Sesame Workshop , the New York-based non-profit educational organization behind
By : Lisa Holbrook Assistance League of the Bay Area Marketing Chairman lisaholbrook60 @ comcast . net
Assistance League ® of the Bay Area Hosted Sesame Workshop ’ s Hugs for
Houston Tour
Sesame Workshop , the New York-based non-profit educational organization behind
Sesame Street , brought its Hugs for Houston tour to this community and Assistance League of the Bay Area played host on Thursday , November 2 and Friday , November 3 .
Children were greeted by the lovable Elmo and Cookie Monster as they visited the Bay Colony campus in the Dickinson Independent School District on Friday morning .
In addition , two of our favorite Sesame Street characters stopped by the Kohl ' s in League City to greet both children and adults . Kohl ’ s , in partnership with Assistance League of the Bay Area , provides necessary school clothing through Operation School Bell ®, the chapter ’ s largest philanthropic program . The location in League City serves the Dickinson ISD students .
Employees from Sesame Workshop offered three training opportunities for school counselors , teachers , parents , or other interested adults to learn more about how to acknowledge and support any traumas that may occur as a result of this life experience . These sessions were provide cost-free by the organization and the United Way of Greater Houston THRIVE Center at Bay Area .
“ The goal of the Sesame Workshop visit is to let the children who have been most affected by Hurricane Harvey know that they are loved ,” said Assistance League President Elect Sarah Foulds .
Chapter members echoed President-Elect Foulds ’ s comments . “ So much laughter and joy !’ remarked Ann Halligan . “ Their excitement was music to my ears ,” stated Priscilla Magnuson , Operation School Bell ’ s Vice Chairman .
Sesame Workshop ’ s mission is to help kids grow smarter , stronger , and kinder . Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2016 , they recently launched a new initiative designed to help children cope with traumatic experiences . The initiative is a major new addition to Sesame Street in Communities , a program to help community service providers , parents , and caregivers give children , especially the most vulnerable , a strong and healthy start .
Amy Cmaidalka , Bay Colony ’ s Counselor remarked , “ We are thankful for this experience students and staff will never forget . It was an opportunity of a lifetime . I am amazed by the characters ’ ability to communicate with the students without using words .”
Principal Amy Smith observed , “ Our students and staff who were devastated by the storm have had so much additional stress in their lives following Hurricane Harvey . It was fantastic to see the joyful response by students and staff when they saw Cookie Monster and Elmo . I saw excitement , joy , and glee from them all . The visit brought out carefree joy in the children and transformed adult staff back to carefree children for a little while .”
Julie O ’ Gea , Assistant Principal for the campus stated , “ Thank you for providing a few moments of joy and relief for everyone . Cookie Monster and Elmo helped our school family focus on fun . It was a memorable experience for everyone that further united a tight-knit school community .”
Hugs for Houston not only offered comfort to those who had experienced the ravages of Hurricane Harvey , but more importantly , hope .
Assistance League of the Bay Area volunteers are transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs .
To learn more about Assistance League of the Bay Area visit our website , www . assistanceleague . org / bay-area or connect with us on Facebook , @ AssistanceLeagueBayArea .
19 MOMENTUM / Holiday 2017