Page 9 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - July 2019

9

STAFF The youth program has opened dodgeball, and basketball with
From page 8 up many doors for her. Baker’s the children in the program.
job allows her to be creative His favorite part about his
up with the arts and crafts the and spend time with the youth job is being able to teach the
youth create throughout the program. Geo youth new games and helping
year. Along with organizing the She enjoys being around the them develop and hone their
summer program, she helps plan younger children in the program. Jack basketball abilities.
after-school activities throughout “They are so carefree … and it’s Jack enjoys all of the field
the school year. cool to see how deep they are into YOUTH trips but really likes when they
“The small part that I get to their imagination,” Baker said. CENTER go to Boomshaka. He gets out
play in their daily lives is amazing,” “I’m still learning new things, ASSISTANT there with the youth to jump
Baker said. although I’ve been here for three ‘IT’S GREAT WORKING WITH around on the trampolines.
She enjoys having the privilege years,” she explained. “I’m so Jack is a part of the day-to-
of seeing the youth every day appreciative for being able to play TONY. HE HAS TAUGHT ME A day lives of tribal youth. He
and getting to know them on a the small part that I’m able to play LOT OVER THE PAST YEAR.’ said he appreciates watching
personal level. in these kids’ lives.” the kids grow and mature
Baker has three children and Baker loves working with physically and mentally.
a fourth on the way. She is always Medina. “Tony is great,” she said. Youth Center Assistant He has direct family members
around children, both at work and “We make a great team.” Geo Jack has worked with the that are part of the program.
at home. She spends a lot of time She said she hope he stays with program for a year. He worked This job allows him to keep a
attending her children’s sporting the program for years to come at the tribal gas station before closer eye on them and play a
events and traveling different and that she wouldn’t be able to switching to his current position. bigger role in their lives as well.
places with her family. do her job without Medina. He said being the Youth Jack said the youth have
Center Assistant is a lot different taught him to “look at things
from his previous job. He gets from all perspectives.” He
to work with children all day understands that life isn’t as
a privilege.” instead of dealing with uneasy simple as viewing things from
She gets enthusiasm from customers. one angle, rather it’s about having
being a part of and witnessing Jack’s main responsibility is an open mind and knowing that
her own tribal youth learn and making sure the youth are safe each individual is unique.
Amanda grow. As Youth Center Assistant, and secure. He has followed (Medina),” Jack said. “He has
“It’s great working with Tony
Jennings has focused on working
Medina’s mindset of keeping
Jennings with some of the older children in youth active during the day in a taught me a lot over the past
their adolescent stage of life.
way that they are staying healthy
year. Every time that I have a
YOUTH She is revamping the Youth while having fun. A lot of the question, he is always there to
CENTER Council, a group that develops time, Jack is playing kickball, answer it.”
ASSISTANT skills that will assist with becoming
an adult. Members take part in
‘WATCHING THEM LEARN activities with more responsibility
AND GROW AND PLAY IS designed to keep that age group
REALLY A PRIVILEGE.’ motivated and out of trouble. NONPROFIT AGENCY SERVES
Jennings said Medina has
taught her a lot, even when she CHEHALIS, NISQUALLY,
Youth Center Assistant Amanda was a child frequenting the Youth SHOALWATER BAY,
Jennings has worked since she Center. Now, she’s able to work for SQUAXIN ISLAND AND
was 16. Prior to joining the Medina and continues to learn how SKOKOMISH TRIBAL
Youth Center, she was with Early to care for the youth and maintain COMMUNITIES
Learning. She has known and a positive attitude. He’s taught her
interacted with this generation how to be a helpful individual. Donate today!
since they were very young. Jennings likes to spend time
“Growing up in this community, enjoying Native American cultural
then being able to watch these activities with her son. She
kids learn and grow is awesome,” wants him to know his heritage REZ ANIMAL
Jennings said. “Watching them and culture to give him a better
learn and grow and play is really understanding of his background. RESOURCES & EDUCATION

Thanks to donations,
we offer:
USDA food program n Spay/neuter
n Emergency vet care
The SPIPA’s program offers an assortment of food n Animal rescue
to fill your freezer, refrigerator and cupboards. The n Adoption
next date is Sept. 16 from 9:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at
the Chehalis Tribal Community Center.
CONTACT
SIGN UP: Call Debra Shortman at 253-370-6392,
360-709-1689 or 360-438-4216 from rezanimals.com
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday