Enriching the lives of those compromised by circumstance or conditions.
HERE'S A HUG FOR YOU!
HUGS is a periodic newsletter published by the Wenk Family Charitable Foundation to provide stories of organizations and people who are making strides towards ‘enrichment’ as a result of programs we support or initiate. In a world seeming wrought with sad news and strife, we hope you’ll find it as refreshing as we do, to hear positive stories and encouraging potential. We hope you take a few minutes to enjoy what we’re sharing here…and if you do – please send us a note.
It’s been a year since we launched
“Pawsitive Steps” and we’re pleased to announce that the program is, indeed, making POSITIVE STEPS! This initiative is a collaboration between Rescue Village of Geauga County and the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility (CHJCF), spearheaded by the Wenk Family Charitable Foundation to enable young men to work with animals at the shelter. They visit Rescue Village daily for half-day sessions where they take responsibility for cleaning pens, washing pet dishes and toys and working one-on-one with rescued dogs to help prepare them for adoption.
“This has been life-changing for me,” says Josh, one of the first youth to join Pawsitive Steps from CHJCF. “I love the time I have with my dog, teaching him, playing with him and getting him ready for adoption. Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye when they go, but I know I’ve done my job helping prepare them.”
Rescue Village staff and volunteers have been open and willing to teach and the young men are equally eager to learn. CHJCF leaders have noticed a measurable improvement in the youths’ self-confidence, maturity and focus since joining the program. It has truly been a win-win for all involved!
The Wenk Family Charitable Foundation has made a 5 year commitment to support "Pawsitive Steps". Our plans are to expand the program beyond Northeast Ohio. If you'd like to help us grow the program, please consider a donation by clicking on the link above.
ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT
(Click on the photos to learn more!)
The Lost Hearts Foundation helps children who have lost their parents to "live their normal".
The Cleveland Animal Protective League's mission is to foster compassion and end animal suffering.
University Settlement is at the forefront of social service providers supporting families and individuals in the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood.
FEATURED ORGANIZATION
A KID AT ART FOR THE HEART
Bringing Art to the Underprivileged
Some of us can't imagine school without art or music education. Unfortunately, far too many children are missing this very critical developmental component in their education through no fault of their own. Thanks to organizations like A Kid At Art for the Heart, that gap is being filled for some. Learn more about them by visiting their website at:
www.akidatartfortheheart.org.
We love and support what they're doing!
Closing thought...
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
