Final Days in Summitville

In a nutshell, this year in Summit has been an exciting, roller-coaster ride of experiences.

As we dealt with different government organizations with privacy policies, and worked with a unique and respected nonprofit,  I have learned to appreciate a lot.  First I learned to appreciate organization and time management.  I think I did a good job applying myself equally between all of my projects this year, and with working with Isabel's House, But I know if Isabel's House wasn't nearly as organized as they are, we would have definitely had a harder time volunteering for them.    

Mostly, what I learned was just to appreciate what I have been given in my life, working with Isabel's house has made me realize how many children do not get the childhood they deserve, which in turn will affect their whole life.  Isabel's House is a way for some of these children to experience what being a kid is supposed to feel like. Just having the chance to work with a nonprofit like this and interact with some of these children has made me feel like I have touched somebody's life in a positive way.  Hopefully the kids at Isabel's House will remember what it felt like to be loved for a day.  

I think we are very lucky to have gotten to live in Summit, even though we live busy BUSY lives, especially with SIFE and sororities and double majors, Summit still instills some sort of responsibility for your wellbeing.  Its a way for you to not focus so much on yourself, but on others, who need your help.  

Looking back,  I would have decided on another service project for Summit,  I still loved being a part of Isabel's House, but it was obvious, that Isabel's House is not necessarily fit for Summit projects,  since you never know who will be at Isabel's House, it is hard to have a consistent schedule for volunteering at Isabel's House,  and since Isabel's House is a fairly new nonprofit, it is hard for them to identify new needs, because as of right now, they have everything they need.

I would suggest to future summiteers, to not use Isabel's House as their project and make sure the project they choose, is with a nonprofit that needs consistent volunteers and can identify a secure need that you can address that year.

- Em Johnson

One. More. Week.

1. My Summit Experience this past year has been full of surprises and life lessons.

2. Summit has taught me a lot of things that will be beneficial to the rest of my time at Drury. It has taught me how yo live with three other girls and still love each other after it all. I have learned better time management figuring out how to fit volunteering into my schedule. Also, I have learned a lot with living with boys above us; they really are messy. 

3. The greatest thing I learned from living in Summit Park is cooperation skills. Everyone was raised differently so it's difficult at first to live with three other people, but with a little patience everything turns out just fine. 

4. I feel that I have made an impact on the community by helping with Isabel's House. This area has the highest rate of child abuse; even higher than St. Louis and Kansas City. It makes me feel better that we were able to touch the lives of just a few kids this past year. We are so blessed and it is important to give back to the community to those that aren't so blessed.

5. If I would not have lived in Summit my experience at Drury would not have been the same. I would not have had the volunteer opportunities that Summit gave me. Also, I would not have had the chance to get to know a lot of people that I wouldn't have met if it wasn't for our Summit Socials and classes on Fridays. 

6. Looking back at the Summit Experience I would have changed the organization that we worked with. It was hard to schedule regular times to volunteer. I loved working with Isabel's House, but I was hoping for a more regular schedule. 

7. Advice for future Summit groups: 

•          Don't let boys trick you into living under them instead of above them. They might think that girls are giggly and loud, but trust me...the way boys walk it sounds like the ceiling is going to fall in.
•         Learn to turn the oven off after you are done using it.
•         Clean out the lent thing in the dryer.
•         Don't put dish washing sink soap in the dish washer.

We have been working on our gift baskets for the kids at Isabel's House to take home with them. Here is a picture of Em hard at work

Hanna

Final Farewells - Last Blog

I would first like to say that I will sincerely miss ALL of our devoted readers...I know this blog has enriched the lives of countless individuals and I hope they can find closure.

But alas, as they say, on to business.

1. My experience at Summit this past year has been more about learning how to work within a group more than anything else.
2. I have gained experience in communication skills, especially with peers, that will continue to help me in my Drury experience.
3. I learned how to cook without setting off the fire alarm.
4. In the end, our project works with Isabel's House to make the kids feel comfortable while they are in a difficult situation. In essence, to make them feel more at home.
5. Well, I would not have had a kitchen. The commons probably would have killed me. Just kidding, I would not have been able to add a new skill set to my resume or build relationships with people in the Springfield community.
6. I might have picked a different project. Isabel's House is a wonderful organization but they are already given more help than honestly they know what to do with. I have learned that volunteers there actually end up being more of a burden on the staff than anything. I think I could have made more of an impact if we would have chosen Rivendale or another children's advocacy center.
7. Pick a project not based on how cool it sounds but rather how much you would realistically be able to contribute to it because you have it all year and doing one thing gets very very old.

So, that was it...farewell Andrew! It has been a pleasure writing to you.

- Amanda

Our Last Day's

Dear Summit Pals,

This year has been a great year! I am sad to be leaving such great housing and community. It has been real and fun and I hope next years groups will have as much fun and great experience as I have.

My summit experience this  past year has opened my eyes to major issues the affect the lives of children not only in the Springfield area but all over the United States.

Summit has been a great experience, it will help me be aware of all the efforts going on to make Springfield a better community. Summit has also motivate me to be involved in our community and to challenge myself to become more aware of what is going on. Summit has not only been a great experience but the greatest thing I have learned from living in Summit Park is that time management and commitment are two important things to know before you enter a program such as Summit. I have also learned that the crazy lady across the street is probably both a trash/belonging hoarder but also a cat hoarder. I feel like I have impacted the community by just raising awareness of Isabel's House. I don't know how many times someone has asked me "what have you been up to" or "what are you doing," when I reply "Isabel's House" they always ask "what is that?"

If I never got into summit I don't think my life would be any different I just feel like I wouldn't be aware of Isabel's House and  all the sad reasons why children are sent there. Looking back at the summit experience over the past year I would of changed the hours needed to be worked and turn it into a challenge of who could do the most hours. I think there would have to be a minimum amount of hour done but a competition would motivate people to participate and become more involved in their organization. For Future summit groups I would advise them to work with a workable project. Isabel's house was super awesome but at the same time it was hard because half the time they didn't need us and when they did we were barley with the kids. Other then the inconvenience of never knowing what is going to go on at Isabel's house, the staff worked with us and helped us help them.

I am really going to miss all the yummy Summit dinners but most of all I am really going to miss living with all of my wonderful roommates they were truly the best! I am also going to miss not being able to live where I get free laundry and a dishwasher! 

SUMMIT YOU ROCK!!!

Isabel Angel,

Emily Kessler

The end is near

This year has gone by so fast! This is our second to last Summit class everrr. Working with Isabel's House has been really fun, but challenging. They have a ton of volunteers which is a good thing but it makes it hard to find a time to come in and volunteer. 

The greatest experience in this past month working with the agency has been organizing the baskets that we will be putting together. This is what some of our $300 is going towards. We are making care packages to send home with the families of the children that stay at Isabel's House. This is specifically for families with babies. The packages will have things in them such as diapers, bottles, and onezies. 

The greatest challenge this past month has been finding time to volunteer. This second semester has been crazy busy, but it is almost over and we made it through. 

We are winding down with volunteering at Isabel's House. This experience has been very eye opening. I can't believe we are going to be moving out of Summit soon! It's been fun. 

Hanna

A Challenge

Hello Everyone

WOW where has this semester gone? The spring semester has been challenging. They rarely have any children when we volunteer which is totally awesome, but it means they don't need us to volunteer. Sometimes when we go to volunteer they will make us do things such as organize dressers, clean out the play closet, or help feed the babies because they do not have enough children and the staff has it all under control. Sometimes they have to think of things for us to do and it feels like we get in the way.

The greatest experience in the past month has been brainstorming ideas on how we can use our money to help them out since sometimes our help isn't needed. We came up with an awesome idea to make take home bags for  the kids. Some of the stuff will include diapers, formula, pacifiers, and bottle for the babies and gift cards, cards, little fun things for the kids. For the rest of the year we want to continue helping out in anyway as possible and continue making goodie bags for the kids.

Have a wonderful day!

Emily Kessler

Pie a Pi Phi 2011 :)

Thanks to our wonderful philanthrophy chair Emily Marie Kessler we raise over $200 for First Book in an hour simply by getting PIED in the face for $2 bucks a pop! Pretty succesful I'd say!

UNFORTUNATELY - this past Sunday we were suppose to be throwing a party for the kids BUT they did not have any.

So I have come to the conclusion that in order to throw a party for Isabel House kids we will need to just go whenever a week is that they happen to have kids there. So, no more trying themed holiday ones around he holiday but instead I was thinking we could BE READY TO CELEBRATE THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL & do a "green" craft with the kids for earth day and play outside!

Another thing I realized is that communicating with the "head" is not as effective as communicating with the staff that is there everyday. By going directly to the staff it cuts out the information getting lost in translation as well as they know more about what is happening on a day-to-day basis at the house.

Also, after more brainstorming - I think it would be a good idea for us to make "diaper wreaths" as a group at home that Isabel's House can store and then give to the families of infant children that come through (which the majority is under the age of 2) so right in our range. This way - we would not only be just handing over the money but giving them something creative and new that looks good to send home and stores easily. This will happen most likey the weekend after SB so Andrew have that credit card ready!

True, the House has not been getting a lot of children lately but this is a very good thing in retrospect. It means that the families are hopefully staying on their own feet and that Isabel's House is providing a SUSTAINABLE (love that word) and lasting impact on child abuse in Green County.

Have a wonderful break!

Amanda Jackson

Luck Leprechauns

Hey-O Summit

This Sunday we are really excited to celebrate St. Patties Day at Isabel's house! I don't know about you guys but I love the color green, a pot of gold, rainbows, and scavenger hunts! This month we helped with Oscar Night at Hammons. We were unable to attend the event but we were able to help set up. I am not sure how much money they rised this year through at Night at the Oscars but I am sure they raised a lot because it is always a wonderful event.

I can't believe it is already March man has this semester flown by. It has been a super busy semester for everyone I feel like but don't worry Spring Break is just a WEEK away!!!!! One thing big that has happened in our Summit house is MOLD. I don't know where it is coming from but it is on our hallway ceiling and it is gross. I guess we should inform Andrew or maintenance about the little growing guy. Other then the gross mold Summit life is going well.

I think there should be a reality TV show called Summit Park Leadership and they should film all of us. I don't know about you but I would watch it. I hope everyone is having a great day and just remember always keep a smile on...no one likes to see you frown!

Love Isabel's Angel

Emily Kessler

one. more. week.

Another month gone and still so much to do. We have been in contact with Keke at Isabel's House a lot these past few weeks. We have organized a St. Patrick's Day party for the kids where we plan on decorating cookies with green icing and sprinkles. Hopefully this will bring some joy into the kids lives instead of their usual routine at the House.

Spring Break is coming up and Emily and I are planning on volunteering at Isabel's House since we live here and we aren't going anywhere special for break. This will take care of the majority of our hours since we seem to be having scheduling difficulties with finding times where we can do productive volunteering. 

Something that we are using our $300 for is new clothing for the children. Each child that comes to Isabel's House gets new things when they enter the door. Shopping for these clothes will be fun and it will help the House a lot. They don't need any more toys, but they do need more clothes for the kids. 

PS: Good luck at nationals swimmers. We miss you already. And thanks for the spoiled millk Taylor...you are such a sweetheart. 

Hanna

First of all...I had to BLOG my thoughts on this man, Newt Gingrich, who stated to at a banquet, "“To a surprising degree, we are in a situation similar to Poland’s in 1979." .....Poland was communist in 1979. This is one of the Republican candidates for the presidential elections in 2012. He also acknowledged having an extramarital affair with Callista Bisek, then a House staff member, while leading impeachment proceedings against Mr. Clinton for lying about his own sexual transgressions. (NYT) So, whats he do? MAKES A MOVIE WITH HIS NEW BOO ABOUT JPII. And speaks across the country about how, as a nation, we have lost touch with our faith....

I HATE politics.

Sorry about the rant Andrew.

On a relavent note, Hanna Emily and I (Em is sick) went this morning to help Isabel's House set up for the annual Oscar Night!!! Not a lot to say. We moved flowers, chatted with the president Francine & the rest of th regs, I realized my favorite flower is an Orchid, met some chicks from MSU. BASICALLY we ran into our usuall GOOD although bad problem of Isabel's House having toooo much help. So again this is a great great great program but our funds/help is sort of wasted when they have adult volunteers out the wazoo as well as a HUGE staff. I missed the kids today! I think that just playing with the kids is the best we can do so we are setting up a time (wont knowtill last minute) to make cookies (green icing st paddies day) when they get a few kids in!

Hope all is well - pray for some more morally sound presidential candidates.

- Amanda

Isabel's House Round 2

Since the Spring semester began Em and I have been visiting Isabel's House every Sunday (which it has been very nice) and this past week we got to hang out with an awesome 2 year old. We played House, had some tea, had babies, made valentines for our mommys, and played peek-a-boo on the playground!!! Needless to say it was exhausting but well worth it because at the end she ran over and gave both Em and I HUGE hugs (she has been there three weeks).
This semester we hope to volunteer weekly (which we have been doing), volunteer at The Oscar Night (further on this below), as well as throw holiday parties for the kids (problem is we dont knowwho will be there so it requires VERY last minute planning).
Unfortunatly, in some aspects Isabel's House is proving to be limiting Summit Project. After really getting involved and exploring a variety of volunteer options I would not reccommend for a future Summit group to take on this project. Although it is a wonderful cause this organzization is already surronded with lots of communit support as well as a full time staff who often themselves can not find anything to do (being a crisis nusury it is very unpredictable obviously) Also, sometimes volunteers is just another stress on the staff and they have adults who already volunteer weekly. The most important part of a volunteer's job is to be with the kids and help them forget "thier adult-like troubles" that they havebeen put into.
This semester I am really looking forward to helping out at this years Oscar Night which is the 27th of this month! Last year we attended but this time we willbe helping out behind the scenes!!!

My leadership role has been the same - talking to the Isabel House reps and letting the girls know whats going on. I am ON THE SIDE ALSO pushing pi phi to really "go green" this semester as well. I think we are going to ride the bus togther next next friday for Art Walk for a sisterhood!

Until Next Time

- Amanda

Spring Is In The Air!!!!

Since we've been back to school, I have gotten to volunteer twice with Isabel's house.  The greatest experience since we've been back has been hanging out all afternoon with 2 yr old, Madison in the sunshine.  It was a great day and it felt great just doing little things that made her so happy.  I think what kids, who come to Isabel's House, really need is just an environment that will keep them happy.  Having people around who just dedicate themselves to making them comfortable and happy means so much to children who unfortunately don't get that at home.
The biggest challenge with day-to-day volunteering at Isabel's House is keeping busy.  There's no way to tell how many kids, or if there will even be kids at Isabel's House before you come.  Isabel's house is so well run and organized that what they need volunteers for is just taking care of the kids.  But if there is only one or two kids, and six workers, there leaves not much for us to do while we are there.. there is only so much you can do before you become a hassle to the workers.
Sundays have kind of become the volunteer days for Amanda and I; I think I am going to try to start going on Fridays at lunch time to help the lunch crew out and get some more experience during a week day. I have a feeling that they may be busier during the week. But then again, theres really no way to tell.

Isabel's House has some great fundraisers coming up this semester that I'm preeeettty excited about. Oscar night is coming up on the 27th! I know all of us are excited to go (again) this year! We all had so much fun last year. And I think it'd be great if we go representing Isabel's House this year.  We are currently figuring out the logistics of what we can do.  Alsoooo this year we have some great projects to do with the kids at isabel's house.  So clues to let you in on what we are planning: there will definitely be cookie decorating, scavenger hunts,  easter eggs,  bird feeders, and even a bunny suit ;) I am really looking forward to this semester and the warm breeze coming back and some happy memories being made with the kids at Isabel's House!

Last semester was pretty frustrating because there was nothing we could do without those backround checks! We are all very hard workers and it was a shame that we had such a set back.  I think you will see from this semester that we know how to get things done! We are a creative bunch, and even though Isabel's House is a challenge for a Summit project, we will figure out a way to be successful guaranteed! : )

Happy springtime!

Signing off,
Em J

Spring is in the air

Another month has gone by...can't believe it. We have been busy getting in contact with Keke at Isabel's House to plan this semester's events. We still have our $300 so we plan on doing lots of fun things for the kids this spring. We are going to buy kites for the kids and take them outside and fly the kites with them. Then they can either keep them at Isabel's House or let the kids take them back home. We are also planning an Easter Egg hunt. (The Easter Bunny is going to make a surprise visit aka Emily Kessler). Also, for St. Patrick's Day we are going to have a treasure hunt with a 'pot of gold' at the end. Depending on the weather this hunt will be either inside the house or outside in the back. Some other ideas we have are decorating bird feeders or decorating flower pots and planting a flower in it. 

Oscar Night America is coming up too. We attended this event last year, but this year we want to try to volunteer at it instead. We really enjoyed it last year.

I hope that we can volunteer more regularly this semester with Isabel's House. We are hoping to really get to interact with the kids on a regular basis. Sometimes it is hard because they won't have any kids on some days. 

I am looking forward to the technology fast this semester. I think it will be a fun bonding experience for all of the Summiteers. As much as I rely on my cell phone and laptop I don't think it will be too hard to fast for 24 hours from them... especially with my wonderful roommates around to keep me company. 

This past semester has made me a stronger leader by teaching me important life lessons. Living in Summit I have learned a lot. It sounds stupid, but I had never had to do laundry or cook at home. I also learned how important it is to stay on top of the cleaning. It's a pain when it gets realllllyyyy dirty. I have learned how to live with roommates. We have all learned from each other. Also, the guest speakers we have had have really helped open my eyes to a lot of things. Like the police officer that spoke and the wellness program taught me how to relax in times of stress. All of these things will make me a better leader. 

I'm excited for some quality Summit time Friday night. Hopefully we won't be as wound up this time.

Adios,

Hanna

Hello Summit

Summit,

It is so nice to be back. It has been a busy semester so far but I like  because I never get bored. Summit is so beautiful when we have spring weather. There is nothing like opening up all of your windows and listening to the wind blow.  I am really excited this semester for Isabel's house because we have so many events planned, it will be AWESOME. Right now we are thinking about purchasing a bunny costume  to have during our easter egg hunt. With more great weather around the corner we are also thinking about doing a scavenger hunt and decorating green cookies for St. Patty's Day. We are are really excited for this semester and cant wait to spend more time with the kids!