Did you know? Many of the children in our residential programs call Wayfinder home during the holiday season. Thanks to your support, our young residents can enjoy these special Wayfinder moments:
A Gift from Santa
Just two days before Christmas, 5-year-old Sharon was removed from her home due to extreme neglect and placed in The Cottage, our temporary shelter care program. As she looked around The Cottage, decorated with festive holiday lights and pictures, Sharon wondered out loud if Santa would finally bring her a gift this year. On Christmas Eve, volunteers delivered wrapped gifts to The Cottage for all the children. The next day, Sharon unwrapped her first ever gift from Santa—a backpack filled with toys and clothes.
A Special Meal
Damian lives in our Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and has been working hard to manage his diabetes and other health challenges. Last Thanksgiving, he volunteered to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal for staff and residents. Thanks to a gift card from a generous donor, he and staff went to the grocery store to pick up healthy ingredients. Damien applied what he had learned from Wayfinder’s medical staff about healthy food choices and proudly served a delicious, well-balanced Thanksgiving meal.
A Holiday Adventure
Lila is a resident in one of Wayfinder’s group homes. She has multiple disabilities and needs 24-hour care. She is blind and speaks only a few words but has a contagious laugh. Last year, staff and residents from the group homes took a “field trip” to Wayfinder’s annual Holiday Carnival. Lila spent hours in the sensory room that volunteers had created, enjoying the tactile activities and musical instruments. She smiled and sang all the way home.
Thank you for your support during this holiday season!
November 19, 2019