Roemello White, Interim Operations Manager at Child & Family Services, walked through the gymnasium during the Residential Treatment Program’s recent party thrown by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). In one corner, he saw an IIDA volunteer help Addison* build a tower out of LEGO that was nearly as tall as the child himself. Roemello knew that Addison loved to play with LEGO.
At the cookie-decorating station, Roemello watched as Ryan* loaded a cookie with toppings, took a big bite, and was left with a face covered in frosting and sprinkles. After an IIDA volunteer showed Ryan his reflection, the two burst into laughter. New to Residential Treatment, Ryan had been having some difficulties adjusting. Roemello was happy to see him laughing with a new friend.
All throughout the gym, children were having fun. It was a welcome return to normalcy after several years of being unable to host a party such as this.
“This was our first event with volunteers coming to campus since the pandemic began, and we were able to hold it without needing to wear masks,” described White. “Having volunteers coming out is always fun! The kids love meeting new people and since the volunteers are specifically here for the kids, they get a lot of undivided attention, which they love.”
IIDA had partnered with Child & Family Services in past years to throw parties for children in Residential Treatment. Always enthusiastic to spend time with the kids, it was a joy to finally be able to have them back on campus. To the delight of kids like Addison and Ryan, IIDA volunteers brought STEM-related activities for an evening of games, sweets, and friendship.
Lee Schlatterer is a member of IIDA and has been a frequent volunteer at these Residential Treatment parties. “For the Buffalo City Center of IIDA, it is special to be able to support local children, highlight STEM education through constructive play and take a moment out of our busy lives to shine a light on kids that need a little extra attention,” described Lee.
As the evening came to a close, Addison’s tower had become a full-blow city, while Ryan stacked the rest of his cookies into a box to be enjoyed at a later time. Both walked out of the gym chatting away about their creations, and how they were looking forward to telling their friends at school the next day.
Roemello wanted to emphasize the importance of having the community come to visit with kids in Residential Treatment. “Volunteers come in and see that even though our kids are in Residential Care, they are still normal kiddos who just enjoy having fun,” said Roemello.
Child & Family Services would like to thank IIDA and their volunteers for a fun night of sugar highs and learning through play.
*Names changed for confidentiality