By: Crystal Mayo, BABES Special Projects/Media
Over the past 40 years, BABES has trained groups of individuals Basic BABES (Pk-5) across 50 states and four countries representing a range of cultural diversity inclusive of various professions and backgrounds, all of whom sharing one commonality. Besides an interest to learn the BABES philosophy of teaching young children to live healthy, happy lives free of alcohol and other drugs, there is (and still is) unequivocal curiosity relative to the role that the BABES puppets play and their impact on reaching and teaching their young audience.
Back in February, BABES’ founder Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood and I had a meeting to discuss how we could take the Basic BABES trainings into the future of those who would be teaching and reaching young people. We soon identified a couple of target groups – college students studying in the fields of social work and education who would be in a position once they graduated to impact the lives of children.
This past March (14-16), the training was offered to Wayne State University School of Social Work students. This particular training, which opened the doors to this new relationship with these college students, would be a first for BABES. It became quite obvious within what appeared to be minutes from the WSU announcement (via email to students) that there was undoubtedly an interest for the free training. Literally one hour after the announcement a waiting list was being created for those WSU students interested in participating in the next training.
We are currently in the process of seeking funding to accommodate these WSU School of Social Work students; and reaching out to WSU School of Education students to offer the same training opportunity.
The training was also attended by four staff members from Detroit based Adult Well-Being Services. Look for an upcoming featured article in the BAW E-Newsletter on this non-profit organization dedicated to connecting youth to brighter futures through career exploration, job training, internships, after-school programs and academic assistance.
Back to our March 14-16 training, it can be described in one word “awesome.” Well, don’t just take my word:
“I was interested in attending the training to learn about the BABES program and how I could add it to my tool belt . . . The training was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about the program and also about myself” . . . WSU, MSW student Diana Rusin.
“I learned how to use the puppets and storytelling when working in prevention and I will also use it to teach coping skills and bring awareness to children I work with,” WSU Brandie Sanders. She’s working on her second Master’s degree in social work.
“I learned from the training that things that happen in your life are not “the end of the world,” and that forgiveness of yourself and others is very important . . . The training was awesome and I really enjoyed it along with learning some new things, meeting new people and making new connections,” WSU, MSW student Liz McKee.
“As a BABES volunteer, the training allowed me to put all the pieces together as to why and how BABES was created . . . There are so many parts and pieces to BABES that I now have a better understanding of. I could really relate to brother and sister Buttons and Bows since I have a younger brother who used to really get on my nerves,” … WSU, BSW student Quinn Walker.
“I learned through storytelling real life situations that could affect children . . . I plan to take the training experience to an elementary school close to where I live and teach the children the things I learned from BABES,” Kristyna McDonnell, WSU, BSW student.
“The training was knowledgeable, helpful and a grand experience . . . I learned more than I could describe in this interview and plan to take the things that I learned to a school or even possibly a church near me,” Yulonda Eckel, WSU, MSW student.
The training was funded by Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority. Special acknowledgement to Dr. Takisha LaShore, WSU Office of Field Education for making it happen.
