Today marks the zillionth time that a child has had fun and learned something new at St. Ann Center.
Brian, a 2-year old, was learning the ins-and-outs of the swimming pool in the aquatic center. He was laughing and learning how to kick his feet in the water, so it did not seem to bother him that I interrupted his lesson to ask how old he was.
Meanwhile, two other toddlers back in their classroom were on the computer playing puzzle games. If you tried asking them their names, chances are you might not find out because they were so into the game. You might feel like you got the cold shoulder!
It's amazing to watch the learning process take place with these little ones, yet its even more amazing that they do it all while also having fun. As a first-time visitor, I was surprised to see so much learning activity and so much fun.
Written by, Darrell Garrett (Cardinal Stritch Intern)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Sea of Beautiful People
During a visit to St. Ann Center I came across a group of people watching a movie on a large-screen TV– Finding Nemo. As I looked away from the colorful schools of fish on screen I realized that I was in sea of people myself!
I saw not only children, but elderly people and people with disabilities. All of these different groups of people were sitting down in front of the TV like an extended family. I thought to myself: “You’re in St. Ann Center, a place like no other.”
Sights like this, as common as they are at St. Ann's, never cease to amaze me. Everyday you can see something unique that can easily be taken for granted. It makes me wonder, why do we live in ways that separate us from one another? Why doesn't everyone want to be like this? I know it’s not typical for every family to include elderly, children and people with disabilities, yet that's what is unique about St. Ann Center. It is inclusive-everyday.
Written by Darrell Garrett, Cardinal Stritch Student Intern
I saw not only children, but elderly people and people with disabilities. All of these different groups of people were sitting down in front of the TV like an extended family. I thought to myself: “You’re in St. Ann Center, a place like no other.”
Sights like this, as common as they are at St. Ann's, never cease to amaze me. Everyday you can see something unique that can easily be taken for granted. It makes me wonder, why do we live in ways that separate us from one another? Why doesn't everyone want to be like this? I know it’s not typical for every family to include elderly, children and people with disabilities, yet that's what is unique about St. Ann Center. It is inclusive-everyday.
Written by Darrell Garrett, Cardinal Stritch Student Intern
Monday, December 28, 2009
Goodbye Carol
A long time client by the name of Carol, came to Shepherd House five times per week from her group home to participate in activities and increase her socialization. Carol was a wonderful addition to the Shepherd House family, spending a majority of her time in Leandra hall which is specialized for those with higher needs. Carol, although 73 years old, she declared to staff to be 16, though acted as youthful as a 3 year old.
As the elevator doors opened every morning to greet Carol, staff was greeted by her taking her shoes off and throwing them to the side, indicating that she was making herself as comfortable as possible. Shortly after her arrival into the building, the staff and clients were serenaded by wonderful songs such as “You are my Sunshine” and “Happy Birthday” as well as “God Bless America” and a year round rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
Carol, who was given the nickname “Little Carol” by staff due to her incredibly short stature, enjoyed only one activity beyond that of music, looking through her “book.” Staff and client family members searched their magazine collections to bring in any JCPenny catalogs they could find for Carol to page through until her little fingers turned black and the space next to her chair was piled high with pictures she wanted to share with others. Carol absolutely loved playing ball toss, talking about babies, and would often request “kissies” from staff. She laughed all day long and would call staff by name and talk about her sisters.
She was by far Danny Crivello’s number one fan. Every time Danny came to Shepherd House to sing, Carol was the loudest sing along voice heard, and gave the loudest cheers and claps. Danny would always get down on one knee and serenade Carol with her own song asking if she loved him, to which she would shout out “OH, YES I LOVE YOU!”
Unfortunately, Carol fell ill quite often, causing her to miss day care for as much as a month at a time. However, upon her arrival, she was as happy as ever, and staff would greet her by picking her up out of her wheelchair, and holding her in their lap like a young child, cuddling her and giggling with her. It was clear Carol was loved by her family, her group home, and by all of Shepherd House.
Little Carol passed away unexpectedly on November 9th, 2009. Shepherd House staff mourn her loss still today, but clients still talk about “that loud little one” from time to time, reminding the staff that Little Carol’s legacy at Shepherd House and as part of the St. Ann’s family, will never be lost.
Written by: Stacy Ory
As the elevator doors opened every morning to greet Carol, staff was greeted by her taking her shoes off and throwing them to the side, indicating that she was making herself as comfortable as possible. Shortly after her arrival into the building, the staff and clients were serenaded by wonderful songs such as “You are my Sunshine” and “Happy Birthday” as well as “God Bless America” and a year round rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
Carol, who was given the nickname “Little Carol” by staff due to her incredibly short stature, enjoyed only one activity beyond that of music, looking through her “book.” Staff and client family members searched their magazine collections to bring in any JCPenny catalogs they could find for Carol to page through until her little fingers turned black and the space next to her chair was piled high with pictures she wanted to share with others. Carol absolutely loved playing ball toss, talking about babies, and would often request “kissies” from staff. She laughed all day long and would call staff by name and talk about her sisters.
She was by far Danny Crivello’s number one fan. Every time Danny came to Shepherd House to sing, Carol was the loudest sing along voice heard, and gave the loudest cheers and claps. Danny would always get down on one knee and serenade Carol with her own song asking if she loved him, to which she would shout out “OH, YES I LOVE YOU!”
Unfortunately, Carol fell ill quite often, causing her to miss day care for as much as a month at a time. However, upon her arrival, she was as happy as ever, and staff would greet her by picking her up out of her wheelchair, and holding her in their lap like a young child, cuddling her and giggling with her. It was clear Carol was loved by her family, her group home, and by all of Shepherd House.
Little Carol passed away unexpectedly on November 9th, 2009. Shepherd House staff mourn her loss still today, but clients still talk about “that loud little one” from time to time, reminding the staff that Little Carol’s legacy at Shepherd House and as part of the St. Ann’s family, will never be lost.
Written by: Stacy Ory
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Annie & Stan
At age three, Annie was everyone’s darling, an outgoing little girl who amused the elderly clients at the fledgling day care facility with her songs, dances and endless chatter. As the daughter of a staff person at the center, she often came to visit. She was uninhibited, would hop onto the laps of clients in wheelchairs and ask for a ride around the room.
One of the clients named Stan was prone to grand mal seizures. They would rip through him like a hurricane and leave him sleeping for the rest of the day. Everyone knew his signs of the impending seizure, but usually it was difficult to find a way to stop them from developing. One day, Annie too noticed these signs were beginning. She jumped onto Stan's lap and hugged him tightly. Incredibly the symptoms stopped, and Stan was spared the seizure.
Sr. Edna Lonergan, a Sister of Saint Francis of Assisi, witnessed that priceless moment and was inspired by Annie: “I decided that if I ever built a new center, it was going to be intergenerational.”
One of the clients named Stan was prone to grand mal seizures. They would rip through him like a hurricane and leave him sleeping for the rest of the day. Everyone knew his signs of the impending seizure, but usually it was difficult to find a way to stop them from developing. One day, Annie too noticed these signs were beginning. She jumped onto Stan's lap and hugged him tightly. Incredibly the symptoms stopped, and Stan was spared the seizure.
Sr. Edna Lonergan, a Sister of Saint Francis of Assisi, witnessed that priceless moment and was inspired by Annie: “I decided that if I ever built a new center, it was going to be intergenerational.”
Monday, December 7, 2009
Not So Hidden Talent
Not So Hidden Talent
David J.–an artist in our midst–can be seen at work in our indoor atrium, wielding his brushes on canvas, blending color into images that emerge as portraits and landscapes that make us pause in our busy day to see as he sees.
David, a regular client at St. Ann Center, has show-cased his abilities in our center's "Seasons of Life" gallery, where local artists participate in bi-monthly exhibits, under the direction of gallery coordinator and volunteer, Nancy Macek.
But don’t just read about it. You're invited to come to the gallery and see David's works for yourself. You may even wish to purchase one!
Monday, November 16, 2009
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 them, 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 Darrell Garrett (Cardinal Stritch College)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Emma & Emil
Everyday generation gaps are bridged at St. Ann Center, but do we really know how it happens? I sat back to watch and see for myself how this intergenerational concept works. The other day I watched a group of Shepherd House visitors, battling with memory loss, who come to visit with the daycare children every Monday and Tuesday.
Inside the Dragonfly room of the child care unit, the laughter is plentiful and the painting is Picasso-esque when these two very different groups get together for art. Emma, a wise and intelligent 3 year old, and Emil, a quiet, reserved elderly gentleman were making Halloween masks and enjoying every minute of their time together.
Emma poked away at her purple, pumpkin-shaped construction paper as Emil did the same. When I asked if he enjoyed the time spent with the children he replied, "I wish we could come here everyday!" It's amazing that yarn and paint can be the catalyst for so much happiness.
Written by: Darrell Garrett, intern from Cardinal Stritch
Inside the Dragonfly room of the child care unit, the laughter is plentiful and the painting is Picasso-esque when these two very different groups get together for art. Emma, a wise and intelligent 3 year old, and Emil, a quiet, reserved elderly gentleman were making Halloween masks and enjoying every minute of their time together.
Emma poked away at her purple, pumpkin-shaped construction paper as Emil did the same. When I asked if he enjoyed the time spent with the children he replied, "I wish we could come here everyday!" It's amazing that yarn and paint can be the catalyst for so much happiness.
Written by: Darrell Garrett, intern from Cardinal Stritch
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