Kids thrive at Vine Maple Place
The parenting skills learned by our residents bear wonderful fruit

     Niki came to Vine Maple Place last summer. Before that she lived in her car with her 2 young children and was pregnant with a high risk pregnancy. They spent all their energy figuring out how to meet their daily needs.
     Her 5 year old son had behavioral issues and was struggling in school and daycare. Her 9 year old daughter was acting like an adult. She was so worried about adult things she couldn’t be a kid, unable to even go play when they went to the park.
      “I was so relieved when I learned that I would be moving into Vine Maple Place and get support and help. For the first time in our lives we would have stability without fear of another person’s anger. My home (I still love saying that!) had everything we needed; water, warmth, and even a washer and dryer. But more, we had people who supported us. That was another first for us.”
Niki is learning a lot while here, but she’s most excited about the parenting skills she is gaining.  “Parenting was never modeled, as I grew up with a single mom who was and is a drug addict. Here at Vine Maple Place I am learning how to parent my children and the results have been immediate.”
The children now have a bedtime, which has been a tremendous help with their morning routine. She is amazed by the difference in their behavior. They are now getting up rested and getting themselves ready for the day.
      They have reduced the sugar intake, and their meals are much more balanced. “I just didn’t understand the importance of nutrition on behavior and overall health before coming to Vine Maple Place.”
      A new family ritual they’ll take with them is sitting at the table together for dinner, without any electronic games or television. “I am learning so much about my kids during dinner time. I realized my daughter is an amazingly creative person. And my son does math as he chews. We are enjoying each other like never before. I’ve also learned that follow through really makes a difference. My children are now thriving, not just surviving.”
      In addition, Niki has renewed her faith. “I have gotten quite close to God. I lost my path and my faith for awhile. It feels so good to have it back and bring it into my kids’ lives. They are praying at dinner and bedtime without prompting. I appreciate Vine Maple Place very much. The dynamics of my home will never be the same.”

A computer brings flexibility
Ronnie’s donated computer allows her to study at home

     Ronnie was running from the library to her car on a dark night during a driving rainstorm when she tripped and broke her leg. It could have been another painful setback in a long series of setbacks that ended in her and her 12 year old sons being evicted from their home. For weeks they were forced to sleep on a friend’s living room floor.
      Ronnie applied to Vine Maple Place and was able to move her family into one of the fully furnished 2-bedroom apartments. She is attending school to improve her employability, but because she didn’t own a computer she was forced to do all her studying and homework at the library. Already a mom and a student, Ronnie wondered how she could manage to get to the library with the addition of crutches and limited mobility. Her concern was alleviated when she received a computer donated by a generous supporter of Vine Maple Place. Now Ronnie can do all her homework and studying at home. She says, “I’m so grateful! I have so much more time to study and I’m able to spend a lot more time with my boys.”

Hailey spoke for the first time in years!

     As a retired mental health therapist, I wanted to volunteer at Vine Maple Place in some way. Hailey, who is a selective mute and hasn't spoken since she was 4, turned out to be a good match for me.

     Our relationship began around therapeutic horse care, but we soon expanded our list of activities. She is very creative and social, and loves music and dance. She writes volumes to communicate, and would also share about her painful past through writing and drawing.

     We did endless fun things together, but we did more than just the fun stuff. I was Hailey's cheerleader, fill in mother, fill in grandmother, friend and fairy godmother. I wanted to help her be able to identify and express her feelings, to be herself, and to learn who God wanted her to be. I wanted to help her be a confident and responsible young lady. I grew to love her as a daughter I never had.

     Hailey really bloomed in the two and half years we met weekly together. She could look at people in the eye more often. She became more confident and bold, and better at making her own decisions. She improved her grades and was proud of that. She was able to whisper out loud to her brother, dad and close girlfriends, and would leave me whispered messages on my phone. She became comfortable being silly with me and crying with me.

     Only Hailey knows the full impact I have had on her and her family, but I know she has had a positive impact on me. Though she and her dad and brother recently moved to another state, I think I will always be a part of their life in some way. They are very special to me and, while I am sad that they are gone, I am very happy for the new life they are building and I’m grateful that God crossed our paths.

God is so present!
Denise Schillaci finds meaning in her volunteer work

     Volunteering at Vine Maple Place has been the best place to learn what volunteering is all about and why people do it. God is so present and I have learned so much about gratitude and grace. I have always been about doing, accomplishing, and organizing. Volunteering has taught me that it isn’t about accomplishing something. It’s about just showing up, and showing that you care enough to give your time. The residents have to do all the work and we get to “just be there” and soak up the presence of God.
      I started volunteering at Vine Maple Place many years ago when I joined the Board of Directors as the representative from my church. Since then I have continued to stay involved in various ways. Right now I am serving as a mentor and a tutor.
      As a mentor, I have learned so much about God’s purposes. I’ve learned it is not about me - that it’s all in God’s hands. I’m to just keep on caring, and I trust God will time my cards and emails to come when my resident needs them most.
      Tutoring has also been fun. I am really proud of how hard my tutee residents work at improving their math skills. Their example has made me more conscious of where I need to work hard to accomplish the goals in my life. The residents have taught me that success is something that you have to work at constantly and that failure doesn’t mean you don’t get another chance to try again.