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Learning
Teamwork
Boys from Wyndham Lawn
Home for Children had the opportunity to participate in the Lockport
Midget Baseball League this summer.
Under the guidance of Chuck Wagner, Campus Life director, athletes from
the Residential Program were selected to play ball. Players included
Tim, Shakeem, Andy, Anthony, Matt, and Lewis. Jasper Adams, a Wyndham
volunteer, coached the 16- to 18-year-olds on the Reid’s Petroleum’s
Midget “A” team. Mario Hernandez and John Girard, Wyndham Lawn staff
members, coached the Elks Midget “B” teams of 13- to 15-year-old boys
were coached.
This collaboration offered a positive team experience that gave the boys
a chance to hone their baseball skills and learn the importance of
working together as a team. While the players had a great time playing
ball and making new friends, they also learned the value of cooperation
and sportsmanship.
“I really enjoyed having Tim and Shakeem on our team this year,” said
Coach Adams. “Tim always found ways to help out by picking up equipment,
backing up first base, and
playing catch with the
outfielders. He was always ready to play ball!
“Shakeem was called up to the “A” team toward the end of the season. He
is a naturally talented athlete who met the challenge of playing in the
upper division.
“I got a chance to get to know Tim and Shakeem better and was impressed
with their respect for their peers and me. The players on my team were
very supportive and always willing to help their teammates with
improving their baseball skills.”
Integrating boys from the New Directions Program has proven to be a
positive experience for coaches and players. The Wyndham players have
gained confidence in their ability to play team sports. Many of them
plan to play on baseball teams in the future. |
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Posted Aug. 18, 2006
From left are Tim, Coach Adams, Shakeem, Coach Hernandez and Anthony.
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New
Directions kids
give
back to community
A free car wash sponsored by New Directions Youth and
Family Services was held Saturday, May 20, at the AutoZone on Niagara
Falls Boulevard and Tuscarora Road in Niagara Falls.
The event was “our kids’ way of giving back to the
community,” explained Jeanine Mollen, clinical director of Children’s
Mental Health Programs at New Directions. May is National Mental Health
Month, and the theme is “Thriving in the Community.” “What better way
for our kids to show that they’re thriving in the community than to give
back to the community?” Mollen explained.
The kids and their siblings who washed cars were aided by
New Directions staff, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. The
event also featured a bake sale, and proceeds will go to future
activities of the kids.
Donations for the event were made by AutoZone, NAPA Auto
Parts, Wegmans and Tim Hortons.
The Children’s Mental Health Program is funded by the
Niagara County Department of Mental Health.
Sarah, above, uses a two-handed approach. |
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A chilly breeze splashes water from Joshua’s hose onto
Crystalee, left, and Mike, center, but it doesn’t dampen their spirits.
New Directions youths and their siblings who participated
in the free car wash included, from left, front row, Jeremiah, Aaron,
Crystalee and Josef; second row, Sarah and Mike; third row, Joshua,
Sophie and Kayla, and back, Collin. Mike is enjoying treats from the
accompanying bake sale.
Posted May 23, 2006 |
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Youths from Global Village North helped collect clothing for Cornerstone
Manor, Buffalo City Mission’s shelter for women and children. Getting
ready to deliver the items were, from left, Amanda, Jennifer and Dawn.
Posted April 24, 2006
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Teens from Global Village South were part of the varsity football team
at Randolph Central School, which won the New York State Class D
championship. From left are Kyle, Grade 8, equipment specialist; Adam, a
junior, starting special teams player, and Jose, sophomore, guard. Not
pictured is Shawn, a senior, receiver. Not only were the Cardinals state
champions, they finished the season undefeated.
Posted April 24, 2006 |
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Climbing
wall completed