Our Community

 

 

Jaclyn Zeccola

Recently, my son’s school hosted a Unity day. We put up signs about the strength of our CommUnity, and cheered on kids as they came to school. The focus was on anti -bullying, but I, as a kindergarten parent, was also so interested in my son feeling like part of a larger “family”of parents and kids.

 

It’s no secret that parenting can separate you from social groups that used to provide comfort and strength, and especially, when you are parenting a child with different needs, that isolation and separateness can feel profound. At Cheerful Helpers we think a lot about our parent groups
providing that sense of community. Through BEIG or the school or the alumni group, hopefully you are able to find a network of parents to share resources and strength with. Even better is when parents share about playdates that are formed from their interactions in these groups. The social connections built at Cheerful Helpers between kids and adults can provide a lifetime of support and guidance.

As always, this was highlighted at our recent Alumni Night. Families and kids from many years at Cheerful Helpers, joined on zoom and shared memories, stories, current pain and challenges
and care for one another. It was 90 minutes of community togetherness that resonates for many of us for the whole year.

We hope, as we begin a season of sometimes challenging holidays and breaks, that the strength of our community offers you support and containment, and a sense of belonging to a larger family of many generations of parents and kids. Thank you for being such an important part of
our community!

My Invisible String

 

Erin Angle

I have been putting off writing this article, as I tend to do with things that are painful. In just a few days I will say a “Big Goodbye” to Cheerful Helpers, thus closing a major chapter in my life to embark on new adventures with my family on the east coast. The feelings come in waves - sadness, excitement, anxiety, nostalgia - but always there just underneath the tide is a deep feeling of love and gratitude for this community. Cheerful Helpers has given me so much, it’s hard to put into words, but I will try.

 

When I tell people what I do, I often get a response like “Oh, you must be a Saint!” or “It takes a special kind of person to do that work!” which I’ve always found to be a bizarre response, because these people obviously do not know how amazing my job is! I get to learn and play every day, and see the world unfiltered, through the eyes of these precious little souls. This work fills my cup. It makes me feel whole. It gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. 

 

I grew up with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, which unfortunately is a common experience for many women my age. I struggled through school, always feeling like there was something broken in me. Adults in my life were often perplexed and frustrated with me, telling me I was “so gifted,” if I would only decide to apply myself. I tried and failed at several different career paths before I pursued a career in Special Education. When I landed at Cheerful Helpers in 2017, I had only begun receiving treatment for my ADHD for a year or so. 

 

Cheerful Helpers has been a healing journey for me. It has been a parallel process, working with these incredible kids and their families. I learned that there are an infinite number of ways to connect with others. I learned that it’s brave to be vulnerable, and to make mistakes. I learned that I don’t have to ruminate on my mistakes, and that there is always an opportunity for repair. I’ve learned to give myself the same patience, love and compassion that comes easily for me when working with the children. I learned how to co-regulate, which made me a better parent. Whew, especially in those difficult moments, when I am touched-out and overwhelmed. Boy am I glad I have so many tools!

 

So I guess what I really want to say in a very long-winded way is, Thank You. Thank you to all of my mentors, my supervisors, and the administration for creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Thank you to all of the staff and interns who I continue to learn so much from, and for your collaborative spirit and strong work ethic.  And thank you parents, for your dedication to your children and to this community, and most of all, for trusting your children to my care. It has been a privilege to know your children, and to work with you. I will always be connected to all of you with my invisible string, and I hope you feel it in your heart every time I give it a little tug. 

 

I will close with a lovely poem from Quint Page:

 

I helped tend the soil,

Plant the seeds,

Provide water & sunlight,

Protect them from harsh elements,

And stayed present as they

Struggled to grow during difficult times.

Yes I am a Cheerful Helper - 

A cultivator of little and precious souls.

QP July 1998

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