1 - Stress & Yoga 1 - Make a Difference on Our Board of Directors 2 - Homeward Bound 2 - Iron Man Mike 3 - Icing on the Cake 3 - Program updates 4 - Our Thanks
A PUBLICATION OF S TEPPING S TONES , I NC . S PRING 2013 touchstones steppingstones-inc.org | page 1 1 S����� � Y ��� 1 M��� � D��������� �� ��� B���� �� D�������� 2 H������� B����! 2 I��� M�� 3 I���� �� ��� C��� 3 P������ U��� ��� 4 O�� T�����! I N T HIS I SSUE O NE R ESIDENT F INDS R ELIEF F ROM D AILY S TRESS IN Y OGA Hearing the words “I love Yoga” spill out the mouth of one of the most intense and angst-ridden teen males I have ever worked with leſt me shocked and momentarily at a loss for words. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe “Sean” would enjoy yoga to the degree he verbally expressed to me that momentous night. To be frank with you, I presumed “Sean” would hate yoga and incessantly refer back to the me I wrongfully “forced” him to go to yoga with me. Even with this presumpon in the forefront of my mind I figured giving yoga a try couldn’t truly hurt him. T�� B������� �� H��� ��� A��������� Young men like “Sean” who posses a great deal of pent-up stress and anxiety need a posive way to channel this energy but oſtenmes aren’t aware of how to properly do so. Being keenly aware of “Sean’s” emoonal and mental health, I realized the need to help him find a concrete and posive way to cope with his stress and anxiety. Yoga had previously helped me decrease my stress levels and I hoped that would be the case with Sean as well. Aſter I recovered from the shock of “Sean’s” unexpected praise of yoga I talked to him about the benefits of regularly praccing yoga and we made plans to aend another session. Because you are commied to the health and well-being of our residents, it gives me great joy to report that Sean and I now pracce yoga on a weekly basis and since doing so his stress and anxiety levels have greatly decreased. None of this would have been possible without you! Thanks to your gracious donaons and various grants Stepping Stones is able to provide residents with wonderful opportunies to engage in various physical acvies that can greatly increase their emoonal and general well-being. Thank you! by Jimi Goodall AmeriCorps Health Coordinator W ELCOME TO O UR N EWEST B OARD M EMBERS ! • Dusn Keihn of iChallenge Performance • Stacey McGauley, Social Worker at Lakeview Elementary • Robert Moore, Director of MCCSC Adult Educaon at Broadview • Sophia Percival, Engineer at Cook Pharmica, LLC These newest members join a commied group of men and women on our Board of Directors who are dedicated to addressing the needs of youth experiencing homelessness. As our organizaon connues to seek new projects and ways to serve more youth, we need community members to help us move into the next stage of organizaonal development. We want to expand the board as well as various community-based commiees, and are looking for new talent to invigorate the leadership and operaons of the organizaon. Experse in leadership, board development, markeng, fund development, finance, visioning, strategic planning or prior nonprofit board experience are needed. If any of these areas intrigue you, please contact Sheri Benham, Execuve Director by phone at (812) 339-9771 or by email at [email protected]. Time commitments will vary depending on your interest, skills, and availability. Thanks so much for considering this unique way to connect with, and support, young people of our community. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS That was incredible! My body feels amazing and I am completely relaxed! I love yoga! “ “ P.O. B 1366
Transcript
A PUBLICATION OF STEPPING STONES, INC. SPRING 2013
IN THIS ISSUE ONE RESIDENT FINDS RELIEF FROM DAILY STRESS IN YOGA
Hearing the words “I love Yoga” spill out the mouth of one of the most intense and angst-ridden teen males I have ever worked with left me shocked and momentarily at a loss for words. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe “Sean” would enjoy yoga to the degree he verbally expressed to me that momentous night. To be frank with you, I presumed “Sean” would hate yoga and incessantly refer back to the time I wrongfully “forced” him to go to yoga with me. Even with this presumption in the forefront of my mind I figured giving yoga a try couldn’t truly hurt him. T�� B������� �� H������ A���������
Young men like “Sean” who posses a great deal of pent-up stress and anxiety need a positive way to channel this energy but oftentimes aren’t aware of how to properly do so. Being keenly aware of “Sean’s” emotional and mental health, I realized the need to help him find a concrete and positive way to cope with his stress and anxiety. Yoga had previously helped me decrease my stress levels and I hoped that would be the case with Sean as well.
After I recovered from the shock of “Sean’s” unexpected praise of yoga I talked to him about the benefits of regularly practicing yoga and we made plans to attend another session. Because you are committed to the health and well-being of our residents, it gives me great joy to report that Sean and I now practice yoga on a weekly basis and since doing so his stress and anxiety levels have greatly decreased. None of this would have been possible without you!
Thanks to your gracious donations and various grants Stepping Stones is able to provide residents with wonderful opportunities to engage in various physical activities that can greatly increase their emotional and general well-being. Thank you!
by Jimi GoodallAmeriCorps Health Coordinator
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS!• Dustin Keihn of iChallenge
Performance
• Stacey McGauley, Social Worker at Lakeview Elementary
• Robert Moore, Director of MCCSC Adult Education at Broadview
• Sophia Percival, Engineer at Cook Pharmica, LLC
These newest members join a committed group of men and women on our Board of Directors who are dedicated to addressing the needs of youth experiencing homelessness.
As our organization continues to seek new projects and ways to serve more youth, we need community members to help us move into the next stage of organizational development. We want to expand the board as well as various community-based committees, and are looking for new talent to invigorate the leadership and operations of the organization. Expertise in leadership, board development, marketing, fund development, finance, visioning, strategic planning or prior nonprofit board experience are needed.
If any of these areas intrigue you, please contact Sheri Benham, Executive Director by phone at (812) 339-9771 or by email at [email protected]. Time commitments will vary depending on your interest, skills, and availability.
Thanks so much for considering this unique way to connect with, and support, young people of our community.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
That was incredible! My body feels amazing and I am completely relaxed! I love yoga!
NOON | Registration & Pre-Walk Entertainment begins1:00 pm | WALK STARTS2:00 pm | Return to the park for...
Food * Music * Fun
Stepping Stones partners with 11 other agencies that work on behalf of those experiencing homelessness in our community.
The walk will take you through some of Bloomington’s beautiful neighborhoods, through downtown and through IU’s Dunn Meadow.
Thanks to our Corporate Sponsor Cassady Electrical Contractors!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Homeward Bound is just around the corner! Join us Sunday April 14th at the Waldron, Hill and Buskirk Park (formerly 3rd St. Park) for a fun afternoon for all ages. It’s a great way to show your support for the youth we serve! Come rain or shine!
AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
REGISTER - go online and register today athomewardboundindiana.org/bloomington !
REACH OUT - let other friends, family and coworkers know that you're helping to raise money for youth experiencing homelessness, a cause you care about.
RECRUIT - Get those friends, family members and coworkers to join you. Help them impact the lives of youth, too!
RALLY - Get excited about the walk! Awards and incentives are given for things like “Most Money Raised” and “Most Team Members.” Have your team meet you at the park!
RAISE - Send emails or letters to your family and friends; post things on social media like Facebook; or be creative and try something new like holding a raffle for anyone who donates to your team!
Let us know what you’re doing for Homeward Bound by posting it on Facebook or Twitter!
COME ON OUT!It’s that time of year again! Get out your Walking Shoes!
“IRON MAN” MIKEONE BOARD MEMBER’S CREATIVE APPROACH TO FUNDRAISING
On August 26th, 2012, Mike Craig, Treasurer on Stepping Stones Board of Directors, competed in his first “Ironman” competition where he ran 26.2 miles, biked 112 miles and swam 2.4 miles!
Mike asked his friends, family and coworkers to support him in his efforts by sponsoring him in the competition at $.50, $1, or $2 for each mile. Mike said “As a Board Member, I know first hand the impact each dollar has on the lives of these youth."
When he had completed his first Ironman, Mike had raised over $3,000 all of which was donated to Stepping Stones for the youth in our program!
It is because of the efforts of people like you and Mike Craig that the youth in our program are able to receive support and housing and to develop the skills that they need to live independently.
“ I know that there are two things that I can do:1. Walk2. Raise money for something I care about. “
“ I know first hand the impact each dollar has.
“
Thank You, Mike!
P.O. B 1366
Mike Craig,Ironman in 2012
-����� ������
M���� Alternatives & Awareness - “Stages
of Change” with CenterstoneIndianapolis ZooSkills to Pay the Bills - “Banking”
with the IU Business SchoolHealth & Wellness - “Emotional
Self-Care / Grief” with Ivy TechA����
Fun @ the “Be More” AwardsCareer Development - “Being a
Good Employee” with Lennie’sHealth & Wellness - Nutrition with
IU Health NutritionistsSkills to Pay the Bills - “Informed
Borrowing” with IU Office of Student Financial Literacy
Alternatives & Awareness - Spiritual Panel at the Tibetan Cultural Center
M��“Icing on the Cake” CelebrationAlternatives & Awareness with
local Youth MinistersLove & Sex - “Cycle of Violence /
Power Wheel” with Middle Way House
Fun Activity TBD
steppingstones-inc.org | page 3
TUESDAY GROUP MEETING CALENDAR
5
1219
26
29
16
23
30
714
21
25
“STAGES OF CHANGE”You provide residents with the support they need
to develop essential life skills. One such set of skills include identifying and addressing negative behaviors in their life.
Kris Roehling from Centerstone joined our Tuesday Group meeting to discuss “The Stages of Change.” Our residents were asked to think about behaviors of
theirs that they would like to change, such as a negative attitude or smoking. She then asked what other people would like for them to change in themselves. This could be smoking, altering our eating, or increasing exercise.
She explained that the stages include “Not seeing a problem,” “acknowledging there is a problem but struggling with confusion,” “weighing benefits /
barriers to change,” “taking steps to prepare to change,” “making the change and living the new behaviors,” and “maintaining the behavior that is now a part of the lifestyle.”
The residents were informed that the stages can change day to day. One day, we are willing and ready to change, while the next day we do not feel we can. It takes the desire, ability, reasons, need, commitment, and actions to change a behavior, so it can be a big process. Looking at all of this can also help define why it is difficult to change, as well as develop personal goals to change.
by Kaitlin King, Social Work Intern
OUR PROGRAMS
YOUTH CHAMPIONS AND OTHERS TO BE RECOGNIZED AT “ICING ON THE CAKE”
Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for one of our events? Or are you looking for more information on how you can get involved in events throughout the year? Contact Warren Wade at [email protected] or by phone at (812) 339-9771. Or visit our website at steppingstones-inc.org/events.html for more event information.
Sponsored By:
KRC Banquets and Catering
Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor two “Youth Champions” who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to youth in our community. Our residents will also acknowledge their own Champions: teachers, neighbors and family who have had an impact in their lives.
As a supporter of Stepping Stones, you should be there! Each and every day youth experiencing homelessness are impacted by you and your gifts, big and small.
This year’s “Youth Champions” will be announced soon! Make sure to find us on Facebook or ensure you are signed up for our e-newsletter!
Tuesday May 7th7-8:30pm at
Deer Park ManorStay
Tuned!
P.O. B 1366
page 4 | steppingstones-inc.org
Thank You 100+ Women Who Care!
Calling All Employers!
At their November meeting, the 100+ Women Who Care selected Stepping Stones as the recipient for their fifth quarterly award. And, on Monday, November 19th, members of this group presented Stepping Stones Executive Director, Sheri Benham, with checks from their members totaling over $16,000!
“This incredibly generous gift will have a significant impact on the youth served by Stepping Stones,” said Benham. “We plan to use it to enhance the financial management program for our residents.” Our financial management program incorporates creative approaches in financial literacy for youth with limited to no financial experience.
Local Women’s Group Donates over $16,000 in support of Milestone Program
From left (rear) Sheri Benham, Jocelyn Bowie, Carol Maloney, Dee Rillo, Sue Shindell, Ute Coyne,
Janet Barrows, Charlotte Zietlow, Mary Burch Ratliff, Warren Wade. Second Row – James
Goodall, Kat Cler, Alysia Fornal
Inspiration on the Back of a NapkinEach youth in our program possesses the capacity to be creative and to
pursue their ideas - maybe even be entrepreneurs. And with a visit from the IU School of Business “Kelly Cares” group, each resident was instructed on a creative way to do just that. Inspired by Herb Kelleher, cofounder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, David Aguilar of “Kelly Cares” had our residents jot down their ideas on a napkin about an issue they want to solve. They brainstormed solutions for transportation issues to renewable energy and had a blast doing it.
Do we have the next Frank O’Dea, cofounder of “Second Cup,” or Chris Gardner, the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” in our midst? Who knows? But your support helps these youth access their creativity in ways that they’ve never been able to before.
This napkin reads “How can cell phones not die? Renewable energy the phone harvests itself, maybe with
a baby solar panel. Research sources of energy.”
P.O. B 1366
The Community Foundation awarded Stepping Stones with a grant totaling $16,450 for our “Career Steps” pilot initiative. Our efforts to provide supported housing, to raise graduation rates, to encourage higher education, and to provide targeted life skills education produce long lasting benefits for the individual and for the Bloomington and Monroe County community.
One of the most important skills we help them develop is the ability to support themselves financially through employment and other financial resources as it can
prevent future episodes of homelessness and, ideally, break the cycle of poverty. As we teach them skills to use in the job search, we will simultaneously encourage exploration of career opportunities and identifying and pursuing their own aspirations. They are more likely to be able to be successful if they have set the goals themselves.
Stepping Stones is looking forward to establishing new relationships with community businesses. If you or your place of business are looking for ways to have an impact on the lives of youth experiencing homelessness, contact Sheri Benham at (812) 339-9771 or by email at [email protected] to discuss the business partnership opportunities with our Career Steps program.
