Leadership Material

Connecting with Veterans

The children of the PODER After School Program in Allen Woods Homes were treated with a special guest on Tuesday. Sergeant Carlos Lujan served in the U.S. Marines Reserves for six years and toured Iraq for a year. He visited the children to talk to them about Veteran's Day and some history about the Marines. The children were welcoming to the veteran. Pictured above is Sgt. Lujan and the children. As one child puts it, "if you love your country, thank a vet!"

Before Veteran's Day weekend, the children made cards and letters to honor veterans.  On Friday, some of their cards were hand delivered to veterans that live in Allen Woods Homes. The rest were given to the VFW San Marcos Chapter where they were distributed prior to the Veterans Day Parade. Pictured above and to the left are some recipients of these cards. One veteran said, "I've been going through a lot lately, but receiving this card really made my day. These children really made my day." A small letter truly help bridge a large gap between two generations.

 

 

 

 

Volunteers Step Up

Our children weren't the only ones showing leadership material this week! Social Work volunteers that work with the PODER After School Program were asked to do a special extra assignment: created and managed the short activity for the day as well as homework time. Volunteers Julia, Susana, and Amanda didn't want to do the boring hand turkeys. Instead, they made templates of a turkey and feathers. On each feather, the children were able to write what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving. The children then glued their feathers and decorated their turkey to their liking. The children got very creative! Next, the volunteers assigned themselves and other volunteers to work with specific children to get that one-on-one tutoring experience. Great job girls on working together as a team and implementing the schedule! Giving our volunteers the freedom to get creative and the responsibilities to lead help make our after school program a success!     



 

VOLUNTEER PAGE TESTIMONIALS SOON TO BE ON OUR BLOG!