volunteering

Sharing Animal Wisdom with Young Girls at Horizons4Girls

Posted by Barbara Techel

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Horizons4Girls….“at promise”, not at risk… and we inspire their internal promise to fulfill their academic and personal goals.”

I love that they say promote “at promise” instead of the negative picture “at risk” can paint, thus labeling these young ladies who can benefit greatly from a listening ear and inspiration from others.

It is my hope that is what Miss Gidget and I were able to do for them yesterday– inspire them and know they are not alone in their feelings and worries — that we all go through tough times and periods of doubt about who we are.

We volunteered an hour of our time as I shared a series of photos of the dogs I’ve had in my life — each one having taught me different lessons — and I shared those teachings with the special young ladies that were present Tuesday afternoon.

As I shared with them, we all learn in different ways — different lessons about life, and that I happened to learn some of my most valuable lessons from my animal companion friends.

One of the most personal stories I shared with them was how Frankie helped me to move past the shame I carried for years (into my 40s) the stigma I felt for never having the maternal instinct to want children of my own. I recalled one of the first times after visiting a school full of kids with Frankie, sharing with them her story of being in a wheelchair and persevering.

When I got out to my car after the presentation for the school kids, I cried. It was a joyful cry because in that moment I realized had I been a mom to my own kids, I may not have been able to do the work I was doing with Frankie at that time. I was meant to be a mentor in a special way to many kids because of my work with Frankie.

It is my hope by sharing that story that they will follow what is right for their hearts and not worry about what society may say they “should” do as they grow into young adults.

It was a delight to hear some of the girls share stories of their own pets (and photos!) and lessons they’ve learned from them. It was also a wonderful way in which to share a special connection between all of us and our animal friends.

Next Saturday, Gidget and I will be volunteering with the girls helping deliver cookies to the residents at an area nursing home. We will be going from room to room to bring joy and love to many which I’m really looking forward to.

There is still time to sponsor a dozen (or more) cookies if you’d like to help us reach our goal. We are almost there!  All you have to do is go to Horizons4Girls support page by clicking HERE. Scroll down and on the left hand side you will see Gidget’s sweet face and that is where you can sponsor cookies.  Thanks for considering!

Gidget and Horizons4Girls to Deliver Holiday Cookies to Nursing Home. Will You Consider Being a Cookie Sponsor?

Posted by Barbara Techel

giGidget here! I’ve taken over the blog today because I have something very exciting to share with you!

On Saturday, December 13th I will be volunteering with Horizons4Girls to help deliver lots of yummy Christmas cookies to the residents at Rocky Knoll (long term nursing home care).

Can you just imagine how the residents faces will light up when they see all these special young ladies, and one adorable dog, delivering delicious cookies just for them?  It makes my heart flutter so fast in my little chest just thinking about it. I have a feeling all our hearts will expand even bigger after this super special mission is accomplished.

Would you like to help us? It’s really easy to do so just by sponsoring one or more dozen decorated or plain cut-out cookies. So how do you do that you ask?  Well, it’s really simple.  Just click here. Once on this page, scroll half way down the page and on the left hand side you will see yours truly, ME, and a drop down menu to choose how many and which kind you’d like to sponsor.

What will you get in return?  A big warm fuzzy heart and I’ll be sure to post a photo or two of me accomplishing this special mission.

From little ol’ me I say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for consideration of helping me with this special cause this holiday season!

PS:  A special thank you to Gizmo who has handed the torch over to me and thank you for all you did last year in making this day so special for the residents at Rocky Knoll.

Okay, I’m jumping off the computer now and letting mom take over again as I head to my pink bed for a little nap. This blogging is exhausting work!

Setting Sail For New Horizons and a New Volunteer/Mentoring Opportunity

Posted by Barbara Techel

2014-06-08 16.26.47In April I had the opportunity to sit down with some of the young ladies and staff that make up Horizons4Girls, which is a non-profit organization in our area “helping young women navigate life’s road map.”

Their mission statement:  “Horizons4Girls works to help young women discover, in a safe setting, the options they have as they travel through life. Horizons provides a listening ear while working to stop at-risk behaviors. Horizons, while working with family, teachers, social workers and others, works to surround the student with a supportive and safe setting to fully develop necessary life skills as they continue into their adulthood.”

During our time together I shared with them my story which has led me to where I am today. We discussed everything from body image, worrying what others think of our choices, writing, judgement and following your heart. Gidget made a special appearance with me that day also and we talked about her disc disease, sharing with them that it does not define her.

Horizons4Girls helps these young ladies through staff and volunteer mentors with life skills, incorporating creativity in a variety of expressions, as well as involving them in community services.

A few weeks ago, Linda, who is on the Board of Directors, asked me if I’d consider being a volunteer/mentor. I have to say that I was quite honored, but I must also admit that I was nervous. Do I have what it takes to make a positive impact on these young ladies? It feels like a big responsibility.

But I was open to learning more, so I met with Founder, Char and Linda last week. They shared a few heartwarming stories of how the organization is making a difference in many young lives. I was even brought to tears from one of the stories.  While I didn’t make my decision that day, as I said I needed a day to think about it, I drove home knowing 99% I want to give this a try.

I’ve agreed to volunteer once a month for the next 6-12 months. A part of me is still nervous, but I’m also excited about this new opportunity. This, for me, is a sign that I want to try and see where it may lead. While yes, I am still nervous, I’m looking forward to my training Friday afternoon.

As I’ve shared on my blog before, I’ve been a part of a women’s group for the last 16-weeks called “Unwrapping the True Self” which has been so beneficial for my continued growth. Often during the discussions we have, I think of young women trying to make their way in the world today and how so much of what we learn in this setting could help them. So I hope to take what I’ve learned (and am continuing to learn), and be a positive example for Horizons4Girls and living from your true authentic self.

My first role this Thursday evening is helping plan a one day retreat for the girls, with Linda, and a life coach from the area, who has also volunteered her time.  So here we go!