconsin seniors. With a $30 annual enrollment fee, copayments ranging from $5 to $15, and no gaps in coverage, SeniorCare is a proven program that works. In addition to providing exceptional drug coverage, the program also saves taxpayers tens of millions of dollars by negotiating for discounts from drug companies.

Despite its success, some have proposed dismantling SeniorCare so that it would only serve to fill in gaps in private insurance coverage. This would effectively gut SeniorCare and remove the many benefits that seniors like about the program.

That’s why last week I called the Secretary of Health and Human Services to urge her to reject any plan that would dismantle the program. According to the current federal SeniorCare waiver any change to the program must be approved by the HHS Secretary.

This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve had to work to protect SeniorCare. In 2007, I pulled together the Wisconsin Congressional delegation, and passed legislation that extended the program through 2009. Then in 2009, I worked with the Administration to extend the program through December of 2012.

It’s time to fight for and protect SeniorCare again and I will do whatever I can to keep this important program healthy and running. Just this week I visited St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care in Milwaukee and addressed the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans Convention in Madison, urging both groups to help fight for SeniorCare. Representatives from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and AARP added their voices as well; these organizations understand how important this program is to seniors in our state and are working hard to defend it. I hope you will join me in supporting this vital program and help carry this message to our leaders in Madison and Washington.

Sincerely,  Senator Herb Kohl
*taken from his newsletter Friday, March 25, 2011

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl Visits St. Ann Center and Addresses the Future of SeniorCare

Senator Herb Kohl visited and toured St. Ann Center, hosted by Center president, Sr. Edna Lonergan and Board Chair Jim Lenahan. They also were accompanied by Stephanie Sue Stein, executive director of Milwaukee Department of Aging, president and executive director of CWAG-Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. Senator Kohl spoke to a crowd of older adults who had gathered in the Center’s atrium to hear him speak and take the opportunity to ask him questions.

He told the crowd that on March 17 he had urged Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to deny any request to change Wisconsin’s popular prescription drug program, SeniorCare. In 2007 and 2009, Kohl fought to extend the SeniorCare program, which was established by Gov. Tommy Thompson in 2002.

Kohl asked the Secretary to preserve the current federal SeniorCare waiver that he had negotiated. Any change to the program must be approved by the Health and Human Services Secretary. Under the terms of the 1115 Medicaid waiver that authorizes the program, changes to SeniorCare are prohibited without federal approval.

“SeniorCare has proven to be an efficient, cost-effective choice for Wisconsin seniors. It would be a mistake to dismantle this program, which provides exceptional coverage while saving consumers, taxpayers and the state money. I’m confident that the Administration recognizes the value of SeniorCare,” Kohl said.

According to the Department of Health in Wisconsin, in 2009, the average annual federal cost per enrollee for SeniorCare was $588, less than half the $1,690 federal government spent to subsidize a Part D participant. SeniorCare negotiates lower drug prices and saved $50 million in 2009 alone. SeniorCare currently has a $20 million surplus that the State of Wisconsin wants to use to plug the budget deficit.

Because Medicare Part D does not negotiate drug prices, most, if not all, Wisconsin seniors enrolled in SeniorCare would see the cost of their medicines rise. Wisconsin would no longer receive drug rebates through negotiation, further padding drug company profits.

As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging Senator Kohl joins with Ranking Member Bob Corker in leading the committee to explore and investigate issues that concern all elderly Americans.

You can find more information on Senator Herb Kohl at http://kohl.senate.gov/

The Leprechaun are Back

There is Strength in Words!

Recently I re-posted via St. Ann Center’s facebook, a link in support of a program that is supported by Best Buddies called “Spread the Word to End the Word.” This program is striving to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the word ‘retard(ed)’ from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

Someone commented on our facebook page essentially saying that “we have the problem with the use of the r-word, that people with disabilities don’t care about the use of that word.” As the administrator of the page I removed that comment from our page because I felt it was inappropriate.

I would like to respond to that posting because I feel it is necessary to explain why the posting was removed. The person who made that comment was somewhat correct. It is the people who love and care for those with special needs that care about the use of the r-word. It is true that some people with disabilities do not understand that they are being referred to using the “r-word,” but there are some who do understand.

I have a child with Down syndrome and he is, in fact, mentally retarded – though that clinical connotation is no longer used. Clinically he is referred to as cognitively delayed, not mentally retarded. The denotation of the word ‘retard’ is ‘slow.’ When people in casual speech, use the r-word it is usually used as a derogatory expression meaning “stupid” or “dumb” not “slow.” It hurts me, yes me personally, when I hear people ignorantly use the r-word in casual conversation. My son does not care about the use of the r-word, but his brothers, his sister, his grandparents and his parents do!

Below is an excerpt taken from the website r-word.org:

“The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It’s offensive. It’s derogatory. The R-word is hate speech.

How "retardation" went from a clinical description to a word of derision

When they were originally introduced, the terms “mental retardation” or “mentally retarded” were medical terms with a specifically clinical connotation; however, the pejorative forms, “retard” and “retarded” have been used widely in today’s society to degrade and insult people with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, when “retard” and “retarded” are used as synonyms for “dumb” or “stupid” by people without disabilities, it only reinforces painful stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities being less valued members of humanity. “

I would like to hear what you think. Please feel free to comment below.

Do you want to create an e-mail or paint a picture?

Each day Yolanda comes to work at St. Ann Center to assist the clients and add a little joy to their lives. They have the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts and Yolanda helps them express their creativity. She provides a special touch and takes time with each person. She introduces them to many different types of art media from painting with water colors to decorating pieces of clay. She has a blast working with the clients and you can tell by the smiles on their faces, they love working with her too.

Yolanda calls Mondays her “computer day.” St. Ann Center has a special computer with a touch screen and large keyboard for clients’ fingers that aren’t controlled enough to hit the correct keys. Many of our clients, especially those with physical challenges, really want to use the computer so this special keyboard with large letters makes it easier. In fact, some can’t use their hands at all, so there is a special pointer that can be attached to the head so they can use it on the touch screen.

When Phil comes to “computer day” he likes to send emails to his brother, so Yolanda helps him get the screen set up correctly. Then Phil sets to work writing a message to his brother. Katherine, one of our very special volunteers, likes to type up her “to do list,” so each Monday she and Yolanda sit at the computer together, with Yolanda on one key board Katherine on the other as they type her list. Yolanda is a very special gift to the clients of St. Ann Center, but Yolanda says, “The clients are a very special gift to me.”

Do you live with Arthritis? Do you have pain in your joints? Do you want to exercise but are afraid of the pain in your joints? The Aquatic Center at St. Ann Center is now offering a special Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program! This program is specifically designed for people with arthritis and related diseases and taught by a certified instructor. Participants improve their joint flexibility and reduce their pain and stiffness while supported by the water’s buoyancy and resistance. The classes also provide a friendly, fun atmosphere in which participants can make new friends and try new activities.

Water is a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. This swimming exercise class is designed to safely keep your joints moving and improve your sense of well-being.

At St. Ann Center swimmers enjoy a comfortable atmosphere where the solar heated water temperature is always 88 degrees. The pool is accessible to people of all physical abilities, a ramp and a special wheelchair is available to be taken into the water. For persons with limited mobility, we offer a moveable seat that supports people at water level and allows them to move freely.

Classes offered: Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. and Thursdays 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Classes are taught by Joanne Lange a certified Arthritis Foundation instructor. We are offering a Special Rate of $5 per class.  Call Kristen at 414.977.5015 to learn more!

Click here to learn more about the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.

We want to hear from you!  Have you taken part in one of our Arthiritis Aquatic Program?  Did you like the class?  Please post a comment here!

“I’m Still Here” Important Reading for Family Caregivers and Professionals « ElderCarelink blog

“I’m Still Here” Important Reading for Family Caregivers and Professionals « ElderCarelink blog

It's Freezing Outside!

You might be shivering from your head to your toes, but step inside the doors of St. Ann Center and its warm and balmy, not to mention full of energetic voices and brimming with activity! From the tall palm trees to the warm indoor swimming pool, St. Ann Center is an oasis from the cold!

Each day the atrium at St. Ann Center is alive with activity. The patio tables are filled with clients creating different arts and crafts, strolling through the atrium pathways or quietly sitting and reading a book. You’ll find a mighty game of rummy being played at the patio tables most afternoons!

When it’s cold or rainy outside the children enjoy jumping in the ball pit, sliding down the slide and shooting hoops. There’s room for a rousing game of Duck Duck Goose or the ever exciting parachute game! Many of the adult clients will sit in the atrium and watch the children as they climb, jump and dance. What fun it is to be able to run, play and climb like you’re outside. Even on the coldest or rainiest days it warm and cozy inside.

St. Ann Center is open to the public during the day. If you want to get out of the cold, stroll in the atrium or jump in warm water pool, just come on in!

Greenbay's Going All the Way!

A heart warming site on a cold winter day!

Mornings can be crazy in the lobby at St. Ann Center – people coming and going, staff coming in for the day, clients arriving on buses, caregivers dropping off their loved ones, parents dropping off their sometimes crying children, housekeeping trying to keep the floors clean and dry in these wet winter months.

As I watched the clients arrive I was humbled as I usually am by the amount of care and concern the staff shows to each and every person that arrives through the front door. One arrival in particular caught my attention - Marta a woman in her 20’s. She was seated in her wheelchair bundled from head to toe with hat and scarf, large winter coat and blanket on her legs. Marta can’t speak but she has the most infectious smile. Today, as she’s greeted with a friendly “good morning” her nose is running from the cold. The caregiver who greeted Marta sees her and says “Oh honey, let’s wipe your nose, that must be uncomfortable,” and she gently wipes Marta’s nose. Marta returned the favor with one of her beautiful smiles.

Marta is unable to wipe her own nose, she’s unable to dress herself, she’s unable to feed herself, and she’s unable to go to the bathroom by herself. These are all the things that the staff at St. Ann Center provides for her along with loving companionship. It really was a very heart warming sight to see!