Helping youth cross personal finish lines

Helping youth cross their personal finish lines is a goal that Good Shepherd Services (GSS) Baltimore and HobbleJog Foundation share. The like-minded agencies will announce the launch of a yearlong partnership at the November 3rd GSS gala in Baltimore.

HobbleJog Foundation’s mission is helping youth who are facing challenges develop resiliency so they can achieve their life’s goals. A new wall mural will grace the halls of GSS as a result of the partnership.

“Larger programs like the mural help our residents build new skills. It also offers them a positive, creative outlet for self-expression,” said GSS Manager of Expressive Therapies Amanda McEntegart.

Like pieces of a puzzle Expressive Therapist Nina Davey, who is helping youth work on the mural, said, “Seeing the kids’ faces light up when they come to paint the wall is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. This project allows each child an opportunity to participate, no matter their skill level. The students experience a sense of accomplishment and the rewards of seeing the mural come together, step-by-step, like pieces of a puzzle… kind of like their own personal journey.”

Expressive Therapists are part of the treatment team at Good Shepherd Services Baltimore. One of the primary tasks of the therapists are to provide motivational ways to encourage youth to become more self-aware and to enhance their sensory and motor development.

HobbleJog Foundation founder Susan M. Hahn had her life transformed when she survived a serious car accident. The near-death experience led to the creation of the foundation and partnership with Good Shepherd Services. Her story is published online.

Helping youth find strength

Hahn’s plan for HobbleJog Foundation is to support a deserving nonprofit annually with fundraising initiatives and special projects.

Hahn chose GSS as HobbleJog’s first nonprofit partner because of the Good Shepherd mission. The foundation has already raised $7,700 for Good Shepherd Services and has committed to raising at least $12,000 altogether.

GSS Chief Executive Officer Michele Wyman said, “Susan is encouraging our youth and giving them hope. She talks to them about discovering their inner strength and, in finding their strength, giving hope to others. Our youth’s contribution will be in leaving these steppingstones and this mural behind for other young people. Hopefully, the kids who come behind will look to these things for inspiration and hope.”

Main source: sistersofthegoodshepherd.com

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