Fall is underway at The Genesis Project and we are looking forward to great things happening during the next few months. From school activities, building a new relationship with another nonprofit for Equine therapy, and a new music therapy program give hope like never before.
All of these moving parts bolster an effective trauma-informed environment which helps reach our goal of successfully returning healthier, happier boys to families or other lower levels of care.
Here’s an update on topics and areas we are living each day, and a preview of things we look forward to as we approach the holidays:
· Education: The boys are back in school under the guidance of our teacher, Traci Sowers. We are fortunate to have Edmond Public Schools, along with its expertise and resources, to ensure the boys are getting the appropriate education at their levels. All of them are on IEPs, or Individual Education Programs. An IEP is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child with an identified disability receives specialized instruction and related services. Mrs. Sowers’ presence in the classroom is making a noticeable difference. During the last fiscal year, 96 percent of our boys maintained or improved their academic engagement, more than 90 percent had additional support to ensure academic success, and all of them increased their knowledge of appropriate school behavior. We could not be more thankful for the support of EPS and Mrs. Sowers.
· Discharges: We continue to make progress in our therapeutic approaches to help boys discharge to a lower level of care—or better yet—into a family. Last year, 82 percent left Genesis to live in a less restrictive environment. Last quarter, 100% of our boys discharged to a lower level of care.
· Equine Therapy: We couldn’t be more excited to begin Equine Therapy in October. We are grateful to Nexus Equine in El Reno whose mission is to connect people and horses to provide life-changing experiences. We can’t wait to see how this educational, social opportunity supports our boys’ healing from trauma.
· Music Therapy: We have remodeled some space in the boys’ house to accommodate a new music therapy program. The space will house instruments and provide a therapy space to use music in their treatments. We are currently in an active search for a qualified therapist. If you know of someone who may be interested, check out our job description, including requirements.
· Life Skills and Enhancement: Our boys are enrolled in football and basketball with the YMCA. This allows them to use newly learned behavioral skills while being tested by all the emotions and stresses of sports. Playing sports with kids outside of Genesis helps them become better sports and teaches them how to successfully build relationships in real-life situations. We are proud that two of our staff members are coaching the boys.
· Bible Study: We are grateful to First Presbyterian Church of Edmond for providing for the spiritual interests of the boys. Church volunteers are conducting a new, weekly Bible study which is optional for the boys to attend but has been met with great interest!
· Halloween: The boys and staff are already decorating the campus for Halloween. The boys are creating spiders, and webs and filling a seasonal wall in the house during their individual groups. Be watching for their creations to come to life – or otherwise!
· Giving Tuesday: Please mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday on November 28th. We’ll be updating our wish list for current needs. And remember, we have easy ways to give. Find out how to Help Us Give Hope!
Thank you for your support. We are seeing great things happen in the lives of our boys.
