Youth Connection Ministry Begins in Merrill
By Russ Mancl
Youth Connections, a sponsored ministry of the Holy Cross Community, thanks to a one year FAME (Formation and Ministry Enablement) Grant, is now open to help students in the Merrill area. Located at St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Center in Merrill, WI, and run by S. John Marie Simien, Youth Connections will give students a place to visit, talk, get help with homework and make connections with school and community.
S. John Marie worked for many years as a teacher in the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) Program through the Merrill Public School District. She is hoping to work on self-esteem and coping skills along with whatever difficulties the students may have at school and in the community. "We will find ways to meet the needs of the time that the students may have,"Sister said.
She is connecting with teachers who work with learning disability students and with the Diploma School. "I'm here if they have students who need additional help. Often during the years kids are expelled from school and don't know where to go. This could be a place where they can come to continue at least some learning, rather than be on the streets. If they are looking for work, I might be able to connect them with somebody where they may apply for a job," according to Sister.
Initially, Youth Connections will have limited after school hours but could expand depending on the needs and interest. S. John Marie has also been approached by other individuals who would like to volunteer their services.
"I'm hoping it's going to be a place without pressure. It's not a place where they are told they have to come or be, but they will want to come and be here because of what they feel they're getting," she said.
Sister finds that most of the students who are expelled or have learning disabilities are crippled by their own low self-esteem. "I want to focus on their abilities so that the disabilities recede into the background. If we don't help them, will they ever be able to be productive for their own survival and make a contribution as citizens, community members, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers?"
S. John Marie feels her work falls in line with the thinking of the Holy Cross Sisters' founders, Father Theodosius and Mother Teresa. " They were always concerned with learning and students and it's a compassionate thing, reaching out to kids who may not have anyone else."
She hopes to be able to do this as long as she can. "I am convinced that God has given me a gift, and that I have to use it. As I used it in the past I found myself being very successful and so it's hard to let go of that. For many this might be the only connection that they have with somebody interested in their development with no other motive but to say, ' If you need me, I'm here'."