Marillac's Monthly Highlights - August 5, 2011
August 5, 2011
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Early Childhood
In the Early Childhood Program the pre- schoolers went on a trip to the Peggy Notebaert Museum, where they were especially excited to see the butterflies and the exhibits that featured animals. Because of the intense warm weather several trips were cancelled and inside activities were done.
School Age
Seven lucky School-Age children, picked for positive attitudes, attended a week-long sports camp at Loras College. The children participated in basketball, track and field, gymnastics, swimming, soccer and many other activities. Charmaine, Shavyah, and Nataja, 3 of the children who participated, agreed that it was both wonderful and exhausting. They loved meeting new people, participating in fun activities, being on a college campus and riding on a coach bus. An anonymous donor has been giving scholarships to Marillac’s children for over 15 years.
The School Age children and members of Hope Junior had a wonderful time attending a live performance of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at the Apollo Theatre. The children were thrilled to be able to attend live theater.
The School age children in room 15 have had quite a summer between trips, fashion shows and other activities. They have made some beautiful scrap books that feature the awards they have earned this Summer. They had a special ceremony last week in which they received awards for participation, good sportsmanship, positive attitude, etc.
After School Matters
The After School Matters teens have been working all summer on their production of Zoo Man and the Sign. This is an emotional play that shows the sorrow of a mother, father, son, and extended family after their 10 year old daughter is shot and killed while sitting on their porch. The father cannot believe that nobody in the neighborhood saw what happened. He puts up a sign asking for help and it just angers people. It turns out that a 15 year old boy did the killing. This is a powerful play for our teens, and triggered strong emotions in the performers.
The teens participated in all levels of the production: set decorations, costumes, stage management, choreography, dancing, singing, writing and performing. The 30 teens rose to the challenge of producing a play that hits close to home for many of them. It was gratifying to have such a large audience of families to cheer the performers on.
Hope Junior
Five hope junior children had an overnight at Rustic falls last weekend. Deanna, Mrs. Grant, LaToya and Jalesa gave the children a night and day ofhiking, swimming, basketball, fishing, ghost stories and delicious meals. Everyone had a great time. One little boy, Marque exclaimed that “it was the best time ever. I got the MVP award for being the best camper.” These experiences build self confidence and leadership skills. They allow the children to be outside participating in safe activities, creating bonds of friendship and community.
The DePaul Men’s Basketball team recently visited Marillac. The Hope Junior and older School -Age children, along with day campers from the Chicago Park District, spent the afternoon at Altgeld Park playing in clinics with the players. There was some very intensive basketball. The team members were great with the kids. They all came back to Marillac afterward and shared pizza and pop. Our kids are looking forward to attending a game this fall.
On Monday July 25, the Hope Junior children and teens went on a tour of Chicago on a Double Decker bus. The bus picked them up at Marillac which caused quite a stir in the neighborhood. This was something that everyone was excited about including staff who participated. They talked about it all week. Several parents commented on how excited their children were after this trip.
Six teens who grew up in Hope Junior, worked as interns this summer with 65 Hope Junior children. Two high school sophomores served as CIT (Counselors in Training), the others are in college. It was impressive to see how responsible, patient, committed and creative they were in working with the kids this summer. We are very proud of what great young adults they are becoming.
Project Hope
This summer Project Hope has been having small group activities to encourage parent/child bonding and interaction. Last week they went to Martin Luther King skating rink and had a wonderful time. The young moms are looking forward to an overnight retreat next week at Rustic Falls camp. They are excited to be able to leave their babies with family members so that they can get away to and have some time for themselves.
Seniors
The Take Charge seniors enjoyed a day of pampering at a spa day. The seniors have been having an enjoyable summer with special trips.
Intern Updates
Erin Moran, a Notre Dame AmeriCorp intern, finished her year of service at Marillac. In the fall she is going to graduate school to become a social worker. We are grateful to Erin for all her hard work and dedication.
