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Noe’s mom at the exhibit
2008/2009 SPRING EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE
A sound mind and healthy body
Self-enhancement group
The self-enhancement group, established in 1996, focuses on the needs of the parents as individuals which is a variation on the traditional support group for parents where they learn how to effectively advocate for their child.
The self-enhancement group, facilitated by Blind Childrens Center family workers Myrna Beit Ayvaz and Yolanda Blancarte, is comprised of a diverse group of women whose devotion to the care of their children has resulted in a degree of neglect toward themselves.
Many of these women are also coping with adapting to a new culture and language, as well as, seeking employment. The self-enhancement group focuses on helping these women/mothers build a greater sense of self-confidence, assertiveness, and self-esteem, as well as, provide a connection to their community and coping skills for the stresses of everyday life.
At the start, Myrna and Yolanda reached out to the community for free services and speakers. While at the same time, members of the group used their different talents, such as creativity with arts & crafts, cooking, and selling, to raise funds on their own. By the second year, the group had raised some money, so the women started to go out to museums, parks, and historic Placita Olvera Street. They were also able to hire a photographer to come and take “glamour pictures.” Over the past 12 years, our mothers have raised more than $2,000.
The self-enhancement group’s mission is to expand self-knowledge which will increase the ability to develop a more sound mind and a more healthy body. Integration of thoughts, feelings and actions is the main objective of this group.
Group after scrapbooking class