Be the Match for #TeamNancy

Years ago when I was the executive director of a residential treatment center in Massachusetts, a former resident came by one evening to check in and catch up. As we sat there talking, he asked about a number of his favorite staff members, cottage counselors, and teachers who had left an impression on him. The visit 20 years ago taught me the greatest impact that we have on the children and youth we serve is through a caring staff. This young man could not tell me about the treatment modality he benefited from but could tell me the names of his favorite staff and recount the countless ways they touched his life.

At Hillsides we are so fortunate to have many staff who have been loyal to the organization for decades. Their commitment to our mission and those we serve is the foundation of our success.  Likewise, the support we give to fellow staff is just as important.  From maintenance, residential treatment and community-based services, to education and administration, staff members provide an indispensable source of support for their peers.

Many staff know one another’s spouses, children and even pets. In such an environment, when happiness and joy touches one person’s life, everyone celebrates.   When hardship and tragedy strike, all pitch in and give support.

Nancy Garni with her husband, Mike Seltzer

Hardship struck one of our senior staff members at Christmas this past year when Nancy Garni, our esteemed chief advancement officer, was diagnosed with leukemia. A routine physical turned into an ordeal that has seen her in and out of City of Hope since January.  Although undergoing continued treatment for leukemia, she is in desperate need of a donor for a blood stem cell transplant. For those of us who work alongside Nancy, appreciate her competence and expertise, and recognize her unwavering commitment to the children and youth we serve, there is nothing we wouldn’t do to see Nancy through this ordeal.

As the result of the initiative of one of our former board members, Mark Mertens, #TeamNancy campaign has been created to help identify a stem cell donor for her. The extraordinary people at City of Hope have teamed up with the Hillsides community to conduct a donor drive. The cost of screening will be underwritten by friends of Nancy so no one should be deterred because of the cost. You can contact Raquel Amezquita of City of Hope directly at 626-251-6258 or please consider being the match by learning more. We’ll be hosting a Be The Match drive at Hillsides Support Services very soon so stay updated by visiting our #TeamNancy page. Join us as we acknowledge Nancy’s commitment to the children, youth, and families we serve and help us to support such an extraordinary member of our staff and community. Join #TeamNancy!

Hermit Crabs and the Season of Giving

As I walked out of the Children's Resource Center the other day, I ran into one of our residents, who was meeting with his therapist, when he asked to see me. Not wanting to disrupt his conversation with his therapist, I suggested I would see him later. He asked when and suggested that I stop by the cottage later that afternoon--how could I say no! So at the appointed time I went over to the cottage and found him enjoying ice cream, his afternoon snack. There really wasn't anything urgent he wanted to discuss, he just appreciated that I would check in on him.

As we visited for a bit, he mentioned that he had a pet hermit crab. He could see my amazement and curiosity about this peculiar pet and offered to show it to me. Sure enough in a well-cared glass container was not just one but two hermit crabs burrowing into the packed soil flooring looking for "treats." This young boy knew more about hermit crabs than I could ever imagine anyone would ever want to know and he was thrilled to be able to share his love for his pets with me.

Sometimes it doesn't take much to let a child know how important they are. It is our time, attention, and ultimately our consistency that helps a child who is leery of adults, once again, begin to trust. Helping a child trust again is a priceless gift and perhaps the greatest one we can offer here at Hillsides.

As much as this time of year is taken up with holiday related activities, it is also a time when we prepare gifts for those dear to us--gifts that convey our affection and commitment. As we celebrate with family, friends, and colleagues, we also remember those who for whatever reason are not as fortunate and extend our gift giving to include them. Each year Hillsides reaches out to the community to solicit your assistance to help make the holidays memorable for all the children, youth, and families we serve. Please consider helping us.

Recently, a board member encouraged all our board members to identify a child, youth or family to adopt during the holidays. She shared with fellow board members her experience with a family she adopted one year and how the simplest gifts offered to this family were not only gratefully acknowledged, but had a profound impact on her, making the holiday even more memorable.

 
Whether it's a toy, clothing item, gift certificate or cash donation, everything helps to make this season truly memorable. All your efforts for those we serve go a long way to restoring hope and building trust. Never underestimate what your gift can accomplish.