Firefighters visit Laraway as part of Career Exploration Series

     Laraway School hosted firefighters from the Johnson Fire Department as part of its Career Exploration Series.  Five members of the company visited on Tuesday, February 4th to read to and discuss their experiences with students from our elementary and high school programs.
     Firefighter by Angela Royston was the chosen book.  It addresses a day in the life of typical firefighters, from the quieter moments of maintaining the fleet of trucks to the action-packed efforts of fighting fires, where quick decisions must be made.
     Student questions covered everything from what training is required to become a firefighter to what kind of protective gear a firefighter must wear.
     Thank you, Johnson Fire Department, for teaching our students about a career in firefighting!

Career Fair at Laraway on Wednesday, February 18th, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

     Do you want to make a difference in kids’ lives?  Do you want to join a dynamic organization offering a supportive work environment, great benefits and career advancement opportunities?  If so, Laraway Youth & Family Services may be the place for you.

     Laraway Youth & Family Services is hosting a Walk-in Career Fair on Wednesday, February 18^th from 1:30-5:30.  We’re seeking entry level and experienced staff in a variety of positions, both full and part-time.  All positions will have the opportunity to work with youth in a variety of settings including educational, recreational and therapeutic.  Come learn about great job opportunities available in Lamoille County and beyond!  We’ll be offering on the spot interviews and tours, too.

     Check out our current openings at Laraway.org.  We hope to see you on the 18^th!

Chef visits Laraway as part of career exploration series

     "When I was 14, I took a job at restaurant near my home in New Hampshire," said Debbie Burritt, Chef-Owner of Sweet Crunch Bakeshop and Catering of Hyde Park, Vermont.  "I worked there from when I was 14 until I was 18.  When I graduated from high school, I went to culinary school in Boston to learn to be chef.  She then spent the next decade working at fine dining establishments across the United States.

    Burritt visited Laraway School to read to students and talk about her career as a chef.  She is the first of several guest readers who will visit with students as part of a Career Exploration Series organized by Laraway Behavior Interventionist Cindy Grenier.  Grenier, in her efforts to promote youth literacy, has brought other guest readers to the school.  This series offers students the added twist of teaching them about careers from professionals in the field.

     Burritt read The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philomen Sturges and illustrated by Amy Walrod.  She entertained an array of questions from the students including: "Do you have a famous recipe?"  (Answer:  Maple Cookies,)  "Will you share your famous recipe?" (Answer:  No, it's a secret.) "How old do you have to be to work there?"  (Answer:  Typically 18, although there are sometimes jobs for dishwashers who are younger, but special precautions must be taken because of their age.)

     Burritt held the students' attention during her reading of the story and while talking about her career path and answering their questions.  We are grateful to her for taking time from her busy kitchen to visit our school!

     Next up?  We'll be hosting a graphic artist to about his education and career.

Holiday Postscript: The sweet aftermath

     Now that the holiday season has passed, it's time to reflect on Laraway's enormous sense of gratitude towards a kind and caring community.  The children and families we serve enjoyed a brighter, happier holiday due to the generosity of many, many individuals and businesses.  Although all donors will be acknowledged in our March newsletter, we share a few anecdotes below.
     Every child in Laraway's Backpack Program received a brand new Burton jacket with hat and gloves thanks to the kindness of Burton Snowboards.  One Laraway mother lamented that her teenaged son never wore his winter coat.  Well, things changed when this young man received his spiffy new threads.  He wears his warm, new coat...with pride.
     A group of community friends got together to donate new and gently used items for Laraway School's Annual Holiday Store.  Each student, with help from Laraway's "elves" was able to choose and wrap gifts for family members from the beautifully arranged selection of books, tea mugs, toys and brand new pairs of winter socks.
     Local ski areas including Smugglers' Notch, Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Bolton Valley all donated tickets for youth in Laraway's foster care program to get out on the trails.  Skiing is fun...and therapeutic.
     We are humbled by the many expressions of generosity and look forward to a positive 2015 as we continue our work with kids and families.

Community Lunch Program served 2,168 meals in 2014

     The Johnson Community Lunch enjoyed another successful year in 2014.  The photo above features Tom Fondakowski of Sodexo Food Services and Rick Aupperlee of Laraway's School to Work Program presenting Marion Taylor a check for $1,067.90 for the Johnson Food Shelf.  The lunch program, hosted at the United  Church of Johnson, served 2,168 meals during 2014.
     With food donated by Sodexo, which holds a food service contract at Johnson State College,and an army of volunteers, the program continues to grow in numbers served.  Among the volunteers are Laraway youth who gain valuable work skills by carting, prepping and serving the meals. Fondakowski, spotting the particular culinary enthusiasm of a Laraway youth, actually hired him to work part-time at the college.  That youth is now dual enrolled at NECI and his high school's culinary arts program.
     Local residents enjoy food---and fellowship---while eating delicious meals served every other Wednesday.  Donations from diners formed the basis of the check presented to the Johnson Food Shelf.  This qualifies as a win:win endeavor with good food, good company, and a great cause!  Thank you to all who support this initiative.

Laraway seeks service projects for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

     Laraway Youth & Family Services celebrates the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with a day of service at area nonprofits.  The holiday honoring the civil rights leader falls on Monday, January 19, 2015.

     For the past five years, Laraway’s staff has focused on volunteer projects in surrounding communities.  Past projects include cleaning and organizing, working on a painting or light construction project, stacking wood or visiting with seniors.

     “Coming together and giving back to those in our community who have given so much is the focus of our efforts on the holiday,” said Rhonda Stuart, Laraway’s Human Resources Director.

     Laraway is actively seeking proposals from local groups who may have a task for a few---or many---hands.  Interested parties are invited to contact Rhonda Stuart at RhondaS@Laraway.org or (802) 635-2805 x 105 by Friday, December 12^th.  Staff would be available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Got Warmth? Maurice's selects Laraway for its Hometown Pride donation drive

     Snowflakes will fall soon.  Keeping Laraway youth warm and bundled up for winter activities is an important priority, especially since many of our therapeutic and educational activities involve the outdoors.
     Maurice's clothing and accessory store in Derby, Vermont, graciously chose Laraway as the beneficiary of its Hometown Pride donation drive.  The store will be collecting gently-used winter coats and new hats and mittens from now until November 15th.  Folks making donations will receive 20% off coupons.
     Maurice's is located at Shaw's Plaza in Derby.  Their hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:30-8:30 and Sunday, 11:00-3:00.  Thank you to Maurice's staff for their generous spirit.  Now, a question for you, dear readers:  Winter camping anyone?