Second Grader Presten Jones
By Crystal Mayo, BABESWORLD Chief Operating Officer
Since our expansion into Oakland County to open PREVENTION PLACE, I find myself amazed daily at the transformation of over 3,100 square feet that once represented (obviously) too many years of a time, a business – that once was … Large, open, vacant space just sitting for the right tenant, with the right plan to occupy … to love up on.
I’ll never forget the day Reverend Lottie and I did a walk-through of the space. Within about fifteen minutes, she looked at me with that look that only Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood can give and then commented without hesitation, in a soft assuring voice, “This is our space.” Somehow through all the years of collected dust, the surroundings of tattered or missing blinds, the stained carpeting and painted walls that didn’t represent any particular color other than faded, she was able to tap into her vision of over 35 years ago to open a place for children that would be called PREVENTION PLACE.
Not just any place, but a magical place where children could travel through the Magic Of their Minds to places where they would feel safe while learning to live happy, healthy lives free of alcohol and other drugs – where they would also learn to deal with various other situations that could have a negative impact on their lives.
PREVENTION PLACE, an extension of the BABES philosophy and teachings with a magical touch. Speaking of Magic … I remember several meetings with creative individuals hand-selected by Reverend Lottie. The first was with the very talented Ted Adams who is in charge of all of BABES’ print media. When Ted did his first walk-through he, too, positively reacted to the space and the possibilities to bring the vision to life. Giving the space a quick once-over, he shared his thoughts, “It definitely has potential.” He immediately started to take notes and sketch as Reverend Lottie described her vision for PREVENTION PLACE. Then there was the second walk-through with Master set designer Keith Jackson of Deep Drama Designs. As Reverend Lottie was sharing her vision with Keith, you could literally feel the creative energy bouncing off the drab walls, through the missing ceiling tiles. Oh, yes, it “was going down.” BABES had most of the props from its 1980s Channel 50 television show – props that have been waiting for their next debut, but there was still so much more to do – the vision had now reached into the 21st Century.
BABESWORLD PREVENTION PLACE vision created over 35 years ago
Reverend Lottie then brought Keith’s attention to a very large drawing of BABESWORLD that was created for PREVENTION PLACE over 35 years ago – her vision. On the very bottom of the drawing, the BABES characters are seen travelling on a spaceship which is in-flight through the Magic Of their Minds. Well, here’s a sneak peek into some parts of PREVENTION PLACE as written and envisioned by Reverend Lottie …
The Feeling Forest — The great forest is called the Feeling Forest because it’s the home of the Feeling Family: Mad, Sad, Glad, and Scared.
Through the Feeling Forest one of the things that children learn is that all four of the Feeling Family members are good. Each one has a place and a purpose and has a very important part in the Kingdom of Body. They also learn that feelings only cause problems when they are not taken care of in the right way…
The Crystal Castle — a lovely little castle where students will learn about Self-Image – sometimes known as “Little Self”– where they will be introduced to the Guardian of the Gates and the Dragon of Doubt…
Yes, it’s exciting times in and around BABESWORLD. As we are in the final stretch of completing the interior of PREVENTION PLACE, I wanted to get a reaction of the FEELING FOREST wall (it’s 10’ x 36’) from my Godson (sort of a sneak peek) — so I led him blindfolded by the hand, placing him in front of the magical FEELING FOREST. Once the blindfold was removed and he reacted with a big gasp (missing front teeth and all), he looked at me and said, “So cool, Goddy.” From that day forward, there isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t ask, “Goddy, can we go to BABESWORLD?”
The BABESWORLD Family is ecstatic to open the doors to PREVENTION PLACE to the Magic Of the Minds (MOM) of children in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and surrounding counties this fall. PREVENTION PLACE will officially open this month. If you’re interested in coming to the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony this month, give me a call. Reservations are limited.
Soon children (and even adults) will be stepping into MOM — travelling from a spaceship, through the Magic Of their Minds — landing into the Feeling Forest — then on their way to Decision Delta — over to Peer Pressure Pier — then steps away from Coping Canyon — across Pit Falls — then past Helping Harbor — through Party Park — then onto Prevention Package – then, finally, landing in Safe City. Sounds exciting? Well, it is!
Starting in October, 2018 BABES will be offering FEELING FOREST FIELDTRIPS (mornings and afternoons) to student’s grades lst-5th. Through MOM fieldtrips, children will learn the Basic BABES teachings (which include situations dealing with the aforementioned targeted destinations) and also including: How to treat others the way you would want to be treated, how to not be a bully and how to deal with bullying. They will also get some information on how the BABES puppets are WAGING A WAR ON OPIOIDS – teaching children that medicine isn’t candy and how to avoid the pitfalls of these devastating drugs that are now harmful to children.
PREVENTION PLACE also serves as a training facility for individuals who work directly with children. BABES’ trainer will train individuals to become Certified BABES Presenters. With this certification they will be able to go back into their communities (schools, churches, children’s organizations, etc.) and teach children via a set of seven BABES’ puppets, a written curriculum and storybooks how to live happy, healthy lives.
For those interested in becoming a Certified BABES Presenter prior to October, please consider registering now for our 3-day training August 22-25 at PREVENTION PLACE during our Annual Family Reunion and Conference. Information is provided in this newsletter, or please give us a call at 248-234-8660. Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority is providing FREE training scholarships for those who work with children/families in the Wayne County area. Scholarships are limited.
STEP INTO THE MAGIC OF BABESWORLD AT PREVENTION PLACE – MOM–
BABESWORLD is an evidence-based program
