Important News about Project Together

Through Project Together we have had the privilege to work with hundreds of students, teachers, children, and other community members to include ALL in recreational and social activities. The Pit Crew model has been used in five counties and in over 20 separate school districts all without cost to those districts.

Project Together has touched the lives of so many in our community because of the generous support of the S. June Smith Center donors.  Despite the fact that Project Together is a great program it has never had a reliable source of funding or funding stream. In today’s economic climate sustaining an “unfunded” program is a huge challenge. As state funding for our other programs has decreased, the S. June Smith Center has been forced to shift undesignated donor funds from Project Together to other programs to fill the gap left by the loss of state dollars.  Sadly, we are no longer able to fund programs, like Project Together.

The S. June Smith Center Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to eliminate the staff position associated with Project Together filled by Janiece Seldomridge, Inclusion Coordinator. This decision was reached after careful thought and deliberation. The sole reason for this decision is the financial sustainability of the program and there is no question on our part as to the value of the program or the amazing work of Janiece.

While we are not able to continue to give the level and expertise of staff support for Project Together, we are committed to doing what we can to continue to support existing Pit Crews through the end of the school year by connecting families and educators with other resources.

If you have questions about Project Together please contact Tim Miller at the S. June Smith Center.

Letting Go

As coordinator for Project Together I’ve had and continue to have opportunities to meet some amazing parents and caregivers. Many of these parents, these catalysts for change are ever at the ready to form a workgroup or rally on the stairs of the Capitol.

Why is it then that these same parents often have difficulty supporting their own children? Although there is deep sense of passion when working with groups there is a lack of intimacy, emotional involvement. Hence, I often hear from parents, “I’m too close to the situation.”

Every parent has hopes and dreams for their children. The dreams may have slight variations but they all have the same outcome, their children’s happiness. My role as the coordinator of Project Together then becomes two-fold. Helping parents feel comfortable about accepting the help of others and to support their children in new experiences.

In helping parents, I have learned to help myself. That in itself is the greatest gift of all.

I Love It When A Plan Comes Together

“I love it when a plan comes together.” You could count on George Peppard’s character, Hannibal Smith uttering these words at the end of each episode of the popular 80’s TV hit, The A-Team.

Although The A-Team’s plan came together in less than 60 minutes, it often takes days, months or even years. The plan I’m going to share has taken 4 years, but it’s come together nonetheless.

Project Together, as many of you know, began as a program to foster and support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their community recreation and leisure programs. It was during this time that I had the privilege of attending a Recreation conference dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities. To date, this is one of the best conferences I have attended, not because it was in sunny Palm Springs, but because of the framework. Much of this framework is still a “driving” force in what is now known as Pit Crews.

I learned that in order for Project Together to gain support in the community, to go from concept to implementation, it would need to garner support from everyone, everywhere and that for this to occur each would need to understand when and how this would (positively) impact them.

I have attached the Benefits Approach Model that is still in place today. As you will see, the beneficiaries are 1) students with disabilities; 2) students without disabilities; 3) schools; 4) school districts; 5) counties; 6) state; and lastly 7) economy.

In this process, Project Together has to a degree changed each of these areas. It is the school districts that I focus on today. Pequea Valley School District has been a supporter of Pit Crews for years and today I received the news that has been long-awaited. Rebecca Scheuer, Pequea Valley Guidance Counselor shared with me the following: “One other thing – I have a student who was in Pit Crew who would like to pursue a special ed degree after high school. She is looking for volunteer options for students with disabilities. I directed her to contact you – hope that is ok – I thought you might have some ideas for her.”

After a (very) brief moment of silence, I rejoiced and thought to myself, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

To Pequea Valley School District, Rebecca, her colleagues and her students I send a heartfelt thank you.

Life Comes Full Circle

Years ago I attended a summer institute for inclusion.  It was there that I learned all about Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD).  It’s easy to focus on what’s not working, and truthfully, much of what falls into this category is out of our control.  Focusing my attention on the asset-based model, I learned how to find the good that happens in our communities day and how important it is for the community to claim ownership of change they want to create.

It was during this trip that I met a parent from Lancaster.  Once we returned home we went our separate ways to begin to use the tools we had acquired during our experience. The Lancaster parent used the tools to conduct disability awareness training sessions in the community.  I used the tools to help communities find their capacities and build on them so that they could develop support networks for all members of their community.   More important to allow them to invest in these networks so they can reach a desired outcome.

To my surprise, this week our paths crossed again.  This time it was to combine our efforts to develop a pit crew for
their child.  The parent’s passion to bring awareness to the community has built a sturdy foundation for me to support them and increase/grow their assets and capacities.

Interesting how life has come full circle.

The Yellow Brick Road

This time of year is when I think most about “The Wizard of Oz” and Dorothy’s travels along the Yellow Brick Road.  It is along this journey that Dorothy meets three characters; The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and the Cowardly.  As each character joins the ensemble Dorothy shares with them her dream to return home and without hesitation each becomes a
willing participant in the process to help her meet that goal.

Okay, so you know where this is leading….

When I first meet with a family I talk about the mission of the S. June Smith Center and how Project Together fits within that mission.  I then ask them to tell me about their child’s past and present social experiences and their dreams for
the future.  The dream is always the same….. I want my child to have a friend.

If my child had a friend they would have someone to sit with at the lunch table.  If my child had a friend I would be able to spend some time with my other children.  If my child had a friend others would know him/her by name, not by their disability.  If my child had a friend I would know people care.

In collaboration with other providers, Project Together is paving the Yellow Brick Road for our youth and their families.  And like the adventures of Dorothy and her peers we may encounter obstacles but we will stay the course.  I don’t know for sure, but, I think the risk of encountering flying monkeys is highly improbable.

Wait, there’s more…..

Did you know that there are two Yellow Brick Roads?  The second is for parents.  As children engage in new social opportunities, so must the parents. When parents ask for the support of Project Together staff to help their child build relationships with their peers, they do not always understand that in order to for this to happen, they will learn to trust in others.  Parents can advocate for all types of services but their child making a friend is not one of them.  We can, however, manipulate environments so that when the proper type of support is in place, great things happen. It is indeed an honor for me to have parents put their complete faith and trust in me, in Project Together, and in the S. June Smith Center.

Annual Popcorn Sale

Bargains on school supplies and electronics always mark the unofficial end to Summer and beginning of Fall. September also means popcorn. Yes, soon the neighborhood boy scouts will be knocking on doors in support of their annual fundraising campaign.

If you have a child with disabilities interested in scouting, here are a few things you should know…..

… scouting is a great opportunity for all youth.

…scouting is a year-round activity.

…scout troops are like franchises. Organizations sponsoring troops take ownership and run them as outlined in the Boy Scout Agreement, giving them ample opportunity for community development and partnerships.

…many youth take part in scouting solely for the social interaction.

…that while some scouts complete work for a badge accreditation, some youth may be eligible* for equivalency work based on their individual strengths.

…scouting has a Venture Program. This program is for young adults, male and female ages 14-21.

…scouting is increasing their outreach to include youth with all abilities.

…scouts may be eligible* to receive badge accreditation without a timeline, up to and including Eagle Scout.

…some troops have a uniform loan program so scouts don’t have to buy a uniform.

…the goal of Project Together is to champion for community inclusion and will assist any family and/or troop practicing inclusion.

…there is someone right here in Lancaster eager to help find right troops for youth with varying abilities.

*Eligibility is on a case-by-case basis and any information gathered is for the sole purpose of helping troop leaders meet the needs of all scouts.

Meet Our Partner – Manheim Township Recreation Department

From time to time, we will highlight a community partner so you can 1) learn about their organization and offerings and 2) learn how Project Together supports their mission.  Please meet Harry A. Norton, Recreation Superintendent, CPRP, Manheim Township Recreation Department.

[Janiece Seldomridge]

What types of programming does Manheim Township Parks & Rec offer to the community?

[Harry Norton]

Year-round recreation opportunities for our residents and guests (guided or self-directed!).  Program age ranges from 6 months (aqua babies) to 95 (MT retired citizens group – at least a gentleman at Tuesday’s Sr. Corn Roast told me he was turning 95 today!).  Activities include aquatics (from learn-to-swim lessons to competitive swim teams), fitness range from low intensity (aqua aerobics, Morning Lite aerobics) to high intensity (Zumba and Bfit classes), sports from little kickers soccer to adult sport leagues and open gyms.  Enrichment classes including fine arts, computers, cooking, and informational and hands-on workshops, etc.  Nature Camps, Science Camps and Overlook Day Camp …. kind of a “UR Ideas R’ Us” opportunity.  Facilities allow for public swimming at Overlook and Skyline pools, public roller skating at Overlook Activities Center, bocce courts, horseshoes, disc
golf, sports field rental and independent youth sport group use, Boettcher House Nature Museum and music stage, etc or visiting one of the twp’s 12 parks-pavilions and grills for cookouts, walking paths, playgrounds, recycling of yard waste (Compost Park), waterside access on the Conestoga Creek for canoeing, kayaking & fishing (Perelman Park) and more!!

[Janiece Seldomridge]

How did you get involved with Project Together?

[Harry Norton]

Two coworkers and I attended training sessions offered by the S. June Smith Center in 2004.

[Janiece Seldomridge]

What has been your experience with Project Together?

[Harry Norton]

Very positive, helpful, and valuable.  Actual use of the service has seemed somewhat infrequent on our end, but I know I have not always been aware of the contacts being made independently of our department by our residents directly to Project Together.  There have been times a resident calls and when I tell them about the opportunity and service available through Project Together they let me know they had previously contacted Project Together and that’s why they are comfortable contacting me.

[Janiece Seldomridge]

Would you recommend Project Together to other organizations that seek to include people with disabilities?

[Harry Norton]

Yes!

[Janiece Selomridge]

Why?

[Harry Norton]

Project Together has allowed us to expand our service to a demographic that many community leisure providers consistently have difficulty serving.  MT Rec does not have certified therapeutic recreation providers on staff. Project together provides a valuable and effective service for our staff, our interested participant and their advocate (if applicable) by assessing our activity/facility/process in order to meet the specific needs of participants. A therapeutic/special population/parapro (whatever the most modern update is) professional – in our case YOU ☺- has the tools and experience to support our mission and provide a successful and hopefully rewarding experience to any participant that has an interest.

[Janiece Seldomridge]

Thanks, Harry!

[Harry Norton]

Thank you, Janiece!

Exploration and Discovery

The story that follows recounts my experience with a group of 1st and 2nd graders and their journey of discovery.

I received a call from a local program director seeking the support of Project Together. The task was to offer support to a nature/wildlife program.

In speaking with the group leader I learned that this was not their first time facilitating inclusion. It was their first time, however, working with this age group and developing peer interaction.

Each day I noticed that all the participants were well equipped with the gear that would support them on their journey; hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, etc. They also gathered as a group to learn about the theme of the day. This would be repeated daily throughout the session.

My last day with the group was somewhat bittersweet. This group of would-be explorers gathered to discover the world around them. As I departed I realized that they had discovered much more than even they expected. They discovered that each was a piece of a puzzle and that all would need to fit together to see the big picture.

Some may read this and wonder why there is no mention of disability, degree of need or identified goals. Does it really matter? Indeed, there was discussion beforehand about outcomes for the camper and the program. Would they achieve these outcomes without a support network? Probably so, but it would take a long time. By establishing an equal partnership among community recreational programs, competent leaders and awesome kids, we were able to achieve these outcomes in… three days.

Ephrata High School Pit Crew Graduates

Many of you know Tim Hubach of Ephrata and the story of his Pit Crew.  If you are new to Pit Crews, view the links below to follow their journey.  Please join me in congratulating Tim and his Pit Crew and Ephrata Area School District!  Recently, Tim’s parents sent me the following message:

Attached is a picture of him and his Pit Crew two days before graduation. (Plus a few graduation pictures with Pit Crew friends…) He wanted to get them all together to celebrate, so he got the phone numbers, he made the phone calls, he organized the event and they all attended! They went out to Pizza Hut for pizza and then came back to the house to hang out and play X-Box, have a fire in the fire pit, and make homemade ice cream. They all had a great time… I thought the coolest thing was that the goal was achieved… Tim learned how to organize a social event himself…which was really neat.

 Thanks for all your work on this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0ZxuIyyaWs

http://www.sjunesmith.com/documents/EASDPitCrewPressRelease-Mar2008.pdf

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/intelligencer-journal-lancaster-new-era-combined-saturday-edition/mi_8130/is_20080416/pit-crew-helping-ephrata-teen/ai_n52850248/

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/354533_Ephrata-High-School-cheers-its-MVP.html

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Visit  www.sjunesmith.com for more information about Project Together and other services offered by the S. June Smith Center.

Pit Crew page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/SJSC_PitCrews/167010196705536

Welcome to Project Together’s Blog!

Welcome to the official blog of Project Together! I chose WordPress as my host because I want you to have the capability to follow from any location and with any device. WordPress has free apps for iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android, Blackberry, Windows 7 and Nokia operating systems.

I look forward to sharing information with everyone and answering any questions regarding the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their community.