It's a chain reaction, and it all started with a single book.

The following was written by junior, Erika Eustaquio, a biology student, from Miami University about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. 

        For the Sustained Service Scholars  program, I arrived at the Boys & Girls Club every Tuesday throughout the summer for a couple of hours to read with and to children. After reading the book, they would take a quiz, and depending on how well they did they could get a piece of candy. They could earn a bigger prize (stuffed animal or toy) if they read five books in one day, and depending on how many books they read throughout the summer they could earn their personal pool party (there was a pool located right outside the building).

        Prior to joining the SSS Program, I didn’t know what to expect; all I knew is that I wanted to make my summer productive by making a difference.The program made me realize that no matter how little or how much service one does, it is not discredited; it gets passed on in some type of form. Coming in once a week may not sound like a lot, but every minute spent with each child goes a long way. Their reading capabilities ranged from not knowing how to read at all to being able to read past their grade level. Although every kid did read at his/her own pace, I can guarantee that each one has improved his/her reading through this summer program. It was rewarding to see the look on their faces when they earned their first stuffed animal, get that 100% on their quiz, or even sound a word out correctly. The potential in these kids is insane; in particular, I know of a little reader who does not understand nor speak English, but he can READ English. How mind blowing!

        There’s not a doubt in my mind that these kids will be the light of our future, and it all starts with just a little guidance. I think its crucial that children have guidance and are surrounded by genuinely sincere role models while they're young, especially when it comes to learning; it helps mold a sturdy foundation for their futures. And with a bright future, comes a potential drive to help others as they grow.For example, one of the workers I met there is actually a product of the Boys & Girls Club. A lot of these kids look up to us volunteers, and hopefully they become inspired and strive to be like us. It's a chain reaction, and it all started with a single book.

Deb, Erika & Ryan

Remember to play after every storm

Buckeye Adolescent Center

The below was written by Eileen Turain, Community Relations Director at Sojourner Recovery Center. Eileen volunteered along side the Miami Hamilton Student volunteers this summer the at Buckeye Adolescent Center.  The Sojourner Sustained Service Scholars and Coordinator, Rachael Lange, would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Eileen for allowing us to set up this program and for being with us every step of the way! We would also like to thank Sojourner for providing all of the games, toys and materials to make our program successful!! 

WOW!!  What a summer!  THANK YOU MUH!!  Thank you to; Amada, Rachel, Jamie, Robynne and Rachael and Sarah!  Thank you MUH for including Sojourner as part of your Sustained Service Scholars (SSS) program!!  The Sustained Service Scholars program was NEW and UNIQUE to our organization.  MUH reached out to us to make a difference in the lives of our Adolescent Residential clients.  That they did!!  THANK YOU!!

Sojourner has offered Behavioral Health Services to the Butler County area since 1984.  Our MUH volunteers spent priceless time this summer with one of our many programs; our Adolescent Residential Program, where teens live in a safe and secure environment, to focus on their changes of life to reach sobriety and maintain it when they return to their community.  We started our summer work with our MUH SSS volunteers around a classroom table; 3 of our Sojourner staff, our SSS volunteer group, and MUH’s incredible AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Rachael.  Who would have guessed that after three months, we (staff, volunteers, and clients) would get to serve side by side with each other, create lasting memories, learn new skills, and make new friends?!? 

This summer, we were able to observe growth, understanding, friendship, care, compassion, wit and the real joy of witnessing teens learn new skills and have fun.  To many of our clients, the mere concept of, “going outside to play,” may be extremely new.

This project solidified our understanding of community interests in helping create positive opportunities for our clients; opportunities for their own unique personal growth.  We played games like kickball and foursquare, wiffleball, and badminton.  We also played stationary games like UNO, Jenga, Catch Phrase, etc.  Some of our most amazing moments happened during those “around the table” games, where we heard intellectual thoughts and true wit become part of a game of Catch Phrase or cards.  We were part of multiple priceless moments when, a teen would start off a bit standoffish or apprehensive about joining in a game, and then find themselves laughing and engaging in a game or activity on their own accord.  We all were given a gift by being part of these moments.

We started this summer project more structured by planning out activities and games.  It was noteworthy watching the summer unfold and the volunteer focus change from planned games to the MUH volunteers offering our Sojourner teens the openness to decide, create, change directions, and just play.  Our MUH volunteers were brilliant in being engaged at all times, while giving each of our clients the freedom to, “just be kids.”

We learned we can see beauty all around us; in playing a game of wiffleball, seeing the broad smile on the face of a young person who may not have smiled in quite some time, to hear one teen say to another, “good job,” to experience a group of people from many different walks of life and ages, come together to play games and enjoy a summer day.

This project was unique.  We started with a seed of an idea and saw it bloom into something bigger than the sum of its parts.  Each person contributed and committed to the process; clients, volunteers, staff.  The MUH volunteers opened opportunities to be part of this process in a way that was welcoming for all. This was more than playing kickball or UNO or Catchphrase, or Four Square.  This was about being human together.  Our vehicle was simply “play.”
Something very unique and intentional is blossoming out of this project.  Our volunteers suggested creating a “KINDNESS WALL” by sharing our clients’ artistic talents and their positive words of encouragement.  The idea is coming to fruition with the help of Miami University and others dedicated to the project.  We hope to share the KINDNESS WALL in various locations around Hamilton, where passersby can read kind messages and share their own messages of LIFE*HOPE*COMMUNITY!

We at Sojourner look forward to our continued relationship with Miami University volunteers!  THANK YOU MUH SSS!!!

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." 
                                                                                                                                      -Plato

A Bittersweet Ending

The following was written by junior Jamie Whitemore, nursing student and STAYcation alumnus, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with Sojourner Recovery Services Adolescent Center.

Throughout the course of the summer, I have volunteered at Sojourner Recovery Services. I volunteered one day a week for two hours. During this time, we played various games and participated in many different activities with the residents.  I remember I was very nervous as we were standing on the front porch doorsteps on that very first day waiting to be greeted by the residents.  However, as the summer progressed, I was no longer nervous and found myself looking forward to Mondays and yearning for that time to come. At times, it was challenging to engage the residents, but I knew our group was there for a purpose and we welcomed this challenge. Unfortunately, I was sick one day and not able to be there. I was surprised by how much I found myself missing everyone. This week, the residents participated in a low ropes activity. It wasn’t until this time that I realized it was no longer ‘us’ and ‘them”. It seemed as if we were coming together as one. It was nice to see how the group transformed over the nine weeks we spent together.

We only have one week left with the young men and women of Sojourner and I can only hope that I have impacted their lives in the powerful ways they have impacted mine.  It was a pleasure to get to know each individual. I realized each of us had a lot in common, despite coming from different backgrounds.  My only hope is that each of them remember the time we spent together and take those memories with them as they move forward with their lives in a positive direction.  After spending the summer with the fine young folks of Sojourner, I know each of them are capable of creating a bright future for themselves.  We may never cross paths again, but each of them touched my life in such a way that will be with me forever.  It is a bittersweet ending to an opportunity that proved to be a great life experience! 

Below are a few pictures from the low ropes course. See the rest here! 

Jamie doing the low ropes course! 

Eileen trying to find her way out!

A safe place to have fun

The following was written by sophomore Phyllis Willis, social work student, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. 

This summer, I volunteered at the Boys and Girls club of Hamilton, they have a reading program every summer. This program allows the children, to keep their reading skills through the summer, and it also gives them an incentive to read. The children that read 50 or more books in the summer, are given a pool party! The books are set up on the book shelves by grade level, and they are color coded. The children can then look on the binder of the book, and see what level it is, and pick according to their grade. Once they have read the book, they take a quiz on the computer. There are usually 5 questions, and once they finish the quiz, a score of 80% or higher allows them to get a choice of any piece of candy they want, and this happens for every book they read. If they read 5 books in a day, the prize can be snacks, flip flops, purses, and stuffed animals. There is a great assortment of prizes, and it makes the kids really happy to be rewarded for their hard work. 

Through this summer, there have been at least 4 kids that have reached the 50 plus book marker. A few of them have read over a 150 books. This shows what a great resource the Hamilton Branch of the Boys and Girls club is. The club also has swimming, arts and crafts, and electronic games. So this shows that the reading program that Ms Deb runs is competing with a lot of other distractions. It also shows how much dedication that The Club has to these children. These are children that probably are not even considered middle class, but this Club offers them a place to go, that feels safe, allows them to have fun, and it does this for little or no money. This is a great resource in that community.

I feel honored and privileged to have been able to be a small part of that program, and I received so much more from the program, than I gave. The smile on those children faces as they read or was read too became the highlight of my week. This is a wonderful program and I have enjoyed myself immensely!

Each reader has a set of flip flops and for every book they read they get a sticker!

These are the students that have read over 50 books and get a pool party! 

Allowing Other's to Take the Lead

The following was written by Amanda Villarreal , a junior Social Work major, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with Sojourner Recovery Services at the Buckeye Adolescent center. 

This week we were met with an apology letter from the boys of Buckeye. The week prior, they weren’t as willing to participate as they usually are and used a lot of foul language. It was a gentle reminder that they are not as grown up as they think! Our plan for the day was to engage all of the kids in a game of kickball. We figured we’d use this as a mood lifter and then take it from there after it was over. However, despite their letters, we were not met with approval of the game! Although we (as in the Miami group, Ike, and Rachael) all wanted to play something active, we allowed them to take the lead and direct us to what they wanted to do. We moved the picnic tables together and broke off into two groups. Half played UNO and the other half played Jenga. Jamie brought a book of questions that made it feel like we were still apart of both sides even though we were doing different things.

            There were still moments where we had to redirect them to use better language and times where they started to annoy each other but it comes with the territory. We can tell teenagers to not tease their peers, especially ones they live with, until we’re blue in the face and it will still happen. The questions Jamie asked helped us learn more about them and we realized, at least I did, that we actually have a lot in common. There is one girl who is the newest that seemed to be the most quiet. I noticed after our second (or third) week with her, she has started to warm up and be more engaged. The questions helped her relax a little bit too! We have decided to go out with a bang and host a cookout our last day at Buckeye. I think the kids will like this and it will give them something to look forward too.

Amanda & Jamie outside Buckeye's Mission house! 

Jamie playing an intense game of jenga!

Time flies when you're volunteering

The following was written by sophomore Abby Fenton , a psychology student, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. 

I loved working with the kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Hamilton. It is such an awarding experience to see them learn how to read while becoming stronger individuals. 

I have read to a lot of different kids over the last few weeks. Some know how to read, some know how to read a little, and some not so much. I have enjoyed my time with each kid. They have taught me a lot about myself and how much fun it is working with kids. I was surprised how fast the time went by when I was helping them. I believe that I have grow more patient through this experience because sometimes kids can become frustrated when they do not know the words and it is is important to tell them to take their time and sound it out.

I like the way that the Boys and Girls Club are encouraging kids to read. Every two book they read they get a piece of candy or a snack. If they read five books in one day they get a toy. If they get up to 25 books total for the summer they get a toy from three or four boxes and if they get 50 books, they get invited to a pool party held at the club. This really makes reading fun. 

I hope that I get an opportunity to continue to volunteer with them in the fall so that I can grow more with the kids.

Discovery Through Service

The following was written by senior Robynne Wilson , a nursing student, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with Sojourner Recovery Services at the Buckeye Adolescent center. 

When I signed up to volunteer in the community, I thought I was going to be working with adults. When I found out that I was going to be working with children, I instantly told myself I made a mistake. All three of my children had just arrived home from college, and I knew I was going to need some adult conversation. 

However, the first day at Buckeye changed my mind. I met all of the children and knew I was in the right place. The first day the children seemed more like young adults who had made a big decision to change their lives with the help of some adults who have a special love for children.

As time went on we played games, had one on one conversation about different things and most of all we became friends. The staff at Buckeye makes  volunteering there a great experience, they also participate in the games and share their ideas on how the children can get the best experience out of the time we share with them. 

I have learned something about myself since I became a volunteer at Buckeye, I have a special gift with working with children, and from this day forward I will embrace it and make the best of each day and hopefully I can be apart of helping to change a child's life.  

Changing a child's outlook

The following was written by Chris Shugart , a statistics major, from Miami Hamilton about his experience working with the Boys & Girls club this summer with their Accelerated Reader program. 

Hello my name Chris. I am sophomore statistics major here at Miami University. My decision to volunteer this summer was mostly driven by my desire to give back to the community that allowed all of the opportunities that I have today. (The service hours don't hurt either!) We all have had our experiences with under privileged situations whether that be first hand or third person. Both points of view in this case are of despair, and one can't help but wonder how they can make it better. I am here to say that after helping little Emilio read Dr. Seuss every Wednesday I feel that I have provided some semblance of hope. Even if the only thing I accomplished this summer was to change his outlook into something positive then it would be a success. 

So, basically day to day we would show up at 2:45 and walk in to this fairly old building in one of Hamilton's less optimistic neighborhoods. Upon entry you notice right away the severe ratio imbalance of kids to staff. Believe me once you meet Deb and Karen you will know right away that it is not due to their lack of guidance. The funds are just not there to staff the place with enough help. Even with the usual three volunteers and Deb in the reading room there were plenty of kids who had to read by themselves. My point is they are a little overwhelmed and imagine the impact that could be made if child had a positive influence from a local university student. Just imagine what kind of ray of hope could be created. Even if we changed one child's outlook it would be a success.

Now all that being said this isn't exactly a cry out for volunteers. I was asked to write a brief report of what went on in the Boys and Girls club of East Hamilton and once I began writing I noticed the opportunity. For education majors I see it as a crime to not volunteer for one day which equals out to 2 hours a week. You would have the opportunity to not only practice your teaching skills but more importantly make sure that teaching is what you want to do. Daily you learn how to communicate better with children and how to motivate someone who can only think about Spongebob and Jelly Beans.  I can't think of a more practical experience for those seeking a teaching degree. Even if we changed one child's outlook it would be a success.

I tried to keep this as short and sweet as possible and with that being said I will conclude. These kids are our future contributors to society and it is hard for a lot of college students to put that into perspective, myself included. The most inspiring thing I can say about this experience is that with my sometimes goofy encouragement Emilio, Anthony, Ivan, Josh, and Giselle like to read just a little bit more now and have learned to see outside the world trapped inside that chain link fence. So, now I'll say it. Volunteer people its 2 out of 168 hours in a week! Thank you for your time and remember... Even if we changed one child's outlook it would be a success.

Who doesn't love snacks!?

The following was written by Ryan Jester, a brand new Civic and Regional Development major, from Miami Hamilton about his experience working with the Boys & Girls club this summer with their Accelerated Reader program. 
I want to start out by saying that I have absolutely loved the time I have spent at the Boys and Girls Club so far this summer. I have been in the Education major for a good amount of years getting work done in the classroom in all subject areas and now I am in the Civic and Regional Development major just starting out. I believe that what we are doing here this summer and as programs continue throughout the school year for the Boys and Girls Club are just as important as the in classroom experience. Here at the Boys and Girls Club children not only have the chance to grow, develop friendships, enhance reading and art skills, but they also have a safe place to go and play throughout the majority the day.

What I have done at the club this summer has seemed relatively small in the grand aspect of everything but I know that is not the case. I have met so many children that want to read and want to get better if they are not the best. For those couple hours a week I am able to help.  They read to me and I am able to help them with a word if they don’t know it or have them hear my voice read to them while they follow along. I know that just that is making the biggest difference. They have incentives and goals and when they finish a quiz they get a snack out of the snack bin. And who doesn't love snacks?! This program is perfect for summer readers to keep the children on track and keep them ready for the next grade. I love these summer programs and after-school programs and believe that it does everything for the children of America to succeed.

I'm looking forward to my time at Sojourner!

The following was written by Rachel Coffey, a sophomore education major, from Miami Hamilton about her experience at Sojourner Recovery Services Adolescent Center, referred to as "Buckeye". This week will be her second week serving there. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sojourner thus far! The first day I was excited and nervous at the same time, I really had no idea what to expect at Buckeye. When arriving at Buckeye the youth was so happy to see us and they were ready for us to play some kickball. We all had a great time playing an active game outside together. It was a nice "ice breaker" for me personally because I was able to interact and talk to my teammates about strategies on the best way to win. Being able to interact with the youth this way opened the door for many other conversations and activities to occur. Through playing kickball I noticed first hand that the boys are all very competitive and they wanted their teammates to not get an out. I also noticed that these adolescents are very supportive of one another not only because they were on the same teams but they also show this action when playing individual sports. For example, playing horse, making bracelets, shooting hoops, playing cards, and many other activities that we do at Sojourner.

I have played many one­-on-­one games with different individuals at Buckeye and each of the adolescents are so easy to get along with and a pleasant to be around. I love giving the youth at Buckeye the opportunity to be a kid having "sober" fun by playing outside activities with them, after all, they are just kids!

After only being at Buckeye for just two days I was able to see something so rewarding. A youth at Buckeye had completed his program and was able to go home. Only knowing this individual an entire four hours of my life it amazed me how happy and proud I was of him for completing and sticking with this program at Sojourner.

The adolescents at Sojourner are truly great individuals. I love being a part of their Mondays and Thursdays, even though it is just a short amount of time. They have already impacted me personally because of their great attitudes and humorous personalities. I hope throughout the rest of the summer they can say the same about the Miami students working with them. I am looking forward to the rest of my time at Sojourner!

Below are pictures from Thursday 4-square game. Rachel is in pink, Robynne in green, Hannah in black and Eileen in White. To view more pictures from Thursday visit our flickr! 

Making a difference at the Boys & Girls Club

The following was written by Hannah Beckett, an Integrated Studies senior, from Miami Hamilton about her experience so far at the Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue in Hamilton, OH. 

I have really enjoyed my experience tutoring at the Boys and Girls club so far! I was nervous the first day, because I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am normally working with younger children and wasn’t sure how I would do with older ones. There were several kids with Ms. Deb in the reading room. I was paired with one little girl going into first grade. We read together and afterwards I helped her with AR (Accelerated Reader) quizzes on the computer. At first I read with her, and by the end she was reading by herself. She progressively got better scores as she took each quiz. Seeing this grade accumulation made me really proud of her. After any child takes a quiz they can pick a snack from the snack bin. This is a great incentive for many of them. If they read so many books throughout the summer they will earn a swim party in the pool!

The Boys and Girls Club is serving a diverse lower income community. It only costs a quarter a day for the children to get in. The club has a swimming pool, pool tables, televisions, video games, books, and much more. I think it is a great place for these children to spend the day with friends. The Club is helping the community by giving parents a safe place to send their children. I have loved my experience so far and haven’t had any complaints. I love working with children, especially in a setting where I feel that I can really make a difference.

I have worked with lower income children before. I was a preschool teacher at Youthland Academy and tutored at Head Start and Richard Allen Academy. This experience is what I expected it to be. I am hoping to add to my experiences and be a help to these children. Having a constant that is there once a week will help to build a relationship. I can apply this learning experience to my own classroom and students now and in the future.

I am excited to see what the rest of the summer brings. I would love to continue to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club when I could during the school year. I want people to know how important it is to help shape and grow young minds. It doesn’t take much to be there and show the children that you care. I hope I can help the kids I am with this summer improve their reading skills and be ready to take on the new school year. 

Sustained Service Scholars program!

The Sustained Service Scholars program is a service program sponsored by Miami Hamilton's Center for Civic Engagement. This program is for students interested in an on-going service placement throughout the summer that meets an authentic need in the Hamilton community.

How it all began! 

Early May after meeting with a community partner, the Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Sarah Woiteshek-Pietzuch, came up with a brilliant plan to address a significant need of our community partners. This need is to have consistent volunteers to assist with programming throughout the summer. During the school year many of Miami Hamilton's community partners have Service-Learning students serving weekly. However without these programs in the summer it makes it difficult for the partners to get the man power they so desperately need. Sarah thought this was the prefect chance to make her dream come true of having MUH students volunteer in the summer on a weekly basis! 

Through the Sustained Service Scholars program, Sarah's brain child has come to fruition! The Sustained Service Scholars program provides a volunteer and professional development opportunity to Miami Hamilton students for 10 weeks from June 2nd-August 8th. 

Service Placements

The Sustained Service Scholars are placed with two Hamilton agencies, Boys & Girls Club and Sojourner Recovery Services. 

Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue provides a safe and educational space for youth throughout the summer. The Club has plenty of activities for the youth to participate in, including: a swimming pool, video games, and Accelerated Reader (AR) program. The Sustained Service Scholars are assisting with Accelerated Reader. Accelerated Reader allows youth to identify books that fit his/her reading level. After he/she finishes a book they complete an AR quiz that tests comprehension. 

Scholars are also serving with Sojourner Recovery Services Adolescent facility. In an effort to promote and model sober out-door activities, Scholars volunteer twice a week to facilitate structured "Playtime" with the adolescents. This programming is also brand new. The Scholars and Sojourner staff want to make sure that each adolescent is given an opportunity to just be a kid and have fun, one of the goals of this program. With materials provided by Sojourner, Scholars and adolescents will have an opportunity to play kickball, basketball, Frisbee, lawn darts, and a variety of other out-door activities! 

Benefits for MUH Students

Sustained involvement in service provides a unique volunteer experience that cannot be found with one-time opportunities. The student is able to develop a relationship between himself/herself and the agency and learn a great deal about the causes the agency addresses and how it does so. On-going service also provides opportunities for the students to gain professional experience and develop skills such as communication, professionalism, problem solving and critical thinking. 

Through reflective blogs, each Scholar will consider his/her own motivation for participating in this program, the social issues and community needs that each of their agencies is addressing,and how they are going about it. These blogs will be posted right here throughout the program! 

The Scholars will also be recognized for their work this summer through the fall Celebration of Service, sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement and the Dean's award ceremony in the spring. All Scholars that complete 25 or more service hours this summer will also receive the Summer Service Honor Roll!  

Boys & Girls Club volunteer and Karen Miller,
Hamilton BGC Executive Director at Orientation

Sojourner volunteers & Sojourner employees at
Orientation! 

Lunch prior to first day at Sojourner at Dayton street facility!
Volunteers & AmeriCorps VISTA, Rachael Lange