Search This Blog

VISION:
Better Tomorrows' vision is that all communities are strong, healthy, and comprised of people who are self-sufficient and successful.

MISSION:
Better Tomorrows’ mission is to empower individuals, families, and neighborhoods to thrive.

WHAT WE DO:
The Better Tomorrows impact-driven social service model is aimed at fostering economic stability, educational success, healthy lifestyles and strong communities. By providing a continuum of direct support to affordable housing residents and the neighboring communities, Better Tomorrows’ place-based programming and case management build safe and nurturing environments and uplift youth, adults, families, and seniors.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Rootin' Tootin' Chili Contest

Heehaw, we ate some YUMMY chili today! 7 different types of chili were contributed to our Rootin' Tootin' Chili Contest.

The cooks were: M.A. Armillei(not pictured), Sue Gehris, Chris Graham(not pictured), Pat Fogarty, Monika London, Verna Overpeck and Marie Hardy.


We had over 20 residents come sample the chili. After a very difficult decision our winners were:
1st Place Marie Hardy
2nd Place Monika London


3rd Place M.A. Armillei


1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners each received a customized apron!


There was even some square-dancing!


And lots of silliness:


Thank you Sue for coming up with such a wonderful idea and a very special thank you to all those who cooked and 'tasted'.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Happy Halloween!

A thank you to M.A. and the East Stroudsburg Kiwanis for encouraging this crazy group of people to celebrate Halloween:



LOVE the costumes everyone, GOOD JOB! ;)

Edited to add pictures submitted by our very own Janice Jenkins. Janice you are quickly becoming a great photographer! Thank you for the contribution!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Village Tappers

Wow, what a special treat we had today! The Village Tappers entertained us with their talented ensemble performing country music, Broadway classics, tunes from Frank Sinatra and outstanding tap-dance!

For over an hour we watched and listened to these talented performers who put smiles on our faces, joy in our hearts and tears in our eyes.



Each and every one of us had a wonderful time and we'd like to thank the performers for their time, energy and talent. We cannot wait for you to come again!

Friday, October 16, 2009

New Puzzle -> October snow storm

Can you believe winter is here already? Click on the picture below to scramble the puzzle pieces.

Click to Mix and Solve

Thursday, October 1, 2009

September Success Story -> Photography Exhibit!

We had a busy month at Shirley Futch Plaza!

Eight Shirley Futch Residents took part in our Photography Challenge held in September 2009. Those participants were Tamara Adlevankina, Jean Bruck, Marie Counterman, Pat Fogarty, Judy Griswinski, Janice Jenkins, Verna Overpeck and Carol Romansky. Participants were given 5 categories (nature, transportation, something special, a Shirley Futch resident and the view from their apartment) for which they were to take digital pictures. Once they had a picture for each category they submitted them to me electronically.

I compiled all of the photos along with quotes and sayings then presented it as a ‘movie’ at our Photography Exhibit on September 30th. We invited all Shirley Futch residents to come see the photos and ended up having over 30 attendees! Our very own waitress, Social Services Coordinator Sue Gehris, served appetizers and sparkling juice beverages were provided. We watched the movie twice as per resident request, and the photographers answered questions about where their pictures were taken or how they got an idea for a ‘shot’. Everyone who attended was very impressed by the photography, and at the end of the exhibit residents asked when we were having another one! It was an excellent way to get residents involved with, and introduced to, digital photography.

October Schedule

Thurs. October 1:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Tues. October 6:
9:15-12:00 By Appointment Only

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Wed. October 7:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-2:15 Introduction to Internet Explorer 8 – Learn about the new features in Internet Explorer 8. Excellent class for those with their own PC’s.

2:15-4:45 Open Lab

Thurs. October 8:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-4:45 Digital Photography Class – We’ll be taking pictures of the fall foliage.

Tues. October 13:
9:15-12:00 By Appointment Only

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Weds. October 14:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-4:45 Digital Photography Class – Rain Date

Thurs. October 15:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

2:00-3:00 Birthday Party

3:15-4:45 Literati Challenge – Sign-up sheet on Bulletin Board outside the computer room

Tues. October 20:
9:15-12:00 By Appointment Only

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Weds. October 21:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-2:00 Typing Class

2:00-4:45 Open Lab

Thurs. October 22:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-2:15 – English As A Second Language Class

2:15-4:45 Open Lab

Tues. October 27:
9:15-12:00 By Appointment Only

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Weds. October 28:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-4:45 Open Lab

Thurs. October 29:
9:15-12:00 Open Lab

1:15-2:15 Home Users Club – meet at the gazebo, if it’s nice out!

2:15-4:45 Open Lab
_______________________________________________________
Digital Photography Day!
Join us outside as we take pictures of the fall foliage!

Photos to be used for the November newsletter, bulletin boards and the BLOG. You will also have the opportunity to print an 8x10 picture on glossy photo paper.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how to use your digital camera! One-on-one instruction will be available to help you.

Date: Thursday, October 8th. Meet at the gazebo. Class will be going on all afternoon. Rain date is Wednesday, October 14th.
_______________________________________________________
Tip of the month: Be sure to check out the manufacturer’s website for coupons for your favorite products. Example: www.swiffer.com has lots of great savings. You can print coupons directly from their website.
_______________________________________________________
October One-on-One Appointment Dates
Tuesday: 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27
The sign-up sheet for one-on-one appointments is on the bulletin board outside the Computer Learning Center. Sign-up sheet for October will be posted on October 1st at 5:00 pm
_______________________________________________________