10 February 2012

3 weeks!

3 weeks of Walking on Sunshine have come and gone. All things considered, the first three weeks have gone smoothly! A few glitches here and there, but I can't complain! I knew from the get-go that the success of this program would come down to the mentors.  The mentors who have come forward to volunteer for this program have been amazing, and I am so thankful for their dedication to this program, and their dedication to their mentees.  They represent a source of trust, dependability, and inspiration for their mentees.  Unfortunately, when mentors cancel their relationship with their mentee may take a few steps back.  Because homelessness itself can erode social relationships, many participants in the program are rebuilding their self-efficacy in forming and maintaining social relationships.  So, when someone cancels on them, it may impact them harder than it would impact someone with intact and thriving social relationships.  This is hard. I realize that things come up for mentors (people get sick, have school or other obligations, etc.), BUT, I really want the best for the participants of the program. I need to put my personal investment in the success of this program aside and realize that life happens. These experiences are learning experiences for myself, the participants, and the mentors.  We will all survive, obviously...and I can only hope that they make every party stronger, particularly the participants. I pray that they do not take it personally and that they know that their mentor is there for them, but that things do come up.  Their resiliency probably allows them to recognize this bettter than I do. Funny how things like that work..

There was my rant about this program. In case you can't tell, I have poured my heart and soul into this program. It warms my heart to hear that the participants are really enjoying their walks and time with their mentors. And of course, they are enjoying their new walking shoes!!

Whatever the outcome of this program may be, I know that this time in my life is one that I will never forget and one that I will allow me grow as a person and community member.

17 January 2012

Let the program begin...

Whew...tomorrow night is the kick-off event for Walking on Sunshine!! For those who don't know, Walking on Sunshine is a mentor walking program for women in transitional housing developed and planned by yours truly.  I'm thinking that last spring I blogged about the extensive needs assessment that my program partner, Kelly, and I conducted. The result was a mentor walking program to address self-esteem, depression and anxiety among transitionally housed women here in Missoula. After several months of planning, preparing, recruiting volunteer mentors, applying for funding, and coordinating, the program is actually a reality!

Tomorrow mentors and mentees will meet for the first time. A good time will be had by all...we will share dinner, mentors and mentees will decide on a day and time to meet each week during the 8 week program, and we will play a little "get-to-know-you" game! Then, next Monday, the program officially begins.  Mentors and mentees will meet at their arranged time and walk and talk. This program isn't meant to cure various mental health issues but rather help women take the initial steps in engaging in physical activity (this was something they  mentioned wanting in the needs assessment) and help them improve their self-efficacy toward forming and maintaining positive social relationships because the social relationships of homeless individuals are often eroded by homelessness itself or the factors leading to homelessness.

Unfortunately, Missoula is set to receive 10-12 inches of snow this week!! This is bad news for a new mentor walking program. Hopefully the excitement among the mentors and participants will continue despite the freezing cold weather conditions.  Time will tell...and whatever happens, I will be writing about it in a few short weeks!

Stay tuned for program progress and the nitty gritty details.