Staff Highlight – Melissa Padgett

Melissa Padgett is a program manager for The Villages’ Healthy Families Lawrence County office. She works with at-risk parents to provide a loving and nurturing environment for their children. Melissa has been with The Villages for almost 5 years. We recently asked Melissa a few questions about her job working with vulnerable children and families.

The Villages: Why did you choose a career in child welfare?

Melissa: I really believe that we make the greatest positive impact in this world by supporting our families. I believe that the most critical and vulnerable time is in early childhood, where education has its most profound impact. And I truly love babies, and believe they are the most precious thing on this earth

The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had in the last year?

Melissa: It is always in hearing the successes, and even the smallest accomplishment that our staff makes with families. A baby is thriving, a mother is comforted or validated, or a parent is successful and enjoys being a parent.

The Villages: What can the community do to help you, and The Villages, better serve vulnerable children and families?

Melissa: First smile-- share a smile, it doesn't take anything to affirm someone in the parking lot or at the grocery store especially someone you don't know or doesn't look like you. For those that can, be politically active, we desperately need safe, affordable child care in this state. For those that can volunteer a few hours at a school or community center- or at The Villages we always have filing and office work to do. And donate if you can…we always need diapers!!!

The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you work with?

Melissa: To reach our highest potential, whatever that is and have a level of quality of life that gives each of us some peace--- defined by self worth and/or simple daily pleasures- enjoying a story, a smile, a sunset or a warm breeze.  It's all easier said than done, isn't it?

The Villages’ Kids CHAIRish our Guest Artists

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s CHAIRish the Children Artists.  The Villages is working with many returning and some new artists for the November 9th event.  There are 38 artists contributing over 40 pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture.  Event guests will have the opportunity to bid on these unique and beautiful pieces on our online auction and at the CHAIRish the Children event!  This will surely be a year you do not want to miss.

Drum Roll Please…Introducing the 2012 CHAIRish the Children Guest Artists

Chris Bowman, Adult Chair
Don Briggs, Photography
Mary Campbell Maher, Youth Chair
Andy Chapman, Hand-crafted Chair
Dinny Cochran, Adult Chair
Scarlett Cramer, Artwork
Rae Marie Crisel, Ceramics
Kathy Cunningham, Stool
Elizabeth Angela Ferguson, Adult & Child Rocker
Brittany Ferguson, Adult Chair
Terry Gocking, Adult Chair and Bookcase
Pamela Hacker, Adult Chair
Toni Hall, Children’s Chair
Dan Henne, Artwork
Ashten Houpt, Adult Chair
Ann W. King, Step Stool
Judy Krebs, Children’s Table & Chair Set
Lawrence North High School Art Class (teacher: Ms. Sarah Senff), Children’s Chairs
Emma Meyers, Step Stool
Fran Prince, Adult Rocker
Jane Roberson, Children’s Chair
Shelley Savini-Kroger, Children’s Chair
Sandy Schimmel, Adult Chair
Melissa L. Scott, Bench
Sarah Senff, Child’s Rocker
Vicky Shaffer White, Adult Chair
Christy Shriner, Doll Chairs
Janet Skinner, Bench
Melinda Spear-Huff, Adult Chair
Sharon Strecker, Stool
Julia Fish Thompson, Artwork
Susan Van Huss, Adult Chair
Courtney Wesemann, Child’s Rocker
Katrina West, Adult Chair
Robin Zelenka, Youth Chair

We will have regular updates about CHAIRish the Children including sneak peeks of the chairs, stories about the guest artists, and much more!  If you are interested in being added to the CHAIRish the Children email list so you’re the first to know about all things CHAIRish sign up now.


Important dates to remember:

Online Auction Opens – November 1
Online Auction Closes – November 8
CHAIRish the Children Event – November 9, Indianapolis ArtsgardenTickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door

Chopper Drop FORE The Kids

The Villages’ Chopper Drop FORE The Kids is part of the 15th Annual Golf Classic, a fundraiser which supports The Villages’ mission of championing families for children. For only $50 per golf ball you’ll have your chance at winning up to $20,000 from this unique and exciting fundraiser to help support the children The Villages’ is privileged to serve.

At the Golf Classic, up to 2,000 golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter above a specially designed hole on the driving range at Broadmoor Country Club. The eight (8) golf balls that land closest to the hole will win cash prizes. Chopper Drop winners will be announced at the end of the Matt Breman Memorial Awards Reception and Silent Auction.
Think about this...if you bought a $50 Golf Ball you'll not only enter for a chance to win (hopefully) $20,000 but you'll also help a Villages' child.  Look at some of the stuff we've done with $50 for our kids:

• A 2-month bus pass for a Villages’ youth to get to school and work
• A “Lifebook Kit” for a child to document the important moments in his or her life.  (Kit includes: camera, scrapbook, stickers, etc.)
• A “New Parent’s Baby Care Package” for an at-risk parent preparing for their child.  (Package includes: diapers, infant sleepers and toys)
• And MUCH more!

Get your Golf Ball today while supplies last and enter to win some money...AND help a vunlerable child at the same time.  Here's a simple online form you can fill out to get your golf ball today.

CHAIRish the Children Chairs

Check out some of the 2012 CHAIRish the Children chair styles!  Lots of great options:

The Vineyard Chair

24" Stool

Child's Mission Chair

Doll Chair

Doll Adirondack Chair

Step Stool

Vineyard Chair

Child's Rocking Chair

This year's CHAIRish the Children event is November 9th at the Indianapolis Artsgarden from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Stay tuned for more sneak peaks of this year's event!