Since Turtle Wing Foundation began their social skills outing groups for Tweens and Teens, Second Chance Emporium has been there to underwrite the programming. This year in particular, following their own tragic flood losses, it was particularly moving to receive their donation. It showed their tenacity and their determination to continue doing good in Fayette County. Recently Turtle Wing received $4,000 to continue their Turtle Tweens and Teens program. These are social skills groups for children with social skills needs. This includes monthly outings where they will spend time on a Saturday participating in fun activities, working on social skills, and establishing and maintaining friendships. Coaching then occurs in the real world setting vs. a therapeutic, sterile environment. Good social skills are critical to successful functioning in life. These skills enable us to know what to say, how to make good choices, and how to behave in diverse situations. The extent to which children and adolescents possess good social skills can influence their academic performance, behavior, social and family relationships, and involvement in extracurricular activities and the workplace. There are three groups now including Turtle Tweens (8-12 year olds), Turtle Teens (13-17 year olds), and new this year the addition of recently graduated or Aged Out population which includes young adults up to 25 years of age. Social appropriateness is considered, so there are times a child moves up or down an age group depending on the best fit. Turtle Wing Foundation’s mission is to “help children with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential”. For more information on Turtle Wing Foundation please visit the website at www.turtlewingfoundation.org, follow them on Facebook or contact Managing Director, Susie Shank 979-820-8964.
PICTURE: (l-r) Lil Landry/Coordinator, St. James Episcopal Church; Susie Shank/Managing Director, Turtle Wing Foundation; Catherine Purifoy/Second Chance Staff; Gayle Schielack/Second Chance Shop Director; Sandra Janish/Second Chance Staff; Emily Matheson/Second Chance Assistant Shop Director; Maria Durante/Second Chance Staff; Heather Wilson/Second Chance Staff