VAN WERT – November is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month and
the YWCA of Van Wert County recently partnered with local elementary
schools to discuss the issue of homelessness in our region.
YWCA
staffers visited students at Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert
Elementary Schools and St. Mary’s Parochial school to read a book
entitled “The Lady in the Box.” This fictional story by Ann McGovern
portrays the generosity of two siblings who show empathy and kindness to
Dorrie, an individual experiencing homelessness in their neighborhood.
The book uniquely and age-appropriately discusses the plight of Dorrie
and how even the slightest bit of kindness and help will make a
difference.
Jamie Evans (Director of Victim Services) and Julie
Schaufelberger (Outreach Coordinator) visited fifth and sixth-grade
classrooms at Lincolnview while Jodi Brummette (Court Advocate) met with
fifth-graders at Van Wert Elementary School. Schaufelberger also
visited fourth-graders at Crestview Elementary and fourth through sixth
at St. Marys. Guidance counselors and educators at each school helped
facilitate activities and discussion surrounding the book. School
representatives included Angie Murphy and Mark Collins (VWES), Katelyn
Short (Crestview), Tonia Verville (Lincolnview) and Dustin Hessling,
Megan Fritz, and Dan Metzger (St. Mary’s).
“Overall, we were
impressed by the discussion we were able to have with students of this
age regarding homelessness in our area, what the causes of homelessness
could be and how we as a community can help,” Schaufelberger stated. “We
busted some myths as well as discussed some truths surrounding this
topic.”
Each school used the experience differently depending on
how this event could meet curriculum standards for a particular grade
level. Some schools used it to not only bring to light the social issue
of homelessness, but also used it as a character-building lesson in
empathy, kindness, gratefulness and giving.
“Fourth graders from
Crestview are conducting a stuffed animal drive and writing letters for
youth residents at the YWCA to give them support and to give something
to make them feel comforted while living in a communal setting,” said
Schaufelberger.
“We have terrific partnerships with area schools
and appreciate their willingness to allow the YWCA to share our mission.
The youth of our community will be the voice of change and we were
impressed by their ability to understand that homelessness is an issue
in Van Wert County,” said Evans. “Even at their young age, they can
impact change and create awareness.”
The YWCA is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and is a United Way Agency.