“We got involved with the Boot Camp when we went there with Elizabeth,” says Leo Julian, Eagle’s Trace resident. “Anita and I got trained, were assigned young men to mentor, and now we go once a week. We’ll work with the same young man until he graduates. It’s very emotional, but also very rewarding.”
“Basically, we function as role models,” says Gauldin. “Most of these boys never had a role model. We spend an hour talking, playing games, just being their friend.”
Currently, six residents volunteer at the Boot Camp, but more are always needed, and welcome, says Gauldin. “There are so few mentors and so many boys. We can always use more.”
Senior Scholars
If serendipity was defined as a natural gift for making useful discoveries by accident, then Senior Scholars is serendipitous indeed. This group, whose mission is to help students who work at Eagle’s Trace with everything from college applications to math homework, was founded quite accidentally one Sunday morning when resident
Dorothy Davison found one of the student workers at her wit’s end.
Dorothy put out a call for help, and 15 willing residents quickly answered.
Judy Meyer
, a retired school administrator who worked with high-school dropouts during her career, is one of the volunteers. “I’m involved through Dorothy, but I have lots of experience in this area, so it’s a good fit,” says Meyer. “I can help with college applications, and I’m used to dealing with government groups. And, I’ll continue helping with writing and English. That’s what the students need.”
Dorothy says the program will expand as needed, initially with one-on-one sessions for the students who are employed at Eagle’s Trace, with possible outreach to area high schools.
Treasure Chest
Along with helping the students, Meyer is also chairperson for the Treasure Chest, an on-site resale shop managed by residents who collect donations of furniture and household items from other residents who no longer need them. The collections will be sold at the Treasure Chest, located on the third floor of the Piney Woods Court residence building, on Thursdays and Saturdays.
All proceeds will go to programs that benefit the students, staff and residents of Eagle’s Trace.
“We’ve been working for months, getting ready. We have some very nice things, such as a spinet organ and other furniture,” says Meyer, who used to have her own antique store and now is co-owner of The Electors, which sells mostly antique jewelry and silver. “We feel like the Treasure Chest is going to account for something.”
Energy Needed
There’s always room for more volunteers. The activities here are just a few of the opportunities for getting involved.
If you’re an Eagle’s Trace resident who’s inspired and wants to get involved, contact DyAnne Wilson. She’s ready to help you direct your energies in a meaningful, purposeful way.
If you haven’t yet made the move to Eagle’s Trace, but would like to see how the Erickson lifestyle can make a difference in your life, call 281-496-7676 or 1-800-210-4347 and request your free Information Kit.
With Redbud Crossing now open, there are a variety different apartment homes available right now, including a few plans with lake views, and even some ground floor models with patios. Call today. It’s time to get involved!