We are so proud of our students and the hard work they put into the service learning aspect of Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School. In the past few months, our students have had increasing involvement in local and national organizations. The Chrysalis community as a whole has developed a deeper passion for helping others, and is enjoying doing so!
National Service Organizations
In the fall, the girls learned about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Dance Marathons held across the US and Canada. They each received a bracelet as a reminder to advocate for students. In the winter, they continued to support this cause by knitting hats, writing letters to patient families, and raising $100 through a Pajama Day! With that, Chrysalis contributed to an amazing total of over $700,000 raised through a Dance Marathon benefitting one of these hospitals. This winter season our students also wrote letters to active, reserve, and veteran military members through an organization called “A Million Thanks.”
Last week the students volunteered at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Whitefish, which is by far one of their favorite service activities. The girls proudly stuffed hundreds of goodie bags for the athletes, walked with the Eureka team in the parade, cheered the athletes on at snowshoe and ski races, and conducted medal ceremonies by announcing the winners on a megaphone and handing out awards. Some of our students will join the Spring Games in just a few short weeks!
Our students are also involved in local Habitat for Humanity in Montana chapters. A representative from Libby came to the school and we explored the question “How do we pay life’s rent in service?” The girls made a welcome sign for a future home they will help build. In addition, they will be a part of the family selection process. Additionally, there are two scheduled build days in April that will benefit the Flathead area.
Local Service Organizations
The girls love hands-on activities and are proud to be part of giving back to the Eureka community. Some activities we have been involved in include volunteering at the local animal shelter, participating in a food bank drive to help a local citizen and spreading holiday cheer through town caroling (including a surprise visit to one of our teachers)! They also earned a $4,000 grant from the state of Montana to benefit the local domestic violence shelter and help to set up a thrift store that benefits that shelter. We have also focused on ‘self-service’ through group bonding activities that enhance positive self-esteem and the importance of inner beauty. We are also very proud of the project one of our students spearheaded to create and deliver blankets to the elderly in Eureka through the Mountain View Manor, a branch of the Good Samaritan Society.
The Chrysalis girls have begun creating individualized service learning projects as a way to enhance their leadership and planning skills, while focusing on topics they are truly passionate about. The students are learning they can make a difference even in a small town in Montana, and are empowered to continue to effect change and create solutions in their futures. It has been a pleasure to work with each and every Chrysalis girl and watch their growth into mature, empathetic young ladies.
