 The
Patty project was inspired by the passing of one of a vibrant,
compelling reflection of Christ’s mercy and selflessness,
Patty Negrete. A 44year-old wife, mother and teacher, Patty
lived a life filled with a passion for all God’s creatures.
Possessing a tremendous ability to draw out the goodness and
potential of her students, it was pure love of life that was
reflected in her relationships with all those she touched.
Patty passed away on May 17, 2002 after living life to the
very fullest, even while battling cancer.
Patty Negrete was a wonderful illustration
of the giving nature that makes life so precious and worthwhile.
As a response to this kind of spirit, New Harvest has partnered
with Northwest Church and The Well Community Church, to “adopt”
three downtown elementary schools (Webster, Jefferson, and
Susan B. Anthony) and institute both one-on-one and group
mentoring programs.
Mentoring Program
The Patty Project mentoring program pairs an adult with one
student from Webster Elementary for one school year. The adult
agrees to meet with the student once a week for 45 minutes.
The students for this program are chosen by the teachers and
principal based on need. Many of the students in this program
just need someone to listen to them and hang out with them.
The kids are often in need of a positive role model who will
help them to develop positive self-esteem, conflict resolution
skills, or to provide simple homework or academic guidance.
Most time is spent going over homework, playing games or doing
activities in the library, reading together, shooting hoops
or playing on the playground. Some mentors have taught their
mentees how to knit, do crafts, or color together.
Saturday Sports
 The
Saturday Sports program reaches out to kids in need of something
to do on Saturday mornings, providing them with quality interaction,
positive role models and an example of the love of God. The
program meets kids right where they are and brings in assets
that might otherwise be lacking in their lives.
Every child participating is offered a free
breakfast and lunch, provided by the Poverello House. The
morning begins with breakfast, followed by 1 1⁄2 hours
of play, interaction with the mentors, and culminates with
a sack lunch to take home. Saturday mornings are a very casual,
laid back, fun time to hang out play with these children.
It is a morning filled with jump rope contests, football,
drawing contests, crafts, basketball, hopscotch, and whatever
else the mentors have the energy for! For many kids, it’s
the highlight of their week. |
