| First I want to begin starting off by saying how happy we are about our first and foremost WINGS newsletter. Nothing’s more exciting, to let others know about how great of a Mother-Baby program we have. Here at WINGS, we comply with a 16- hour structured schedule. From waking up at 6:00 am, preparing for our day, to taking our children to our on-campus daycare, to leaving off-campus to school. Arriving back in the mid-afternoon, attending our three most important groups, which are, Behavior, Core, and Parenting/Independent Living group, to Mommy & Me, to I.C.P work hour, to eating dinner. Finally to socializing/ activity time, and then to bed at 9:00pm. Also, here at WINGS we work together to shape ourselves and our children’s future that consist of prosocial values, such as showing care and concern, respecting each other, following the rules, etc. |
Well what a year. It has truly been a year of growth, learning and new experiences. New staff, new Board Members and programming have changed now that we have entered into our 5th year of service. Partnership with The Texas Youth Commission gives the WINGS For Life program the opportunity to work with troubled girls and assist them in becoming better mothers and citizens. Having a licensed Daycare center on site adds a beautiful addition to a ranch like environment. Toddler’s laughter can be heard from office to office as they run and play. But challenges still exist when you join 14 at risk young women together with their babies from all over the state of Texas. I am thankful for the dedicated staff willing to put in a full days work….and I do mean full. Having this newsletter is a wonderful way to show the many talents these young women have. I am proud of the hard work the residents have put into making this an informative newsletter, and hopeful that this new found writing and editing experience will spark a desire to use their creativity in more productive ways. Congratulations on the first of many issues to come. Let your words be an inspiration to all who read. I am very proud of you all. |
| Spring has sprung!!! Here in Texas, mornings are cool, but look out for the rest of the day! The days are mostly hot & humid. Take advantage of the cool mornings and evenings by taking your little one on a nature walk. Before you leave to go on the walk, take about a four-inch piece of masking tape to put around your child’s wrist and a larger piece for your wrist. Talk about the things you see (such as leaves, wild flowers, sticks. etc.) and stick them to the masking tape. This way you can bring them home and make a beautiful collage with the items later. This is a practical idea that doesn’t cost anything and at the same time it allows you to spend quality time with your child. |
(Special Events) Month of May Special Events… ¨ May 1st -Kendra and Crystal graduated from Wings!!! We wish them and there kid good luck. ¨ May 20- Open House people from the community came receive a tour of the program and some students perform a human video. ¨ May 30th- Memorial Day (our kids and we were aloud to get wet, play in the pools, listen to music and they had a cook out). ¨ May 31st- Christinia and Meagan graduated from Nancy Ney Charter School. The girls had a great time and this leads them to a great start with there future. Month of June Special Events… ¨ June 19th-Father’s Day for our most favored male staff, Mr. Mark and Mr. Scott, where all of us, girls, cooked out and showered them with gifts on their special day. |
| First off, I would like to welcome you, that are reading this article, and that I am pleased to introduce you to the 3 new arrivals that have joined us, here at the, WINGS program. Ms. Naomi S. In the Middle of May Direct Care Staff-Late Night Ms. Naomi is a hard worker, who has, since she has been here, has contriuibe to the program with her good sense of humor, warmth, and understanding to the girls in times of need. So, out of curiosity, we interviewed Ms. Naomi and asked her why she chose to come to WINGS and this is what she said…. ‘…. I felt that my help was needed here and I wanted to help change young girls lives….” Sulema R. Arrived May 11th She has a 2 year old daughter, that she named Heaven Why Sulema chose to come to WINGS, from what she states, is because…. “ because I wanted to make a better life for my child than I did…” Kara T. Arrived on June 12th She has an 8 month old daughter, that she named Kyle Why Kara chose to come to WINGS, from what she states, is because… “the reason why I chose to part of the WINGS program is that I want to build a stronger bond with my daughter, learn good mothering skills and to get out of Victoria [laughs]…” So, as new members at the WINGS for Life program, we all would like to say “WELCOME ABOARD!!!” |
· Elisa & Egypt- Room # 7 I want to congratulate, the mother, Elisa, for her outstanding pick of colors, best organized border, and eye-catching variety theme. Furthermore, I decided to ask her why she decorated her room the way she did… And she stated, “…the reason why I chose to decorate my room with different themes, such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, the Peanut gang, etc., was because I knew I wasn’t going to have my baby out in the free and bring her home to a room filled with color, so I decided to turn my room into a nursery for my baby…” |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR… Sorry, but there are no June birthdays here at WINGS. But Happy Birthday to everyone who has June birthdays. Congrats, Ladies!!! We know that you were chosen for that particular award, not only because you have earned it, but also because you have shown leadership in all that you do, you contribute to the program the best way you can, and you are always helping someone in need regardless of the circumstances. So, keep up the good work!!!! House Leader- Christinia H. Dorm Leader- Tiffany C. Staff of the Month- Ms.Suzy De La Fruntaz Most-Improved Mother of the Month- Kendra W. Mother of the Month- Bianca C. |
This month of the WINGS Waddler, I’ve chosen two of my most favorite recipes to share with you. They are Banana Berry Smoothie and Lizard Skins. To Make Banana Berry Smoothie, you need: · 1 ½ cups of Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt · 1 cup fresh berries [strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries] · 2 bananas, peeled and frozen Put in blender; process all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately. To Make Lizard Skins, you need: · 1 ½ cups of Peanut Butter · 12 oz. Marshmallows · 2-4 drops of Green Food Coloring · 4 cups of Crispy Rice Cereal, Cornflakes, or Oat Ring Cereals · 16 Raisins Melt Peanut Butter & Marshmallows in a large saucepan, over low heat. Mix in food coloring. Pour in cereals and stir quickly. Spread cereal mix into a greased 8x8-inches baking pan. Cover and cool in refrigerator. Cut cereal mixture into 8 long strips. Then cut Strips in half to make 16 strips, 1x4 inches each. Cut raisins in half and stick 2 halves on one end of each strip to make lizard eyes. ENJOY YA’LL!!! |
| On the Duckling’s Wish List, we are all hoping for in this month’s issue is the following items for: Rocking Chairs Toy Boxes Outdoor Play Equipment All Types of Toys Portable Cribs Walkers/Strollers High Chairs Educational Videos Resting/Napping Mats Baby/ Children’s Clothes Play Pens/Play Yard Art Supplies Toddler Cups Bottles Bibs Diapers (newborn to pull-ups) Nevertheless, if you or you know anyone who would like to donate the following items or have questions of donating other things that are not on our wish list, please contact: Ms. Lisa Williams, Executive Director OR Ms. Mary Gutierrez, Business Manager (830) 420-3777 |
Here at the WINGS, our girls need mentors for a support system. Some of us don’t have a family or anyone to support us and we feel alone. But by you and the people out in the community volunteering their time to spend their days with us, would mean a great deal of happiness to us. Being a mentor requires----- § A minimum of 1-hour visit a month, but arrangements can be made to come more often, if you may wish. § Passing a minimal background screen Or, you can volunteer to do groups such as, do arts and crafts, sewing class, planting, self esteem group, planting and prepare us for the community groups. These kinds of groups can help us learn more. For more information or any questions you may have, please contact--- Ms. Lisa Williams, Executive Director (830) 420-3777 |
| To the Mentors and Volunteers that take their time out of their busy schedule to help and support us. The Board Members of WINGS For Life To the Donors who have contributed to the program to give us better things. To Nancy Ney for giving us the education that we need to be successful and have a bright future To all the churches for your support and contributing to the program, as well. And to all the others, I did not mention but we thank you for all that you do to help and support us. |
Newsletter Editor…. Mary Cuellar Newsletter Co-Editor….Melissa Harvey Student Editor….Elisa Cardenas Photographer….Elisa Cardenas/Alice Dickenson DuckTales by….Elisa Cardenas From The Director’s Desk by….Lisa Williams The Waddler’s Corner by….Mary Cuellar Cross-Walk Events by….Christina Hicks Something To Quack About by….Alice Dickenson The Mother’s Pond by….Alice Dickenson Daily Delights by….Elisa Cardenas The Quacking Birthday Board by….Megan Barnett Soaring Ahead by….Alice Dickenson The Duckling’s Wish List by….Megan Barnett Put Us Under Your Wing by….Megan Barnett Thanking You by….Wings For Life |