Latham Students Go Shopping

We are in the midst of doing clothing shopping!  This is a great opportunity for our students to experience different community settings, clothing stores, shoe stores, and possibly eating out afterwards. Before going on their shopping outings, students work on their shopping lists with the assistance of staff.  Our students are also learning the important skills of shopping for weather and age appropriate clothing. This is also an opportunity for them to buy items that express their personal styles.  They get to practice their learned skills by interacting with sales clerks, cashiers, and other shopping customers.  Everyone returns happy and very proud to show off their wonderful outfits.

Contributed by:
Bonnie McGee
Overnight Supervisor

"I base most of my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." 

~Gilda Radner

Latham Hosts Reclaiming Youth International

Latham continued to advance its Circle of Courage implementation plan through a two day training this week. Thanks to a grant from the Tower Foundation, this was the first of three trainings that will take place over 2012. Twenty seven staff, from a variety of different shifts and positions, attended the training.
 
Mark Freado, President of Reclaiming Youth International, personally came to Latham’s Brewster campus to conduct the training. He focused on ways that Latham specifically can be better based on the values of Belonging, Independence, Mastery and Generosity. The Circle of Courage, based on these four values looks to help people respond to needs rather than react to problems.
  
Although the program has made significant progress in implementing these concepts, this formal training was a tremendous success. Staff were enthused by the content and inspired by the message. Mr. Freado, after spending two days getting to know Latham, stated that he believed with continued progress we could serve as a model for other programs across the world.
  

Mr. Freado will be returning to campus this summer and then again in the fall.


Contributed by:
Tim Vaughan
Residential Director

"Wisdom is ofttimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar." 

~William Wordsworth

Any Given February Morning

Any given February morning, I tilt my head to the sky, inhale and hope for the faintest smell of Spring.  Then, reality rears its frosty face, I tighten my coat, pull down my hat and accept that Winter is still very much here.  Ok, maybe the falling snow continues to be stubborn, but here at Latham Centers, that doesn’t stop anyone.  It seems when our staff and kids put their heads together, the options are unlimited.
  
Teamwork and belonging is a continuing focus for everyone at Latham Centers and we are not shy of students who are eager to participate in our Special Olympics basketball team and bowling team.  Though the temperatures may be dipping below freezing, there is always warmth on our hearts when one of our students stands proud with their accomplishments in either event. 
  
This time of year, many kids dream of huge jolly snowmen and sledding down their favorite slopes.  So far, Mother Nature has not fulfilled these dreams, but our resilient kids and staff greet each day seeing opportunity for a crisp hike through the woods, a sporting game of kickball and even enjoying the solitude of our beautiful Cape Cod beaches. 
   
Submitted by
Roger Boucher
Residential Supervisor

"Surely as cometh the Winter, I know
There are Spring violets under the snow."
-  R. H. Newell

Special Olympics Basketball Games a Success

Here are a few pictures from the Special Olympics basketball games on Saturday.  It was a fun day. The kids did a great job and showed great teamwork on the court.  I think everyone each got a basket, too.  I want to acknowledge the teamwork of the staff;  Heather, Carol, Jeremiah, Brandon, Kalyn, and Hal.  Kalyn and Hal were so helpful in the morning in getting us going. Barbara ( in the kitchen) had everything ready to go on time. Jillian and Kristen B. showed up to cheer us on and lend an extra hand. It really was a great day overall and we're so proud of the Hawks!

Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk

"Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." 

~Terri Guillemets

Kids Get Treated to a Restaurant Night

All the students enjoyed a Valentine themed restaurant night. With senior administrators, clinicians and supervisors acting as waitstaff, a three meal course was delivered to the kids in two separate sittings. It was the adults chance to pamper the students a bit and allow them a relaxed evening “out”. The evening was a huge success as seen by the faces in the pictures below. Latham has the greatest staff serving the greatest group of kids in the world.

Contributed by:

Tim Vaughan

Residential Director

"A man is not where he lives, but where he loves." 

~Latin Proverb

(See more images from Restaurant Night on our Facebook Page HERE!)

Latham Participates in Special Olympics Bowling Tournament

Latham students recently participated in a tournament for Special Olympics bowling at Ryan Family Amusements in Yarmouth.  The students have been working hard practicing and adjusting to the new rules required for the tournament. They have shown a lot of patience and teamwork, and I am proud to say they rose to the occasion.

The students were able to play with another SOMA group from Barnstable.  They were mixed with this other group and spread out among various lanes.  They showed excellent sportsmanship and were able to compete with little or no assistance from staff.  It was great to see the students having so much fun, and making new connections.

It was a great day to bowl, and a great day to see Latham shine.

Contributed by:
Frannie Quirk