Balloons, party hats, and streamers abound in the group room at Crossroads for Women. Kids are dancing to silly tunes while ladies chat and bounce along with the beat. This isn’t a typical Wednesday afternoon. It’s birthday party time!
The group gathers together to do the hokey pokey followed by a rousing rendition of the chicken dance. Giggles and laughter reverberate off the walls. Little ones munch on pizza while moms and grandmas swap stories over root beer floats.
Over 25 staff, clients, and children sing happy birthday as three kiddos share the duty of blowing out the candles. Special gifts are passed out to the birthday babies while all of the kids in attendance select a book to take home. After over an hour of games, laughter, and good food, everyone goes home with smiles and happy tummies. It was a good Wednesday.
“I think the parties make the kids feel happy and good. They strengthen our community because moms have support.”
Liz, current client at Crossroads for Women
This year Crossroads for Women is hosting monthly birthday parties thanks to a generous $2,400 donation by Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (D/P/S). As part of their 60th anniversary celebration, D/P/S selected Crossroads for Women as one of five southwest area nonprofits to receive funds for sponsoring monthly birthday parties.
“I think the parties are awesome; it just brings happiness,” says Beverly, a client at Crossroads. “We dance around and play with the kids. I think they really enjoy getting a gift. There isn’t a person who is bored there and it’s just fun.”
When longtime Crossroads volunteer Maureen heard about the monthly birthday celebrations, she wanted to get involved. She regularly puts her fabulous baking skills to work creating beautiful cakes for party-goers to enjoy. Her cakes are out-of-this-world delicious!
“We dance around and play with the kids. I think they really enjoy getting a gift. There isn’t a person who is bored there and it’s just fun.”
Beverly, current client at Crossroads for Women
Not only have monthly birthday parties at Crossroads helped connect clients with community members, they’ve also helped connect program alumni with new clients and their families. Maya’s Place alumna Henrietta says, “I think the parties are wonderful. They let me know that everyone is still around and we get to celebrate another year together.”
By the end of 2019, D/P/S will have sponsored 60 birthday parties benefiting over 150 children. 60 birthday parties to celebrate 60 years.
This effort is just one of the many ways D/P/S is making our communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient. We’re grateful to partner with D/P/S in creating a safe, healthy environment for families to make lasting memories.