Kids have the power to do good.
This season of giving proved to be an opportune time to share several important lessons at Children’s Therapy TEAM’s Fayetteville OT Clinic. One, you have to understand the need before you jump in to try to help. Two, disability does not have to limit one’s power to do good. They are simple and beautiful lessons that TEAM kids can carry with them their entire lives.
How do we meet the needs of our community?
When asked this question, TEAM kids shared lots of ideas. After much thought, conversation and deliberation, several children suggested that a call could be made to the local homeless shelter to ask what was needed and how they could help. Finally, the phone call happened and wheels were set in motion.
The children learned the shelter could benefit from delivery of prepared foods and holiday cheer. They went to work planning shopping lists, gathering recipes, preparing the food, and designing home-made cards.
Targeting therapy goals… with extra motivation!
Occupational therapists often help children acquire self-help skills, hand-eye coordination, writing skills, and home management skills, so the homeless shelter project was a great fit for addressing several therapy goals. The fact that the children’s hard work had a powerful, other-center purpose added extra motivation.
Teamwork.
Whenever there is a need, Children’s Therapy TEAM therapists have a reputation for going the extra mile to offer support. When reflecting on the contributions of her colleagues, TEAM OT Whitney Garrison shared, “They were ready to help! The whole Fayetteville OT TEAM trusted in the process and worked together with their clients to meet goals and to meet the needs of our community. It was a small idea that came together in a big way.”
Finally, on delivery day, little Sydney, a TEAM child with down syndrome, joined Whitney’s family in gathering the food and cards that were so meticulously prepared by TEAM kids and headed to the homeless shelter.
“When I turned around to help Sydney down the stairs (after making the delivery in the shelter kitchen), she wasn’t there. She was still standing in the kitchen talking to everyone. I think she loved it!” – Sydney’s Mom