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Reaching Out
Old Dogs Learning New Tricks"
Home Management Resources was founded on the belief that people can, and will change if given sufficient reason to do so, and if they are supported in their efforts to change. The adage, "Each of us only does what we want to do," is an apt description for most human behavior, in both positive and negative terms. People change their behavior when they change their minds about what they value.
It is a fact that the pattern of life in the home during formative years influences our attitudes and behaviors as adults. Use of money, food choices, response to stress, and our self concepts are largely formed through family life interactions. Many of our habits as adults stem from the patterning we received during our formative years. But as adults we must accept personal responsibility for our behavior and attitudes if we want to change and experience a healthy and rewarding quality of life. Blaming parents for our problems is not only unproductive, it's unhealthy! Or claiming that heredity and genetics are to blame for ailments such as depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, cancer and heart disease will do nothing to eliminate conditions brought on by atrocious dietary and lifestyle habits. We know today, that changes in diet and lifestyle can prevent or reverse these conditions.If you are asking yourself any of these questions you might be ready for the Career Path For Women course which begins September 4, 2001 and runs for twelve weeks every Tuesday morning. Mary Jo Black, President of Career Solutions, Inc., will help you develop a plan to discover where you want to go and how to get there. In this class you will:
Which brings us to health and lifestyle issues addressed in the Let's Get Healthy seminar. Are these changes easy? Not on your life! Old habits of thinking and behavior are hard to change until the results of our new habits produce increased vitality, energy and health. What had seemed very difficult at the outset becomes easy compared to the suffering of past ailments and the chronic fatigue that accompanied them.
The scenario of change that is going on in Let's Get Healthy is worth noting. Having completed six of the twelve weeks, their comments are insightful. "I always felt guilty taking time for myself-like it was selfish-but now I realize that with poor health as a result, it was far more selfish not to take care of myself." A grandmother of 17 grandchildren said, "I have always felt that I had to solve everyone's problems. I never took time for myself. I now eat better, exercise, and take a daily quiet time." Another mother of six said, "I realized that I always put myself lowest on the totem pole. I'm changing that and taking care of myself. Now I watch what I eat, drink water instead of soft drinks; I breathe deeply; walk every day. Sometimes it's hard, because I don't want my family to think that I'm neglecting them, but I realize that I need more exercise and balance in my life, and it's up to me to put it in." Most participants say the biggest change since they began the class is that they think about what they're eating, and its effect on their health. One woman whose mother, father and brother had died by age 53 said, "I want to do something different with my life; I want to go on living, and I want to be healthy." One of the men in the class described his past athletic abilities, and his desire to shed excess weight and return to a more active life. "I'm tired of feeling sluggish; huffing and puffing all the time. I've made a decision to change the way I take care of myself."
Once again, we see that "Old Dogs" can learn new tricks! Let's Get Healthy participants are gaining new understanding of their role in determining their health and stamina. People in this class have lowered their stress levels; lost weight; reduced their blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels; increased their fresh foods, physical activity, vigor, and quality of life. It began with a change of mind about what they really want. With mutual support and the power of new knowledge about their situation, they're in a place to begin life changes that are permanent.
Homeland Defense of our Greatest Treasure: Our Children
Gwenyth M. DeLee
Fear has become the operative word that threatens to disable us as a people. Fear of anthrax and smallpox. Fear of another catastrophic attack possibly from hidden terrorists who dwell among us. Fear of Muslims, Islam, fear of the unknown. Fear of deprivation, death, economic uncertainty and collapse. We fear that our unpreparedness has left us dangerously vulnerable to devastating ruin.
And yet as Americans with a uniquely invincible claim to strength through democracy, we unflinchingly adhere to our constitutional edict that affords every citizen the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's amazing how lackadaisical Americans can become when times are easy and prosperity is everywhere. But let anyone or any foreign country challenge us with a genuine threat to our way of life, and we become instantly unified in our ferocious protection of these rights. We're an unlikely amalgamation of immigrants, wildly diverse in our customs and life-styles, yet when challenged, fiercely proud of our melting-pot diversity.
As we adjust to our new terrorist-induced homeland scenario and high security environment, Americans have shown their characteristic courage and resolve as we've stepped to the forefront to meet our present challenges. Osama bin Laden was recently quoted as saying that Americans will not win this battle because we are too soft to handle the rigors of his terrain. That statement made me "burn" inside because it's so true, and so false. Yes, we are unaccustomed to the harsh terrain and climate of his hiding places, but we have something which is very precious to protect which bin Laden and his people do not possess: freedom, democracy and diversity. And we have a burning desire to protect that which is the most precious; our families and our homes.
In the midst of this mental and physical retrenchment, my mind has been engrossed with the fears this situation has foisted upon our children. The way in which this has undermined their sense of security and safety is incalculable. Over 10,000 children lost parents in the September 11th attacks. Since then, over 200,000 people have lost their jobs. Our kids are facing the stark realization of a new-world reality from which their parents cannot shield them.
At this time in our history, it is more imperative than ever that our children be given the security of homes where they can find safety, refuge and guidance. Our kids need strong, reliable, courageous parents who will set the standard for moving on in the midst of true adversity. In order for this to become a reality, our parents also need the kind of support and friendship that we offer through Home Management Resources.
Franklin Roosevelt's admonition to his Depression-ridden constituency that - " the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," - is wise counsel today. At Home Management Resources, we have recognized since the beginning that fear is a thief that robs us of peace, productivity, and prosperity. Because it is so important that we learn to face life's challenges without giving in to the confusion and paralysis of fear, we directly address this issue early in our Family Life Seminar. Parents can and do learn to recognize and deal with the negative effects that fear has produced in many areas of their lives. Constant worries about things like finances, jobs, bills, health, children's futures, and their own futures can be replaced with positive actions and attitudes that strengthen the environment of the home. We can't eliminate the issue of fears, real and imagined, but we can learn to act courageously and wisely in the midst of them, thereby nullifying their ability to rob us of our best future.
Now, more than ever before, we need families that are strong and committed in our communities. Thank you for your support of Home Management Resources in continuing to make this a reality in our community.
God bless you all, and God bless America.
Gwen
"Funding Corner"
In the aftermath of the attack against our country, we have proven, that as a nation, we can and will come to the aid of our families. The need is still great and we must continue to encourage and to help strengthen our communities. It is, therefore, with great humility, that we encourage you to take a look at the mission of Home Management Resources to see how we are accomplishing this in our local community.
Home Management Resources has been committed to strengthening families for the past fifteen years. Our program is here to help families at a crucial moment in their lives. We believe that strong families make strong communities, and a strong nation is built with strong communities.
However, the real heroes in promoting the work of strengthening families are you, the friends and supporters of our program. One very real and tangible way you can continue to help is by becoming or continuing as a Sustaining Partner.
We ask that you prayerfully consider your financial support to the work of Home Management Resources. Your financial help makes it possible to offer satellite classes at Hamilton Alternative High School, Juvenile Justice Center, Holy Cross Care & Rehabilitation, and Memorial Hospital. We are also in the process of expanding our programming to the elementary schools through the LearnoFun initiative of the South Bend Community School Corp.
Sustaining Partners are acknowledged at the following levels per year: Friend under $200 Contributor $200 and up Patron $500 and up Sponsor $1000 and up Benefactor $5000 and up As a Sustaining Partner your commitment to Home Management Resources will assure that we can continue to reach out to families across the community.
JoAnn MacKenzie & Marijo Kelly
Fund Development Committee
Creating Happy Homes
During the past two-months much has been said about how parents can and should deal with their children's concerns and feelings over the events that have occurred since September 11th. Psychologist have offered advice on how parents can reinforce the sense of security and stability children need. At Home Management Resources we have devoted 15-years to this work.
Our Family Life Seminar is presented to provide family members with what we feel are the essential skills to manage an orderly home and provide a secure and stable home environment for the family. Here are just a few of the beneficial points from our course.
Nurture: Nurturing is a high priority. Children need to feel secure and protected as well as loved. It is our job as parents to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Children need to hear how much you love them. Take an interest in your child's day, and when he/she tells you about the days' activities, listen. Give him/her your undivided attention, and don't criticize or comment until he/she has finished. Set aside a period to talk things over together with each child. Really listening to your child will help you be aware of their concerns and fears on a daily
Establish Schedules and Predictable Routines: Part of creating stability and security in the home involves establishing predictable schedules and routines for your children. The comfortable, healthy balance of a daily routine gives children the security of knowing what they will be doing and what to expect each day.
Take Care of Yourself: It is critical for your children's well being that you take care of yourself. There are times when you feel like you need a break. Ask other parents to trade baby-sitting or hire a mother's helper. Pay special attention to eating right, exercising and getting a good night's sleep. Take a walk everyday - when you feel good it shows up in your disposition, attitude and energy levels. Calm and happy parents radiates an optimism that is reflected in their children.
"Tom Pagna Draws Winner!"
What an exciting day we had on August 17th! Our long time friend and supporter, Tom Pagna drew the winning tickets for the annual Home Management Resources Sports Raffle. The Sports Raffle offered a pair of Notre Dame Season Football tickets as the Grand Prize. Second Prize winners received a pair of Notre Dame Football tickets to a single home game. Grand Prize Winner Larry R. Stoll, Indiana Second Prize Winners John E. Tyrell, New York Chris Brady, Maryland Rose Garth, Indiana Tom Leland, Indiana Brent Zumbrun, Indiana John K. Geshwind, Virginia
The Sports Raffle, chaired again this year by David Niswonger, raised $4,300.00 which will help to support the work of Home Management here in the Michiana area. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the Sports Raffle and our congratulations to the winners.
Look for our Sports Raffle again next summer and plan to help support Home Management Resources as we continue to strengthen families in our community.Speaking Out is a new feature for you, our readers. Write in and tell us what changes you've made in your life. We want to hear what ideas you have tried that have improved the relationship with your kids, or the order in your home. Tell us in your own words what you care about and what you want to share with others. With each issue of "Reaching Out" turn to "Speaking Out" to find tips and practical advice on a wide range of topics, from parenting to decluttering; budgeting to personal reflections. Do you have something you want to "Speak Out" about? Write to us or send us an e-mail and we'll share it in the next "Speaking Out"!"Speaking Out"
MOVING?
Don't miss your issue of "REACHING OUT". We use 'Bulk Mail' for our newsletter which does not get forwarded. If you're planning a move soon, be sure to send us an e-mail from our web site!
Do you have any of the following items that you could donate?
Blenders
Heavy Duty Standing Mixer
Dehydrator
Large set dishes
Large area rug
Office desk lamps
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1201 Northside Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46615
(Between IUSB and the Farmers Market)
574-233-3486, fax 574-234-7220
