Episode in which Maddigan wanders through life while working A LOT. And rambles on about it.
Times, they are a'changing at work. Many who are nifty and devoted enough know that I work in psychiatric residential care for kids; a group home for some pretty special kids. (I'd really love to post some of the Christmas pictures, as they are adorable, but privacy violations and all...)
To quote from our website :
We are more than just a place. We offer a broad range of services to help children and families at home, in schools, and in the community. When abused, neglected, and troubled youth require more comprehensive care than their family or school can provide, our Intensive Services help children and teens to heal and reconnect with a safe, loving family whenever possible.
I've worked with the little ones for awhile, but in the desperate attempt to stay afloat in a political environment that seeks to take more and more away from social services and mental health, we've been forced to adapt in order to stay afloat (many other organizations of our type have closed down due to lack of funds). We have now integrated teens into our cottage, which is a huge shift for all, and for sure a source of many difficult (but hopefully rewarding overall) days to come.
On the brighter side, we've started making a clear effort to increase positive programming opportunities on campus; more sports, more crafts, more community outings, more classes in an effort to provide an enriching environment as opposed to just a containing one.
I've personally decided to indulge my Jewish grandmother side and create a knitting group. I've posted this in a few places, but here yet again:
Some of my little guys have started asking me about learning to knit/crochet (fantastic for kids, especially ones with these issues; developing fine motor skills, focus, etc. as we all know). So now I'm trying to start up a weekly knitting/crochet group for them, learning how, working on projects together which they're getting excited about.
But as a non-profit, our budget is super tight, so I'm trying to get as much of this donated or as cheap as possible. Does anyone know of any resources (people or companies on this site or elsewhere) that would help, maybe donate or reduce plastic kneedles or cheap yarn? It's tax deductible, etc.
(And hey, why not use my naked awesomeness as a vehicle to aid a kickass non-profit?
)
Aaaaaand, in other news:
I'm enjoying my new home life. I live with two other queer identified, sex positive, smoking/drinking, work-out enthusiasts. It's two other mes! Except for the artist part on their end, but I get to benefit from the awesome pieces around the house. Also making me happy right now is my landlord's penchant for cooking, which means that shortly I will be enjoying yummy cauliflower soup. Yey for the basic comforts.
Times, they are a'changing at work. Many who are nifty and devoted enough know that I work in psychiatric residential care for kids; a group home for some pretty special kids. (I'd really love to post some of the Christmas pictures, as they are adorable, but privacy violations and all...)
To quote from our website :
We are more than just a place. We offer a broad range of services to help children and families at home, in schools, and in the community. When abused, neglected, and troubled youth require more comprehensive care than their family or school can provide, our Intensive Services help children and teens to heal and reconnect with a safe, loving family whenever possible.
I've worked with the little ones for awhile, but in the desperate attempt to stay afloat in a political environment that seeks to take more and more away from social services and mental health, we've been forced to adapt in order to stay afloat (many other organizations of our type have closed down due to lack of funds). We have now integrated teens into our cottage, which is a huge shift for all, and for sure a source of many difficult (but hopefully rewarding overall) days to come.
On the brighter side, we've started making a clear effort to increase positive programming opportunities on campus; more sports, more crafts, more community outings, more classes in an effort to provide an enriching environment as opposed to just a containing one.
I've personally decided to indulge my Jewish grandmother side and create a knitting group. I've posted this in a few places, but here yet again:
Some of my little guys have started asking me about learning to knit/crochet (fantastic for kids, especially ones with these issues; developing fine motor skills, focus, etc. as we all know). So now I'm trying to start up a weekly knitting/crochet group for them, learning how, working on projects together which they're getting excited about.
But as a non-profit, our budget is super tight, so I'm trying to get as much of this donated or as cheap as possible. Does anyone know of any resources (people or companies on this site or elsewhere) that would help, maybe donate or reduce plastic kneedles or cheap yarn? It's tax deductible, etc.
(And hey, why not use my naked awesomeness as a vehicle to aid a kickass non-profit?
)
Aaaaaand, in other news:
I'm enjoying my new home life. I live with two other queer identified, sex positive, smoking/drinking, work-out enthusiasts. It's two other mes! Except for the artist part on their end, but I get to benefit from the awesome pieces around the house. Also making me happy right now is my landlord's penchant for cooking, which means that shortly I will be enjoying yummy cauliflower soup. Yey for the basic comforts.
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
The Waldorf Schools use it to teach counting, addition/
subtraction to the K through 3 levels.
Chop-sticks can be bought by the dozen quite cheaply
and work until true knitting needles can be lined up.
Maybe in trade for helping out at sheareing time
a sheep or alpaca farm might give up some wool.
The 4-H might be a resource to tap.
Dollar Store or other discounted surplus store might
yield yarn or other fibers to use.
Good luck.