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Helping Homeless Children through Writing at Dayspring Center

2024-11-28

At Dayspring Center on Indianapolis’ north side, Vanessy Cortes takes on multiple roles. One of her favorite aspects of the job is using her passion for writing to assist homeless children. Cortes, as a development coordinator, secures donations, manages marketing and social media, and tells the stories of the families at the center through grant writing. “I have always had a desire to write,” she said. “At Dayspring, there are countless stories to share, and I was drawn to the storytelling element of philanthropy.”

Dayspring Center: A Haven for Homeless Families

Dayspring is an emergency shelter that operates 24/7, providing the essential needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Case managers work closely with each family to develop a plan to address the root causes of their homelessness. The center also has specialized programs for children. Camp Discovery, a six-week summer camp, offers activities that help children cope with their situations. “The main goal of our camp is to make these kids feel like children again,” Cortes said. “Their curiosity and childlike wonder return. They can temporarily set aside their circumstances.”The camp includes field trips to museums and interactive activities at the shelter. For Cortes, serving the families, especially the children, makes her job meaningful. “Just witnessing the emotional resilience in these kids is what keeps me motivated,” she said. “It is crucial to have a strong community supporting these kids.”

Shelter and Case Management Program

Families staying at the shelter regularly meet with case managers to take the necessary steps to overcome their current situation. This program provides essential support and guidance to help families regain stability.

Children’s Services Program

This program focuses on improving the lives of children by providing them with tools and resources to support their academic and emotional well-being. Camp Discovery, a six-week summer program, is an extension of this program. It offers enriching experiences such as horse therapy, field trips to museums, and other recreational activities. These activities help children develop and grow.

Follow-Up Care Program

After families transition from the shelter to permanent housing, the follow-up care program provides continued support and resources. This ensures that they have the necessary assistance to maintain their new living situations.Dayspring Center serves a significant number of people. In 2024, the Shelter Program served 69 households (90 adults and 128 children), and the Follow-Up Care Program served 67 families (67 adults and 81 children).Dayspring’s number one need is monetary donations. Due to limited government funding, the majority of its operations depend on individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.There are several ways to get involved and assist families at Dayspring Center. Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways. Seeing the work firsthand often inspires individuals to become long-term supporters. Sponsoring special events and donating in-kind contributions, such as clothing, food, and household essentials, are also greatly appreciated. Becoming a monthly donor, with a contribution as small as $30 per month, can make a significant difference.During the Season for Sharing campaign, your gift can make a big impact on the lives of Central Indiana youth. This year, Season for Sharing is partnering with the Summer Youth Program Fund to support high-quality programs for more than 80,000 Marion County youth. To contribute, visit indystar.com/ocdonate or mail a check to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Season for Sharing, 615 N. Alabama St. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Since IndyStar covers all fundraising and administrative costs, 100% of your gift will go directly to Central Indiana agencies.About Dayspring Center:Phone: (317) 635-6780Address: 1537 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202Website: www.dayspringindy.orgContact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

The ability for kids to adapt and have fun is often overshadowed by our structured approach. As Jeff Francoeur, a former major league outfielder and now a youth sports podcaster, points out, we mess it up a lot of the time. Kids don't play pickup games in the backyard anymore; instead, they're often rushed through practices. But during Thanksgiving, we remember the importance of free play. Francoeur suggests that parents and coaches emphasize free play more often, even in formal practices.

Rediscover the Joy of Free Play for Kids and Adults

Start a Holiday Tradition

Organizing a game can bring people together. The "Turkey Bowl" in our neighborhood park has been an annual tradition for 22 years. We play parents vs. kids, and it's not about winning; it's about having fun and creating a tradition. Exercise is beneficial for the brain, as Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey wrote in "Spark." It's especially enjoyable when done with friends. Encourage free play on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. A morning game can make you feel less sluggish later in the day and become a topic of conversation during dinner.

Keep Them Moving in the Classroom

In elementary school, children spend a lot of time sitting still. Alissa Casey, a teacher who works with third through fifth graders, says most kids get only a half hour of recess and one 50-minute PE class per week. This isn't enough. Teachers can ask for physical activity breaks in the classroom. Jordan Carlson, a professor of pediatrics, says short physical activity bursts help with on-task behavior and improve learning. Try activities like marching in place or moving to music.

Make Devices a Part of Active Free Play

The physical activity report card shows that too much screen time is a problem. Amanda Staiano says kids should limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day. High amounts of sedentary behavior increase health risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a Family Media Plan. Encourage family members to charge tablets in the living room and put phones away during meals. But also show kids that devices can be used for active games.

Allow Them to Dream

Dreaming keeps kids playing sports. Francoeur spoke to Yankees manager Aaron Boone about his ALCS-winning home run. As a kid, Boone dreamed of doing that. When we were young, we dreamed of playing in the yard. Even on cold or rainy days, we could dream of doing other activities. The AAP recommends kids take a day of rest and a few months off from specific sports. Fill their free time with dreams and free play. Our neighborhood "Turkey Bowl" has evolved over the years, and our kids are getting closer to beating us. They can dream of that day.Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been with USA TODAY since 1999 and has coached his sons' teams. His column is posted weekly. For questions, email him at sborelli@usatoday.com.

In today's episode, we explore the world of cooking with young kids as Mark Bittman, the renowned journalist and author, joins NPR's Ayesha Rascoe at home. Bittman's new cookbook, "How to Cook Everything Kids," emphasizes the importance of inviting young chefs into the kitchen to spark their curiosity about food. The book is filled with child-friendly recipes that make use of playful ingredients like Corn Flakes, such as baked ziti, pizza, and blueberry muffins. Together, Bittman and Rascoe prepare two chicken dishes while Bittman shares the inspiration behind this wonderful project.

Unlock the Culinary Potential of Young Chefs with Mark Bittman's Book

Embracing the Mess: The Joy of Cooking with Kids

Cooking with young kids often leads to a bit of a mess, but that's part of the fun. Mark Bittman's cookbook shows us that by embracing this mess, we can introduce children to the wonderful world of cooking. It's not just about making delicious food; it's about fostering a love for food and teaching them valuable life skills. As Bittman says, "Inviting young chefs into the kitchen is the best way to get them curious about food." With recipes like baked ziti and pizza, kids can have a blast while learning to cook.

The use of playful ingredients like Corn Flakes adds an extra element of excitement. It shows kids that cooking can be creative and fun. Instead of being intimidated by the kitchen, they are encouraged to explore and experiment. This early exposure to cooking can have a lasting impact on a child's relationship with food and their future culinary endeavors.

Cooking with Inspiration: Bittman's Project and Its Impact

Mark Bittman's decision to write this cookbook was driven by his belief in the power of cooking to connect with children. Through his recipes and teachings, he aims to inspire a new generation of young chefs. As he prepares two chicken dishes with Ayesha Rascoe and her kids, he shares the inspiration behind the project.

This cookbook is not just about teaching kids how to follow recipes; it's about instilling a love for food and the process of cooking. Bittman shows that cooking with kids is not only about the end result but also about the memories and experiences shared in the kitchen. It's a way to bond with children and create lasting connections.