Doc Wayne Wins Sport for Health Award from Beyond Sport

 

Doc Wayne is thrilled to announce our Chalk Talk® sport-based group therapy program was recently announced the winner of the 2016 Sport for Health Award from Beyond Sport at their annual Summit and Awards in London. This global award, sponsored by Comic Relief, recognizes organizations that use sport to tackle a variety of health challenges facing communities.

“It was an amazing experience. We met some great people that we hope to collaborate with in the future.” Jonathan Baum, LICSW – VP, Clinical Services

Doc Wayne’s CEO, David Cohen commented, “Coming away from this summit, it’s even more clear that there is a tremendous need in this space of mental health and complex trauma, and Doc Wayne could be a significant component to working through some challenging situations through the power of sport. This global exposure helps Doc Wayne tell a story that enables us to find an even more robust path to impacting so many youth in need.”

Doc Wayne was shortlisted along with three other organizations for this award. Our organization’s recognition as the Sport for Health Award winner is confirmation and recognition of our team’s work and use of sport to achieve social transformation.

(Left to Right): Clark Carlisle, David Cohen, and Khalida Popal. LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Beyond Sport Awards 2016 at Here East Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on October 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images)

“It was an incredible day for our organization. We are proud to join the Beyond Sport portfolio as this year’s winner of the Sport for Health Award. Congratulations to all of the shortlisted organizations and to our amazing team of game changers who make a difference every day. Thank you to all of our partners, supporters, and most of all Doc Wayne youth who inspire us each and every day.” Rebekah Roulier, LMHC – COO

ABOUT DOC WAYNE: Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Boston with a mission to fuse sport and therapy to heal and strengthen at-risk youth. Utilizing the organization’s sports-based therapeutic curriculum, which derives from DBT, Doc Wayne offers inclusive, accessible, and engaging clinical programming. Programming includes a competitive and therapeutic league as well as the award winning Chalk Talk®, a mobile insurance reimbursable outpatient sport-based group therapy program.

ABOUT BEYOND SPORT: Beyond Sport, a global organization with a mission to promote, support, and celebrate the use of sport in order to address social issues in communities around the world, considered over 2,150 entries from 145 countries for their prestigious awards in 2016.

For more information on Doc Wayne please contact us at info@docwayne.org or follow us on Twitter @DocWayneDtG.

Tips for a Successful Internship

At Doc Wayne Youth Services, interns play a variety of important roles on our team. Doc Wayne interns past and present put together a helpful tip sheet to share with others as they navigate their new and exciting experiences.

In this day and age, it seems as if internships are necessary in order to secure jobs upon graduating from college. Students are moving towards entering their chosen work fields early to gain experience. In fact, many schools require students to complete at least one internship before graduation. Although this may seem daunting to young college students, here are a few tips for a successful internship.

• Research the company or organization before you step foot in the office.  Not only will this help you transition more quickly, but your co-workers will be pleased that you are invested in your work and know what the organization is all about.
• Be Professional. Always act in a professional manner while at your internship. Follow the dress code and always complete tasks assigned to you. By practicing professionalism during your internship, you will form strong work habits for future jobs.
• It is okay to make a mistake. Do not be afraid to make a mistake. Always do your best, but mistakes are bound to happen while you are learning. If you make a mistake, use it as an opportunity to learn from it.  
  

  Doc Wayne Clinical and Non-Profit Management Interns: Fall 2015

• Ask questions.  If you are confused about a project, email, meeting, etc. ask someone for help. It is better to reach out and have your question answered. If there is a meeting you want to attend or a project you want to work on, speak up and ask your supervisor.  Remember you are an intern. You are there to learn and are not expected to know everything. 
• Be willing to learn new things. Internships are learning opportunities to help you further develop skills and prepare for future jobs. If you are interested in learning about a new program on the computer or trying something new, ask your supervisor. Be proactive and see if your supervisor needs help with a project. Your supervisors are there to help you learn, so make the most of your internship.
• Get to know your co-workers.  Even though you are only working for the length of an internship, you have plenty of time to get to know the people working around you. Eat lunch with them. Ask questions about their careers. You can learn from people’s experiences and form strong connections that will help you network going forward.
• Record all of the work that you complete.  Chances are that you will be doing a lot of different projects throughout the internship, so make a document to keep track of everything.  That way, if a future employer asks what your internship entailed, you will be able to give them specific examples.
• Make the most out of your internship. This is a learning experience for you to develop a better understanding of your field. Don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings if you have an idea or ask questions if you are unclear of something. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given. You never know how it could help you in the future.
• Tim McGraw said it perfectly… Always stay humble and kind.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  This is probably the easiest tip, but also one of the most important.

And finally, remember that this is just an internship. It is not the only job that you will have in your lifetime.  Give the internship your full effort for however long you are placed. At the end of your experience, reflect on the positives and negatives, so that the next internship/ job you have will be even more aligned with your interests.

For more information on Doc Wayne please visit www.docwayne.org or follow us @DocWayneDtG. To inquire about our internship program contact Rebekah Roulier at hr@docwayne.org.

Rodman Ride for Kids Recap: “I’m proud to represent Doc Wayne”

On Saturday, September 24th  Doc Wayne participated in the 2016 Rodman Ride for Kids in collaboration with the Key Program, Inc. The Rodman Ride is the #1 single-day athletic event in the nation supporting at-risk kids. Doc Wayne’s team of eleven participated in the bike race held in Foxborough, MA.

The event was filled with upbeat energy and was an exciting place to be, similar to a carnival or fair. There were tables with various activities, delicious food and drink, and sponsorship tables. The event was packed with participants, fans, and volunteers. Congratulations to all of the volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly. It was a fun atmosphere to be at and had the feel of a classic New England sports event. At the end of the race, spectators received a mini cow bell, which increased the excitement and cheering as riders crossed the finish line. During the event, the hashtag #Rodman4Kids was trending on Twitter!

Craig Gordon, Doc Wayne Board Member finishes Rodman Ride

RIDER PROFILE: Craig Gordon, Doc Wayne Board Member, was one of several Doc Wayne members registered to participate in the Rodman Ride for Kids. Craig participated in the event by riding the 25 mile course for the 4th year in a row. Every year he rides the same trail and averages about the same time, but he gets a little better at fundraising! This year, his fundraising efforts paid off, making Craig the top fundraiser for Doc Wayne! When asked how his ride went on Saturday, Craig responded, “it was fun and invigorating.” Craig noted how proud he is to represent Doc Wayne and be a part of such an incredible organization. He hopes that next year, others will follow in his footsteps and double his fundraising efforts. A true Doc Wayne game changer, Craig starts his training for the event in August. Next year, Craig plans to tackle the 25 mile race again. In response to our questions about his favorite aspect of the ride, Craig was sure to praise the post-race fuel, “What’s great about this event is as you cross the finish line all the people are cheering for you… and the chicken sandwiches!”

For more information on Doc Wayne please contact us at info@docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG. 

Doc Wayne Tees off at Key Golf Tournament

David Cohen, Doc Wayne CEO, participating in the Golf Tournament

On Monday September 12, 2016 members from Doc Wayne Youth Services participated in the Key Program, Inc./ Rodman Ride for Kids 15th Annual Golf Tournament. The Key Program/ Rodman Ride for Kids Golf Tournament is an 18 hole charity golf event held at the Fall River Country Club in Fall River, MA. The proceeds go towards the Rodman Ride for the Kids.

There were over 100 participants taking part in this event. Doc Wayne had two teams of 4 playing in the tournament. The first team was made up of CEO David Cohen, Board Chair Chris Ernest, Development Committee member Reed Bundy and Craig Wolgast who is a friend of Doc Wayne. The second team was made up of Board Member Travis Hall and three members from his network Melissa Sommer, Brett Mirliani, and Dorothy Zahir. Development Coordinator Katie Ardrey participated by riding around in the golf cart and taking pictures of the event. The two teams had fun competing with each other despite losing a couple of golf balls in the water. David Cohen’s team finished 3 over par while Travis Hall’s team finished 2 under par. Hall’s team also finished 4th in the entire event. Melissa Sommer won a prize for the longest shot of the day by a female golfer!

The Golf Tournament was a successful event filled with fun, laughter, and fundraising for the Rodman Ride for Kids. After the golf tournament a luncheon took place, which included a raffle and auction.

Reed Bundy, Doc Wayne Development Committee, member takes a swing.

Unfortunately the members from Doc Wayne were outbid in the auction. However, Katie won a $50 Chili’s gift card from the raffle! All fees that were paid for our Doc Wayne members to participate in this event are going directly towards Doc Wayne’s fundraising goal for the Rodman Ride for the Kids. Members from Doc Wayne are participating in the Rodman Ride for Kids which is taking place on September 24th, 2016. There is no overhead charge at the Rodman Ride for the Kids so Doc Wayne will keep an additional 5% of the funds we raise from this event to support our mission. 

If you would like to further support Doc Wayne’s efforts in the Rodman Ride for Kids please click here: CEO David Cohen’s page

For more information on Doc Wayne please contact us at info@docwayne.org or follow us @DocWayneDtG.

Chalk Talk® Group Therapy: From an Intern’s Perspective

Written by Sarah Ramsey, a non-profit management intern at Doc Wayne.

When you think of therapy, what do you picture?

Most of us imagine a therapist or clinician seated at their desk, directly across from a patient. Maybe some would even think of Freud and imagine the client lying on a couch, spilling their childhood troubles. Doc Wayne provides a unique form of therapy that utilizes the power of sport.

Picture a small grassy field in Framingham, MA. There is a group of seven kids playing soccer and flag football. Laughter, encouragement, and sometimes competitive jousting are heard. Three coaches are also present, playing alongside the kids. This is Doc Wayne’s version of therapy, and it works.

This week, I was lucky enough to leave the Boston office of Doc Wayne and participate in two of our Chalk Talk® Sport-Based Group Therapy sessions. Doc Wayne fuses sport and therapy to heal and strengthen at risk youth. Chalk Talk® Sport-Based Therapy groups are clinician led groups, which are assembled by age and location, and held weekly. The group I observed was playing soccer, but groups also play flag football, basketball, and participate in indoor rowing. The groups teach principles of do the good®, Doc Wayne’s curriculum, using both didactic and interactive approaches.

Upon arriving, the children gathered into a “Circle Up.” We went around the circle stating a “Kick” (a current positive point in our life) and a “Miss (a low point). Then it was time for a warm up. We played freeze tag with soccer balls. Once you were tagged and frozen, the only way to become unfrozen was to have a teammate pass you a soccer ball. Most of the kids were eager to get out there and move. They volunteered to be “it,” and played hard despite the heat. There were a few kids who did not participate fully, but the coaches encouraged them to engage at their own level and met them where they were at. This choice by the coaches really created a safe atmosphere for the participants.

Next up was a scrimmage. Two participants were selected as captains and they each chose their team made up of Doc Wayne coaches and kids. It was so much fun playing with the participants and it made me realize why Doc Wayne is so special. Doc Wayne allows these kids to be kids. It sounds simple enough, but so many of these participants are carrying burdens that no child should have to carry, whether it is mental illness, abuse, etc. Doc Wayne programs give them an hour out of their day to kick the soccer ball, joke with coaches, show off their skills, and encourage each other.

My favorite part of the visit, was the “Circle Up” after we had finished the scrimmage. Kids gave each other “Shout Outs” for playing hard, giving encouragement, etc. Not only is Doc Wayne a safe and fun environment for the kids, but it also teaches them important social skills such as being respectful of others, and gives them confidence and affirmation.

I am so proud to be a member of Doc Wayne for the summer and can’t wait to see how Doc Wayne keeps changing the game for at risk youth.

For more information on Doc Wayne please visit http://www.docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG.

Doc Wayne Youth Take In New England Revolution Game

Balmy summer nights were made for soccer under the lights. And that’s exactly what Doc Wayne youth got on Wednesday evening as they took in their first professional soccer game, courtesy of the New England Revolution. The team was generous enough to donate a small section of tickets to Doc Wayne to give participating youth an extraordinary soccer experience. Youth from the Italian Home for Children and the Wayside Youth & Family Support Network travelled to Gillette Stadium and met up with Doc Wayne staff to watch the Revs take on New York City FC.

The game was low on goals but the boys and girls remained glued to the action even as the clock wound down. The group’s curiosity was evident, asking questions about each team’s colors, the meaning of a yellow card, and how much time the Revs had left to score. 

It was a magical night out for Doc Wayne youth. They deepened their soccer knowledge, spent time with mentors, and felt the excitement of attending a pro sporting event. Thank you to the New England Revolution for their generosity and look forward to partnering in the future.

For more information on Doc Wayne please visit http://www.docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG.

Doc Wayne Youth Visit with Olympian & Learn to Row

In partnership with Community Rowing and the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center, Doc Wayne provides an indoor rowing program for Chalk Talk® sport-based group therapy participants. The program is a valuable opportunity for youth to learn about the sport of rowing while receiving accessible and engaging outpatient group therapy in their community.

Doc Wayne’s COO Rebekah Roulier, LMHC explains, “Along with teaching core skills that assist in emotional and behavioral regulation, Doc Wayne’s indoor rowing program aims to highlight and strengthen youth participants’ sense of self-worth, resilience, and empower them to flourish as individuals and accomplish their goals through collaboration with others in the sport of rowing.”

After 7-weeks on the ergs, Chalk Talk® participants put their skills to the test on the Charles River.

On the water, Chalk Talk®  youth and coaches worked as a team to successfully move the boat while enjoying a beautiful cruise around the river.

After putting forth great effort in what was the first experience rowing on the water for most, youth were visited by Dr. Gevvie Stone, a US Olympic Rower. Gevvie shared her story of setting and completing various goals both on and off the water, her successes, setbacks, as well as the obstacles that she encountered along the way. Gevvie emphasized the importance of doing what you love, being passionate about what you choose to pursue in life, and building your support team.

Youth refueled with lunch while receiving their certificates acknowledging the hard work they had put in throughout the program.

Aymee Suarez, a Clinical Game Changer at Doc Wayne reflected on how “wonderful it was to see our youth experience a new sport, learn self-compassion, and appreciate how far they have come individually and as a group in 7 weeks. I am proud of each and every participant and grateful that I had the opportunity to share with them a sport I love.”

Doc Wayne is appreciative of our collaborative partners, Community Rowing and the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center and look forward to upcoming trips to the boat house!

Additional photos of the event can be viewed here.

For more information on Doc Wayne please visit us at http://www.docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Celtic RJ Hunter Inspires Doc Wayne Youth

This past March, a group of middle and high school students from Doc Wayne were invited to participate in a fun-filled afternoon at Sky Zone-Danvers hosted by Boston Celtics guard, RJ Hunter. Hunter was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics and has been playing with the team since July when he signed his contract. On March 8th, the Doc Wayne youth arrived at Sky Zone where RJ Hunter and the Celtics staff arranged a special evening designed just for them.

The evening consisted of students participating in structured and unstructured games on the trampolines. After that, the Doc Wayne youth then had a chance to talk with and learn from RJ over a pizza party. Rebekah Roulier, Doc Wayne’s Associate Director, reflected on the evening by expressing, “The evening was full of the joy and happiness of just being a kid and many youth were encouraged and inspired by conversations with RJ. For our Doc Wayne youth, these moments are invaluable.”

Our Clinical Director, Jonathan Baum also reflected on the event by stating, “It was a once in a lifetime experience for a group of kids that would likely never get this type of opportunity. Not only was it a fun event, but RJ Hunter is clearly a good person. He was great with the kids and was genuinely interested in them. He was not doing this for the publicity, but out of kindness. RJ is a great role model and doing this for the kids will definitely have a lasting impact.”

One of Doc Wayne’s Executive Director’s favorite moments from the event was an impact RJ had on a specific individual. David Cohen described this individual as “a young boy who struggles daily and initially, at Sky Zone, was not participating…..until he had a chance to speak with RJ.  The young boy expressed how RJ made him realize how great being an athlete really was and to always be humble. Even though he was originally hesitant towards participating, after speaking with RJ, his feelings immediately changed and he felt that his time with RJ changed his life.”

The Doc Wayne team cannot express enough, how grateful we are for everything RJ and the Boston Celtics staff did for our youth. It was an incredible evening and something our youth will not forget. Doc Wayne’s staff and youth had an amazing time throughout the day and truly appreciate all that the Celtics have done. Doc Wayne will always be a supporter of RJ and the rest of the Boston Celtics!

For more information on Doc Wayne please contact us at info@docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG.

Doc Wayne Levels the Playing Field

After a long year of preparation the big day finally arrived! On April 1, 2016 Doc Wayne hosted our inaugural conference, Leveling the Playing Field. The goal of the conference was for leaders from sports, mental health, and social justice to join together and learn about the work of like-minded individuals and nonprofits, exchange ideas, and explore ways to work together to strengthen the communities we serve.

The conference took place at the Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge and over one hundred and fifty attendants came out to work together and join the conversation on how we can all become game changers. Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healey started the day off as our keynote speaker, with a heartening speech about her belief in the power of sports and her strong support of Doc Wayne’s efforts to assist youth. In her opening speech, the Attorney General emphasized, “I believe in the power of sports to overcome violence, build skills, and bring people together.”

The day then continued on with food, fun, and our photo booth! Two panel discussion sessions were held throughout the day with numerous guest speakers weighing in on topics that included: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Violence, and Mental Illness through Innovation and Game Changing Innovations.

The first panel was moderated by WBUR’s Deborah Becker and included representatives from Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, Boston Public Health Commission, New England Community Services, Inc., and Fallon Community Health Plan. The panelists discussed innovative ways we can break the cycle of poverty, violence, and mental illness.

Doc Wayne’s very own Rebekah Roulier joined the second panel discussion with various other game changing innovators. Fred Mann, from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation moderated the panel, while guest speakers discussed ways to positively impact youth and reach the goals of the organizations they represent. The representatives on the panel included: Matt Meyersohn from Sports Partnerships at U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Rebekah Roulier from Doc Wayne Youth Services, Marquis Taylor from Coaching4Change, Nikki Valila from My Life My Choice and the Co-founder of Grassroot Soccer, Ethan Zohn represented his organization. The discussion emphasized what we can achieve even with the barriers in our way.

The goals of the conference, were for the participants to exchange ideas, and explore ways to work together to strengthen the communities they serve. Leveling the Playing Field

Members of Doc Wayne’s team

achieved just that. Doc Wayne’s Executive Director, David Cohen’s dream is to see practitioners, local leaders and philanthropists working together to create a continuum of care for our youth (read more). We could not have been happier with how the day went and we have great appreciation for everyone who was in attendance and helped make this event happen. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and determination of the Doc Wayne team and our event sponsors. We cannot wait until next year’s Leveling the Playing Field conference. #BeAGameChanger2016! 

For more information on Doc Wayne please email us at info@docwayne.org or follow us on twitter @DocWayneDtG.

 

My Experience of the Power of Kids: Bella Vidaña

In February, I began as a Non-Profit Management Intern for Doc Wayne and was more than pleased to know I would be learning about the behind-the-scenes operations that go on into a non-profit organization, considering it is my dream to one day create my own non-profit organization. I also appreciated Doc Wayne’s impactful work providing sport-based group therapy to at-risk youth and valued the fact that I could contribute to the positive influence Doc Wayne was having on the children and families in our Boston community. Well, at least I thought I knew and appreciated the impact of the organization. 

A few weeks into my internship, my supervisor Rebekah Roulier, asked if I would be interested in helping facilitate their newest Global Life Empowerment (GLE) endeavor, a program in partnership with UNICEF Kid Power, a four-week program where the philosophy and mission is to “Get Active. Save Lives.” Through being active, learning about global issues, and earning Kid Power Points, the youth at Doc Wayne would unlock therapeutic food packets for severely malnourished African children. I was instantly attracted to the concept of Kid Power, especially since I realized the work we would be doing here at Doc Wayne with our kids through this program would be helping kids globally, specifically in Africa. So, I said yes.

It was not until my first GLE session at the Tierney Learning Center in South Boston that I actually understood and saw the powerful impact Doc Wayne had upon their youth participants. Like I said before, I thought I knew. But until I put myself in front of those kids, interacted with them, and learned to appreciate them and all they had to offer the world, and me, I finally “really” knew.

Doc Wayne Associate Director Rebekah Roulier with Kid Power Participant

In the hours that led up to my first GLE session, my nervousness stemmed from the worry that the kids would not connect with me. Considering I have worked with a number of populations in past experiences, including kids, I am not sure why I was feeling this worry. I think it was because I wanted to be the best leader I could be for them. I wanted to be someone they could trust, rely on, and feel comfortable being around. I wanted to be someone they could look up to. That worry went away once I stepped into the building, saw the kids laughing and running around, and realized that this wasn’t about me. It was about them. And then I was okay. I felt content in my ability, and my co-facilitator’s ability (Aymée, a Clinical Game Changer). I was confidant that we would be for them exactly what they needed; adults who believed in them. From that point on, every Thursday for the next four weeks, it worked.

Doc Wayne Clinical Game Changer Aymee Suarez with Kid Power Participant

I have found a specific gratitude towards the GLE program, given that it brought me to the most precious piece of Doc Wayne, the kids. The Global Life Empowerment program “further assists participants in embedding the do the good® curriculum in their lives.” It seeks to empower youth by providing them with service opportunities in order to give back to their community and develop compassion, love and responsibility. Having been involved in many service trips myself, both domestically and internationally; I understand the supremacy of helping and sharing my love with others through service. There is something to be said in the way people, whether young or old, so freely give of themselves solely for the purpose of making others smile. I believe that is the mindset GLE has brought to its youth and I am proud I could both witness and be apart of this “giving” mindset.

Do the good,

Bella

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead