COMMUNIQUÉ
PAGE 5
S even sets of boy some drumming a beat, some resting and some with their fingers interlaced. Boys ages 9 to 15 sat forward in their seats waiting for their weekly Family Meeting to get started with serious expressions hands rimmed the Rotary Cottage dining table – like miniature businessmen. This was serious business after all. The Family Meeting is each BGHNC resident’s weekly time for agency; their chance to voice their concerns, food preferences for the week and fun activity ideas. Consultant Alex Arey reminded everyone of the meeting rules: Be respectful. No profanity. Give everyone attention. “Matt” was the boss of that week’s meeting– the Peer Manager. He wrote the date and time at the top of his meeting notes page. “Does anyone have good news to share?” Matt began. One boy was pretty sure he was going home for visits soon. “Tomorrow is my friend’s birthday. I haven’t seen him in four years,” another boy shared.
But the mood of the group really lifted, when Matt switched topics to Family Activity Ideas. “Each day of the week we pick a movie to watch together.” “Build a tower out of cups or playing cards.”
Anatomy of a Family Meeting
“Go to a workout place.”
Meal ideas for staff to cook on the weekend? Chicken nuggets, homemade pizza, seafood boil, crab legs, all made the wish list. “Any concerns?” Matt asked the group. “My social worker needs to get here. It’s been some months,” one of the boys shared. Then the boys agreed that “Darren” should be their next peer manager. He ran unopposed. “Meeting adjourned,” Matt said, tapping the table twice with his knuckles. “Can we go ahead and have privilege time?”The whole meeting lasted just 15 minutes, the speed and efficiency of which would be the envy of any company – all content and no drama. The boys scattered to their rooms and some asked
“Battleship!,” another boy said, excited. “We’re going to the Battleship next week!”
permission to play video games. One boy returned to ask Teaching Parent Kim Colson: “Do you want me to take that extra chair back to the office for you?” “Please and thank you,” she said. “Thank you for asking. That comes from us doing so many things together.” Teaching Parent Jerry Wyman said the close bonds the kiddos have developed allow them to settle any differences with their words - just like the best of brothers.
“What is our skill focus of the week?” Matt asked.
The boys suggested a few skills to practice including “time management,”“following instructions” or “conversation skills.” “I say time management,” Matt chose. “Any ideas on how we work on time management?” He took notes as the boys called out “Be on time” or “wake up earlier.”
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