Good Neighbor Stories

Recipe For Student Success

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0600

Like so many of us, Moriah Webster didn’t know what she wanted to do when she got older. She grew up in Manchester, NH, and Moriah and her sister were raised by a single mom. Moriah felt she had little direction and no real passion for a specific career.

By age 20, Moriah was married with a newborn.

“I was young and had no idea how to be a parent, so I went to Our Place,” says Moriah. “Our Place is run by Catholic Charities and taught me about birthing a baby and being a good mom.”

Moriah became a stay-at-home mom and wanted to eventually become a personal assistant. “I took care of my great aunt while my daughter was little,” explained Moriah. “I’m good at keeping people organized and on task.”

Moriah became inspired when nurses put her great aunt on a special diet. She began researching nutrition, which got her thinking further. “My great aunt is not the only person who needs help with nutrition,” thought Moriah. “Others need support.”

After hearing of Moriah’s new-found interest, an Our Place social worker told Moriah about the New Hampshire Food Bank’s culinary training program. The Catholic Charities program, supported by State Farm, is a free initiative offered to low-to-moderate income individuals. Moriah quickly enrolled.

“We learned everything from how to properly chop vegetables to how to efficiently manage time,” says Moriah. “The chef tells us what to do, but it’s up to us to get it done in a timely manner. He has confidence in his students and that makes us feel good. I never did anything in the culinary field before, but I left class feeling totally confident in my abilities.”

Since 2008, 425 students have graduated from the culinary training program, which is a full-time, eight week program. Ninety-two percent of participants complete the program.

Moriah graduated in 2013. “The program solidified what I wanted to do,” she explains. “I was young and wasn’t sure, but they helped send me in the right direction and changed everything for me.”

Moriah worked several years in school kitchens. “I helped feed students and loved it,” she says. “It was a great learning experience.”

Then, Moriah got a call from Chef Jayson at the Food Bank. He was looking for a new production assistant. Moriah jumped at the opportunity.

She now helps instruct culinary students in the course from which she graduated. “I get to interact with people all day,” she says. “I help the students feel good about the skills they’re learning.” Moriah also assists in catering for community-based functions, such as a local cancer walk or an event welcoming new residents to New Hampshire.

Moriah has also brought her teaching skills to her own kitchen. She taught her 10 year old daughter how to use the stove and grill. She now plans and makes dinners most nights for the family.

“I couldn’t imagine being in any other field,” says Moriah. “One good meal can change someone’s entire outlook for the day. I love being that smiling face and handing a person a good, healthy meal. This is what I was meant to do.”

Who's Your Hero?

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 08:55:00 -0600

For most people, the thought of staying in the hospital isn’t a happy one. It can be scary, no matter your age. Now…imagine if you’re a child. Or the parent of a child who’s sick or injured. Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Hospital (DCH) in Tucson, Arizona, understands this. It’s working to turn that concern – into comfort.

DCH offers support through a healing services organization called Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK). ITK helps address the trauma and stress related to hospital stays through healing therapies like massage, meditation, play and music.

And it’s all done free of charge.

These therapies are possible because of ITK’s volunteer program, Hospital Heroes. In this program, Adult Hero volunteers skilled in comfort therapies, support families in crisis. Hero services range from gentle massage, to counseling and moral support. The hospital also welcomes Young Hero volunteers through its doors. The Young Heroes, ages 14-21 are trained in caregiving. They spend time with patients - chatting, playing games and participating in activities.

"Children can feel isolated while in the hospital," said ITK Executive Director, Shay Beider. "Our goal with both Hero programs is to help break down those barriers while helping kids and their families feel comfortable, accepted and safe. This allows patients to experience an emotional escape from the hospital atmosphere."

Play therapy happens weekly in patient rooms or a community space at the hospital. Patient family members can also receive healing therapy in the form of meditation or counseling from ITK Hero therapists.

“All Hero volunteers must complete an orientation to learn techniques for interacting with young patients,” Shay explained. “They also learn person-first language. This is a respectful way to communicate with children who have special needs."

The Heroes program also enhances patient care by promoting emotional well-being, reducing stress, and providing support for families. The DCH staff says it’s an incredible opportunity for volunteers to engage in meaningful service. "I’m so proud of our Hero volunteers,” said Shay. “It's amazing to see their dedication to lifting the spirits of kids. Truly powerful!"

To learn more about ITK, check out the video, A Healing Touch.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the gifts of ITK. Thank you for everything you have given our family. We will never be the same and life looks more beautiful because of you.” – Mother of a teenage patient.

About:

Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK) is dedicated to providing healing touch services to patients and families at DCH. The non-profit organization is funded through grants and donations. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has provided two consecutive grants in support of the Hospital Heroes and the annual Healing Retreat programs.

Tori’s Triumph: A Real Life Cinderella Story

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 09:00:00 -0600

Tori Taylor doesn’t live in a castle. She wasn’t saved by a prince. You won't find a shiny crown atop her head. Nevertheless, some might say she’s a modern day Cinderella. Because, when Tori needed help, an unexpected fairy godmother arrived with a life-changing plan.

Tori’s Story

Unlike many of her peers, Tori didn’t grow up in a loving home. She lacked clean clothes, proper hygiene, and access to nutritious food. “I was sent to school in dirty, poorly-fitting clothing and a packed lunch often containing nothing more than crackers and cheese,” she explained.

To top it off, she was denied opportunities to finish her homework, pursue extra-curricular activities or learn to drive. “My dad and stepmom told me they would kick me out of the house when I turned 18,” she said. “I felt so afraid and alone.”

However, Tori wasn’t alone. Someone was watching.

An Unconventional Fairy Godmother

Michelle Walther, is a site coordinator for Communities In Schools. The national, nonprofit organization gives at risk students the support needed to achieve - both in and out of the classroom.

As a site coordinator at Centerville High School, Michelle noticed something wasn’t right with Tori. One day, she invited her into her office and asked:

“How are you doing?”

A single question led to a series of answers. Michelle learned Tori’s basic needs were not being met. She took immediate action. This included giving Tori clean clothes, opportunities to shower at school, healthy meals, and supplies like notebooks and highlighters to stay organized in class.

“Tori was like many of the kids we work with – so burdened from shortcomings that they can’t concentrate on being a good student,” Michelle explained. “Giving a child someone they can count on to provide for their needs changes their world.”

Tori says the extra help was surprising. “I had never received attention like this!” By the time senior year began, Tori’s life had greatly improved. However, she still had a big concern. “I feared turning 18 because I would be kicked out of my house,” she explained.

Once again, Communities In Schools stepped in to help.

A New Chapter

Michelle connected Tori with Melissa Vance. She warmly took her in. “No child should be forced to the streets just because they reach a certain age,” said Melissa. “Our family was happy to open our home and welcome Tori to be part of it.”

“I had never felt as loved and cared for, as I did then,” said Tori. “I grew up being treated as a burden…never feeling loved and wanted. Becoming part of this family helped me feel like I fit in and was just a normal teenager with a great family.”

Preparing for the Ball (a.k.a. – Prom)

Spring arrived - and with it came the big dance. One day after school, Michelle took Tori shopping for a dress and shoes. The day of prom, she had her hair professionally done.

“In less than a year, I had had gone from dirty, hungry and scared – to happy, loved and on my way to senior prom,” Tori shares.

A Happy Ending

Today, Tori is in her junior year of college, and works in the finance industry. Reflecting on her experience with Communities In Schools, she says she’s overwhelmed with gratitude.

“I don’t know where I would be today without the help of this wonderful organization,” Tori says. “I do know I would not be a part of a loving family, be on my way to a college degree, and have a full-time position in the finance industry. My life now is something I could only have dreamed about before Communities In Schools reached out to help me realize my worth and become the person that I am today.”

With support from State Farm, Communities In Schools is working to build stronger communities and change children’s lives. Tori’s Triumph is just one example of the many children it helps each year.