November 19, 2024 • 17 mins
The holidays are here. This week, Limor Hendricks and Christina McGinn of the Youth & Family Project join me to talk about their annual Gingerbread House program. The program has been serving Washington County Families for more than 20 years and provides essential holiday gifts to help make every recipient's holiday feel special.
Last year, the program assisted more than 550 families in Washington County.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Fuzz Martin (00:08):
Greetings, Washington County friends, and thank you for
listening to Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
If you're a new listener, this isa show about positive things going
on right here in our community.
If you've listened before, wellnow you've heard me say that
about 131 times since 2021.
Pretty neat, eh?
But that's what this show is allabout, shining a light on positive
(00:30):
things that aren't politics orshouting at each other on social media.
Just peace and love, man.
This week we're going to talkabout one of my favorite annual
programs here in Washington County.
Limor Hendricks and Christina McGinnfrom the Youth and Family Project join
me to talk about the Gingerbread House.
It's a gift giving program where thecommunity pitches in to ensure that
(00:52):
area families in need have greatChristmases and holiday celebrations.
With that, here are 15 Minuteson the Gingerbread House with
Christina McGinn and Limor Hendricks.
Right here on Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Limor
(01:17):
and Christina, thank you somuch for joining me today.
Could you give us an overview firstof the Gingerbread House program
and how it supports families?
I guess I'd say in theWashington County area, right?
Limor Hendricks (01:29):
So it is just for Washington County families.
But the, the pickup isusually in the West Bend area.
Last year we served over 550 familiesand what the program does is provide
holiday gifts, and household needs to,families in need in Washington County.
Christina McGinn (01:46):
Our big thing is we, we don't want the focus to be on gifts, so we
really wanted to be about providing thosememories, Christmas morning, everyone
in the family has something to open,and you're getting to do that together
and create those, those family memories.
Fuzz Martin (01:57):
The Gingerbread House program has been going on for decades, right?
How long has this been going on?
Christina McGinn (02:05):
Over 20 years.
Yeah, over 20
Fuzz Martin (02:07):
years.
And how, how did it get started andhow has it evolved over those years?
Christina McGinn (02:12):
Uh, so it's, uh, Linda White, started the program.
It was just a handful of families thatshe was really passionate about that.
having the family memories, and beingable to provide, especially for,
you know, the kids that otherwisewouldn't have gifts to open.
And the program has just, every singleyear we've found more families in need
and kind of every year we've grown tothe point we are now where we're at over
(02:33):
500 family, over 550 families every year.
Fuzz Martin (02:36):
Well, okay, that was going to be my next question is
how many families do you serve?
So, that obviously takesa lot to get going, right?
So, 550 families is morethan 550, people, right?
Yes.
So, that's, that's a lot of, coordination,um, outreach to those who are, you know,
Not only buying gifts or supportingthese families, but also the families
(03:00):
themselves and getting them coordinated.
There's a lot that goes into it.
When do you start, preppingfor this each year?
How does , how long?
Limor Hendricks (03:06):
As soon as gingerbread ends really.
Okay.
Yeah.
Pretty much as soon as oneyear is, uh, is completed, we
start working on the next year.
Fuzz Martin (03:13):
How does this program meet the needs of all
those, those families each year?
What goes into that?
Limor Hendricks (03:18):
In terms of the application process, we try to
make it as simple as possible.
We try to make it asaccessible as possible.
And our application is done online.
It's very streamlined.
If people don't have, the referral sourcesthat, we're asking for, they can always
get a referral from their child's school.
(03:38):
If they have a case manager, if they'reworking with a different agency on
getting some services, and we've gottena lot of referrals this year, that way.
And if they have trouble, fillingout the application, they can
call and, walk them through thatand I can help them with that.
And that's the applicationprocess, basically.
And we coordinate that.
(03:58):
We plan out what that looks like,months before the program starts.
And then every year they're always alittle bit of, of a change depending
on, capacity, and depending on, I mean,mostly it's capacity, but also if we
notice if there are any, Sort of roughspots or difficult areas for people.
We try to make it as easyas possible to apply.
Christina McGinn (04:20):
I think we, we meet with our volunteers, that support our program
also after Gingerbread House and we takefeedback from them and really try to apply
that, and make sure that the program issuccessful on, on both ends as far as
participants and sponsors and volunteers.
Fuzz Martin (04:34):
So, speaking of volunteers, with, with 550 families,
how many volunteers go intomaking this successful each year?
Roughly, I know you mightnot have specific numbers.
Dozens.
Christina McGinn (04:45):
Yeah.
We have, we've been very fortunatethat we have, businesses that will come
and do kind of a group outing and help.
We've got a core group of volunteersthat have been with us for, for
several years that kind of know theins and outs, that they are showing
up, some of them every single day.
And they're amazing.
Yeah.
That's, yeah, our program is not
Limor Hendricks (05:02):
successful without our volunteers, for sure.
Yeah, absolutely.
The, the capacity is so large,there's really no way we'd be
able to do it without volunteers.
Fuzz Martin (05:10):
I assume you can always use more though, right?
Absolutely.
Yes.
So if, if local individuals, businesses,other non profit organizations would
like to get involved in supporting theYouth and Family Project's Gingerbread
House program, how could they?
How could they do so?
What would be the processfor getting started to help?
Limor Hendricks (05:27):
So on our Facebook page, we will post volunteer information,
but also in the interim, if thereare any people who want to volunteer,
they can just reach out to us.
They can message us onFacebook through our page.
Or they can call the officedirectly and we will direct them
to our volunteer coordinator.
Fuzz Martin (05:44):
And, does that also go for if, if a business or family
wants to, donate to the program oreither donate in terms of financially
or if they want to, donate gifts?
I know some, like our family each year,we look forward to getting a family that
we, you know, get the age and what thechild is looking for and then, we make it
(06:05):
a point to show our kids that we're goingout and buying for another kid who needs
something this year and, it's a kind ofa, a learning process for our kids, so for
those who want to, to do that is that theygo through the kind of the same process.
Christina McGinn (06:20):
Yes.
So we have a form you fill out.
Um, you can tell us what size familyyou want, if there's anything specific.
If there's certain ages of, of kids,that you want to shop for, we take
all of that, try to match you asclosely as possible with the family.
You get a wishlist for everyfamily member as well as, household
items that they might need.
And do all of the shopping and you candrop that off, once we're in our location.
(06:44):
We also have a wish list, that we dowith a wholesale company that you can
purchase items in bulk for us that we use.
You can also come and just dropitems off when, when we're there.
and kind of see, what's, what'sgoing on and see what, what
all of that looks like.
We also have a lot of local businessesthat do collections for us, that
(07:07):
you can drop off items there.
Fuzz Martin (07:09):
Excellent.
So speaking of items, what wouldyou say are the most essential
items that The community can donatethat would make the biggest impact.
Christina McGinn (07:18):
I would say items for our adult family members.
You know, we have Fleet Farm andMenards that both do toy drives for us.
We get tons of donations of toys.
But again, because, you know,we really want to have the, the
family memories of opening gifts.
We like the parents and, and adultsin the families to have gifts as well.
So, yeah.
Hairdryers, curling irons,makeup, cologne, deodorant,
(07:42):
tools, car kits, fishing stuff.
Those, those items that are more gearedtowards adults are definitely mostly.
Limor Hendricks (07:49):
Small electronics, things like that.
Christina McGinn (07:50):
Yeah.
Fuzz Martin (07:51):
Okay, and that, yeah, definitely.
And, because everybody thinks about kids,I think, when you're, donating, It's
easy to, think about that, but think aboutthe families as well and, and bringing
a smile to everybody's face, I think.
How does Youth and Family Project workto make this experience uplifting for
families in need around the holidays?
Limor Hendricks (08:12):
So we really try to make everybody feel welcomed.
We try to make it as easyand comfortable as possible.
We don't ever want anyone to feel like,like they should be embarrassed about
this because, you know, everybody hitsa rough spot and that's why we do this.
We want to make sure everybody's gotlike a really great holiday experience.
And when they come in, even thoughit's a bit chaotic when they come
(08:37):
in to pick up their gifts, they'll,they'll meet smiling people.
It'll be festive.
And this year we do havesomething extra fun planned.
I can't really share the details yet.
But it'll be, hopefullywe'll be able to pull it off.
It'll be like a special, extra, veryfamily friendly, very holiday friendly
kind of a, of a treat for everybody.
Fuzz Martin (08:58):
Excellent.
Speaking of that, do you have any fun,positive, uplifting stories from the
past that kind of stand out to you,from years past with Gingerbread House?
Limor Hendricks (09:10):
So, for me, there, there are a lot of families who come in and
they get very emotional when they see thegenerosity of the sponsors and the donors.
One in particular, was a woman who'dnever applied to the program before
and was a little bit confused about,how it was a run and wasn't sure if
she missed, the deadline to pick up.
(09:33):
And when she came to, pick up thetoys, and the other gifts, she
was, she was very overwhelmed.
She was very emotional and gratefuland couldn't stop thanking me.
And I just reminded her.
That it's not me she needs to thank.
She doesn't need to thank anybody,but that this is the community
basically coming together.
And it's just, it's a very feel good kindof a moment to know that, that people
(09:56):
are getting these special memories.
That even though they're goingthrough difficulties, at least their
holidays, are gonna be this, like,beautiful, uplifting, enjoyable, memory.
And we get emails.
After the program closes, from familieswho are just so grateful and tell
us how their families never had suchan amazing, holiday season and that
(10:18):
they're really moved and touched, andthat, that is a wonderful feeling.
Christina McGinn (10:23):
I do too.
I love, we've have a handful of familiesthat have come full circle that started
out as participants, have gotten into abetter place in life and become sponsors.
And they are so thankful that they areable to get back to the, the program
that helped them when they, you know,wouldn't have been able to provide
Christmas for their family otherwise.
Fuzz Martin (10:38):
Excellent.
Love that.
Can you, going back to the volunteersor community members, can you tell
us about, you know, maybe a communitymember or volunteer that has played
a crucial, crucial role in Making theGingerbread House program, successful.
Limor Hendricks (10:56):
I would say our core volunteers who show up almost every
day, who show up year after year, who,who really understand how the program
works and are just, are just thereto do whatever needs to get done.
And they're, they're just amazing.
And we will thank them.
We will have a post up and thank themspecifically, but they're, we have a core
group of volunteers who is just amazing.
(11:17):
Their dedication.
And their, their passionfor this is, is incredible.
And we, yeah, we absolutely couldnot do this, without that help.
We're a relatively small agency.
We don't have that many staff members.
And, yeah, they literallymake this program.
Fuzz Martin (11:34):
Um, was very good segue.
So speaking of that, for those who arenew to the Youth and Family Project, what
are some of the broader ways that yourorganization helps the youth and families
here in West Bend and Washington County?
Christina McGinn (11:47):
Yeah, so we've got a couple of different programs outside
of Gingerbread House that we run.
We have Family Corner, where we providesupervised visitation for non custodial
parents and their kids in a, youknow, in our office, which is an all
converted house, really comfortableenvironment to just try to make everyone
feel really safe and comfortable.
We have our Crossroads program thatprovides free counseling services, uh,
(12:09):
within the schools in Washington County.
Limor Hendricks (12:12):
And, and we also do outreach, so we're out in the
community, our services withpeople, giving them information
about how to access mental health.
And we also have the LGBTQ plus services.
We have support groups for both youthand caregivers, and try to connect them
to resources and information, so thatthey can navigate and parent effectively
(12:32):
and, and have the support that they need.
Fuzz Martin (12:35):
What are some of the biggest challenges that you face, running,
we'll say running this program, ingeneral, the Gingerbread House program.
We'll start with that.
Limor Hendricks (12:44):
The biggest challenge is the location because
we, we need a location every year.
We don't have a permanent location.
And we need a really big space.
It's a lot of gifts.
It's a lot of donations.
And we have to be able to sort them,to, to group them properly, to make
sure that when people come and pickthem up, It's not complete chaos.
Mm-Hmm.
. And we still don't havea location this year.
Fuzz Martin (13:06):
When you say really big, what, what kind of space are you talking?
Limor Hendricks (13:09):
So approximately 12,000 square feet.
Fuzz Martin (13:11):
Okay.
Limor Hendricks (13:11):
Preferably with bathroom facilities, accessible parking.
Hopefully with some heatbecause it does get cold.
Mm-Hmm.
. Um, and really we need it forthe entire month of December.
A little bit before and a littlebit after is very helpful.
Um, and really the ideal space that we'veidentified would be the closed UW campus.
(13:33):
That would be a perfect location for us.
It's empty, it's got all the facilities,it's got the parking, um, yeah.
And that would be an amazing spot for us.
Fuzz Martin (13:43):
Um, if somebody has a space 12, 000 square feet or
bigger with, parking and, restrooms.
How can, should they get in touchwith you directly off the website?
What's the best way to get in touch?
Limor Hendricks (13:57):
Yeah, absolutely.
Um, if they could reach out to us,they can speak specifically, to Emily
Green, who's our executive director.
That would be fantastic.
If people have an interest in,helping us secure the UW campus,
they can, they certainly can emailthe county, and encourage them.
Because this is a really bigprogram, it, it helps thousands
(14:19):
of people in Washington County.
And we would like to make it assmooth as possible for everybody.
Fuzz Martin (14:25):
Alright, very good.
Looking ahead, how would youlike to see the Gingerbread House
program grow or change to meetfuture needs for our community?
www.
gingerbreadhouse.
com
Christina McGinn (14:35):
I think, like Limor said, space is always an issue, so
having a donated space that we candepend on would be super helpful,
especially just in terms of figuringout how to lay out, things every year
to make it be as smooth as possible.
You know, when you have 550 familiesworth of gifts, that's a lot of
packages, a lot of things to tryand keep track of, keep organized as
(14:58):
people are dropping off and picking up.
So the more space that we have tobe able to do that makes it easier.
We are always looking for more sponsorsto provide those gifts for our families.
You know, our participantsgrow every year.
Our sponsors don't growat quite the same rate.
Um, so, or even businesses that arewilling to, you know, do gift collections
(15:20):
for us is, is always super helpful.
Limor Hendricks (15:22):
Yeah.
And we could always use, financialdonations as well to help, pay for
the actual running of the program.
As well as additional programmingthat we want to roll into it, like I
mentioned, the little surprise we'rehoping to pull off, that we will
definitely be pulling off next year,but that requires sponsorship as well.
(15:43):
So if anybody has interest insponsoring the program itself
as well, just reach out to us.
Fuzz Martin (15:49):
Very good.
And then, one last time for listenersinterested in getting involved, if they
have a potential space in mind or ifthey want to make a donation, what's the
best way for them to contribute or reachout to the Gingerbread House program?
Christina McGinn (16:04):
So if they want to sponsor a family, they can go on our
website and there's a link to becomea sponsor and fill out that form.
They can also email us at,gingerbread at youthandfamilyproject.
org.
Or, uh, they can call theoffice and we've got a menu they
can get to us, 262 338 1661.
Limor Hendricks (16:23):
And that would apply for anybody who has a space in mind, as well.
If somebody wants to apply, applicationsare still open until November 22nd.
That information is available on bothour Facebook page and our website.
Fuzz Martin (16:37):
Alright.
Very good.
Well, Limor, Christina, thankyou so much for coming in.
Thanks for all you do for people in ourcommunity who, need a little joy this
time of year and, really appreciate allyou do, for folks in Washington County.
again to Christina McGinn and LimorHendricks from the Youth and Family
Project for joining me on this week'sepisode of Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
(16:59):
Again, if you have a lead on a buildingthey can use to house their efforts
this season, please reach out to them.
And as always, if you ever havean idea for a guest for this
show, please reach out to me.
You can email me fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com, that is fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
You can text me 262 299FUZZ, that is 262 299 3899.
(17:23):
Or you can fill out the form fuzzmartin.
com slash guest.
So many easy ways to get in touch.
So few excuses for you not to.
New episodes drop on Apple Podcasts,YouTube, Spotify, and at fuzzmartin.
com every Tuesday.
And with that, I will talk toyou next Tuesday, right here
on Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Greetings, Washington County friends, and thank you for
listening to Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
If you're a new listener, this isa show about positive things going
on right here in our community.
If you've listened before, wellnow you've heard me say that
about 131 times since 2021.
Pretty neat, eh?
But that's what this show is allabout, shining a light on positive
(00:30):
things that aren't politics orshouting at each other on social media.
Just peace and love, man.
This week we're going to talkabout one of my favorite annual
programs here in Washington County.
Limor Hendricks and Christina McGinnfrom the Youth and Family Project join
me to talk about the Gingerbread House.
It's a gift giving program where thecommunity pitches in to ensure that
(00:52):
area families in need have greatChristmases and holiday celebrations.
With that, here are 15 Minuteson the Gingerbread House with
Christina McGinn and Limor Hendricks.
Right here on Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
Limor
(01:17):
and Christina, thank you somuch for joining me today.
Could you give us an overview firstof the Gingerbread House program
and how it supports families?
I guess I'd say in theWashington County area, right?
Limor Hendricks (01:29):
So it is just for Washington County families.
But the, the pickup isusually in the West Bend area.
Last year we served over 550 familiesand what the program does is provide
holiday gifts, and household needs to,families in need in Washington County.
Christina McGinn (01:46):
Our big thing is we, we don't want the focus to be on gifts, so we
really wanted to be about providing thosememories, Christmas morning, everyone
in the family has something to open,and you're getting to do that together
and create those, those family memories.
Fuzz Martin (01:57):
The Gingerbread House program has been going on for decades, right?
How long has this been going on?
Christina McGinn (02:05):
Over 20 years.
Yeah, over 20
Fuzz Martin (02:07):
years.
And how, how did it get started andhow has it evolved over those years?
Christina McGinn (02:12):
Uh, so it's, uh, Linda White, started the program.
It was just a handful of families thatshe was really passionate about that.
having the family memories, and beingable to provide, especially for,
you know, the kids that otherwisewouldn't have gifts to open.
And the program has just, every singleyear we've found more families in need
and kind of every year we've grown tothe point we are now where we're at over
(02:33):
500 family, over 550 families every year.
Fuzz Martin (02:36):
Well, okay, that was going to be my next question is
how many families do you serve?
So, that obviously takesa lot to get going, right?
So, 550 families is morethan 550, people, right?
Yes.
So, that's, that's a lot of, coordination,um, outreach to those who are, you know,
Not only buying gifts or supportingthese families, but also the families
(03:00):
themselves and getting them coordinated.
There's a lot that goes into it.
When do you start, preppingfor this each year?
How does , how long?
Limor Hendricks (03:06):
As soon as gingerbread ends really.
Okay.
Yeah.
Pretty much as soon as oneyear is, uh, is completed, we
start working on the next year.
Fuzz Martin (03:13):
How does this program meet the needs of all
those, those families each year?
What goes into that?
Limor Hendricks (03:18):
In terms of the application process, we try to
make it as simple as possible.
We try to make it asaccessible as possible.
And our application is done online.
It's very streamlined.
If people don't have, the referral sourcesthat, we're asking for, they can always
get a referral from their child's school.
(03:38):
If they have a case manager, if they'reworking with a different agency on
getting some services, and we've gottena lot of referrals this year, that way.
And if they have trouble, fillingout the application, they can
call and, walk them through thatand I can help them with that.
And that's the applicationprocess, basically.
And we coordinate that.
(03:58):
We plan out what that looks like,months before the program starts.
And then every year they're always alittle bit of, of a change depending
on, capacity, and depending on, I mean,mostly it's capacity, but also if we
notice if there are any, Sort of roughspots or difficult areas for people.
We try to make it as easyas possible to apply.
Christina McGinn (04:20):
I think we, we meet with our volunteers, that support our program
also after Gingerbread House and we takefeedback from them and really try to apply
that, and make sure that the program issuccessful on, on both ends as far as
participants and sponsors and volunteers.
Fuzz Martin (04:34):
So, speaking of volunteers, with, with 550 families,
how many volunteers go intomaking this successful each year?
Roughly, I know you mightnot have specific numbers.
Dozens.
Christina McGinn (04:45):
Yeah.
We have, we've been very fortunatethat we have, businesses that will come
and do kind of a group outing and help.
We've got a core group of volunteersthat have been with us for, for
several years that kind of know theins and outs, that they are showing
up, some of them every single day.
And they're amazing.
Yeah.
That's, yeah, our program is not
Limor Hendricks (05:02):
successful without our volunteers, for sure.
Yeah, absolutely.
The, the capacity is so large,there's really no way we'd be
able to do it without volunteers.
Fuzz Martin (05:10):
I assume you can always use more though, right?
Absolutely.
Yes.
So if, if local individuals, businesses,other non profit organizations would
like to get involved in supporting theYouth and Family Project's Gingerbread
House program, how could they?
How could they do so?
What would be the processfor getting started to help?
Limor Hendricks (05:27):
So on our Facebook page, we will post volunteer information,
but also in the interim, if thereare any people who want to volunteer,
they can just reach out to us.
They can message us onFacebook through our page.
Or they can call the officedirectly and we will direct them
to our volunteer coordinator.
Fuzz Martin (05:44):
And, does that also go for if, if a business or family
wants to, donate to the program oreither donate in terms of financially
or if they want to, donate gifts?
I know some, like our family each year,we look forward to getting a family that
we, you know, get the age and what thechild is looking for and then, we make it
(06:05):
a point to show our kids that we're goingout and buying for another kid who needs
something this year and, it's a kind ofa, a learning process for our kids, so for
those who want to, to do that is that theygo through the kind of the same process.
Christina McGinn (06:20):
Yes.
So we have a form you fill out.
Um, you can tell us what size familyyou want, if there's anything specific.
If there's certain ages of, of kids,that you want to shop for, we take
all of that, try to match you asclosely as possible with the family.
You get a wishlist for everyfamily member as well as, household
items that they might need.
And do all of the shopping and you candrop that off, once we're in our location.
(06:44):
We also have a wish list, that we dowith a wholesale company that you can
purchase items in bulk for us that we use.
You can also come and just dropitems off when, when we're there.
and kind of see, what's, what'sgoing on and see what, what
all of that looks like.
We also have a lot of local businessesthat do collections for us, that
(07:07):
you can drop off items there.
Fuzz Martin (07:09):
Excellent.
So speaking of items, what wouldyou say are the most essential
items that The community can donatethat would make the biggest impact.
Christina McGinn (07:18):
I would say items for our adult family members.
You know, we have Fleet Farm andMenards that both do toy drives for us.
We get tons of donations of toys.
But again, because, you know,we really want to have the, the
family memories of opening gifts.
We like the parents and, and adultsin the families to have gifts as well.
So, yeah.
Hairdryers, curling irons,makeup, cologne, deodorant,
(07:42):
tools, car kits, fishing stuff.
Those, those items that are more gearedtowards adults are definitely mostly.
Limor Hendricks (07:49):
Small electronics, things like that.
Christina McGinn (07:50):
Yeah.
Fuzz Martin (07:51):
Okay, and that, yeah, definitely.
And, because everybody thinks about kids,I think, when you're, donating, It's
easy to, think about that, but think aboutthe families as well and, and bringing
a smile to everybody's face, I think.
How does Youth and Family Project workto make this experience uplifting for
families in need around the holidays?
Limor Hendricks (08:12):
So we really try to make everybody feel welcomed.
We try to make it as easyand comfortable as possible.
We don't ever want anyone to feel like,like they should be embarrassed about
this because, you know, everybody hitsa rough spot and that's why we do this.
We want to make sure everybody's gotlike a really great holiday experience.
And when they come in, even thoughit's a bit chaotic when they come
(08:37):
in to pick up their gifts, they'll,they'll meet smiling people.
It'll be festive.
And this year we do havesomething extra fun planned.
I can't really share the details yet.
But it'll be, hopefullywe'll be able to pull it off.
It'll be like a special, extra, veryfamily friendly, very holiday friendly
kind of a, of a treat for everybody.
Fuzz Martin (08:58):
Excellent.
Speaking of that, do you have any fun,positive, uplifting stories from the
past that kind of stand out to you,from years past with Gingerbread House?
Limor Hendricks (09:10):
So, for me, there, there are a lot of families who come in and
they get very emotional when they see thegenerosity of the sponsors and the donors.
One in particular, was a woman who'dnever applied to the program before
and was a little bit confused about,how it was a run and wasn't sure if
she missed, the deadline to pick up.
(09:33):
And when she came to, pick up thetoys, and the other gifts, she
was, she was very overwhelmed.
She was very emotional and gratefuland couldn't stop thanking me.
And I just reminded her.
That it's not me she needs to thank.
She doesn't need to thank anybody,but that this is the community
basically coming together.
And it's just, it's a very feel good kindof a moment to know that, that people
(09:56):
are getting these special memories.
That even though they're goingthrough difficulties, at least their
holidays, are gonna be this, like,beautiful, uplifting, enjoyable, memory.
And we get emails.
After the program closes, from familieswho are just so grateful and tell
us how their families never had suchan amazing, holiday season and that
(10:18):
they're really moved and touched, andthat, that is a wonderful feeling.
Christina McGinn (10:23):
I do too.
I love, we've have a handful of familiesthat have come full circle that started
out as participants, have gotten into abetter place in life and become sponsors.
And they are so thankful that they areable to get back to the, the program
that helped them when they, you know,wouldn't have been able to provide
Christmas for their family otherwise.
Fuzz Martin (10:38):
Excellent.
Love that.
Can you, going back to the volunteersor community members, can you tell
us about, you know, maybe a communitymember or volunteer that has played
a crucial, crucial role in Making theGingerbread House program, successful.
Limor Hendricks (10:56):
I would say our core volunteers who show up almost every
day, who show up year after year, who,who really understand how the program
works and are just, are just thereto do whatever needs to get done.
And they're, they're just amazing.
And we will thank them.
We will have a post up and thank themspecifically, but they're, we have a core
group of volunteers who is just amazing.
(11:17):
Their dedication.
And their, their passionfor this is, is incredible.
And we, yeah, we absolutely couldnot do this, without that help.
We're a relatively small agency.
We don't have that many staff members.
And, yeah, they literallymake this program.
Fuzz Martin (11:34):
Um, was very good segue.
So speaking of that, for those who arenew to the Youth and Family Project, what
are some of the broader ways that yourorganization helps the youth and families
here in West Bend and Washington County?
Christina McGinn (11:47):
Yeah, so we've got a couple of different programs outside
of Gingerbread House that we run.
We have Family Corner, where we providesupervised visitation for non custodial
parents and their kids in a, youknow, in our office, which is an all
converted house, really comfortableenvironment to just try to make everyone
feel really safe and comfortable.
We have our Crossroads program thatprovides free counseling services, uh,
(12:09):
within the schools in Washington County.
Limor Hendricks (12:12):
And, and we also do outreach, so we're out in the
community, our services withpeople, giving them information
about how to access mental health.
And we also have the LGBTQ plus services.
We have support groups for both youthand caregivers, and try to connect them
to resources and information, so thatthey can navigate and parent effectively
(12:32):
and, and have the support that they need.
Fuzz Martin (12:35):
What are some of the biggest challenges that you face, running,
we'll say running this program, ingeneral, the Gingerbread House program.
We'll start with that.
Limor Hendricks (12:44):
The biggest challenge is the location because
we, we need a location every year.
We don't have a permanent location.
And we need a really big space.
It's a lot of gifts.
It's a lot of donations.
And we have to be able to sort them,to, to group them properly, to make
sure that when people come and pickthem up, It's not complete chaos.
Mm-Hmm.
. And we still don't havea location this year.
Fuzz Martin (13:06):
When you say really big, what, what kind of space are you talking?
Limor Hendricks (13:09):
So approximately 12,000 square feet.
Fuzz Martin (13:11):
Okay.
Limor Hendricks (13:11):
Preferably with bathroom facilities, accessible parking.
Hopefully with some heatbecause it does get cold.
Mm-Hmm.
. Um, and really we need it forthe entire month of December.
A little bit before and a littlebit after is very helpful.
Um, and really the ideal space that we'veidentified would be the closed UW campus.
(13:33):
That would be a perfect location for us.
It's empty, it's got all the facilities,it's got the parking, um, yeah.
And that would be an amazing spot for us.
Fuzz Martin (13:43):
Um, if somebody has a space 12, 000 square feet or
bigger with, parking and, restrooms.
How can, should they get in touchwith you directly off the website?
What's the best way to get in touch?
Limor Hendricks (13:57):
Yeah, absolutely.
Um, if they could reach out to us,they can speak specifically, to Emily
Green, who's our executive director.
That would be fantastic.
If people have an interest in,helping us secure the UW campus,
they can, they certainly can emailthe county, and encourage them.
Because this is a really bigprogram, it, it helps thousands
(14:19):
of people in Washington County.
And we would like to make it assmooth as possible for everybody.
Fuzz Martin (14:25):
Alright, very good.
Looking ahead, how would youlike to see the Gingerbread House
program grow or change to meetfuture needs for our community?
www.
gingerbreadhouse.
com
Christina McGinn (14:35):
I think, like Limor said, space is always an issue, so
having a donated space that we candepend on would be super helpful,
especially just in terms of figuringout how to lay out, things every year
to make it be as smooth as possible.
You know, when you have 550 familiesworth of gifts, that's a lot of
packages, a lot of things to tryand keep track of, keep organized as
(14:58):
people are dropping off and picking up.
So the more space that we have tobe able to do that makes it easier.
We are always looking for more sponsorsto provide those gifts for our families.
You know, our participantsgrow every year.
Our sponsors don't growat quite the same rate.
Um, so, or even businesses that arewilling to, you know, do gift collections
(15:20):
for us is, is always super helpful.
Limor Hendricks (15:22):
Yeah.
And we could always use, financialdonations as well to help, pay for
the actual running of the program.
As well as additional programmingthat we want to roll into it, like I
mentioned, the little surprise we'rehoping to pull off, that we will
definitely be pulling off next year,but that requires sponsorship as well.
(15:43):
So if anybody has interest insponsoring the program itself
as well, just reach out to us.
Fuzz Martin (15:49):
Very good.
And then, one last time for listenersinterested in getting involved, if they
have a potential space in mind or ifthey want to make a donation, what's the
best way for them to contribute or reachout to the Gingerbread House program?
Christina McGinn (16:04):
So if they want to sponsor a family, they can go on our
website and there's a link to becomea sponsor and fill out that form.
They can also email us at,gingerbread at youthandfamilyproject.
org.
Or, uh, they can call theoffice and we've got a menu they
can get to us, 262 338 1661.
Limor Hendricks (16:23):
And that would apply for anybody who has a space in mind, as well.
If somebody wants to apply, applicationsare still open until November 22nd.
That information is available on bothour Facebook page and our website.
Fuzz Martin (16:37):
Alright.
Very good.
Well, Limor, Christina, thankyou so much for coming in.
Thanks for all you do for people in ourcommunity who, need a little joy this
time of year and, really appreciate allyou do, for folks in Washington County.
again to Christina McGinn and LimorHendricks from the Youth and Family
Project for joining me on this week'sepisode of Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
(16:59):
Again, if you have a lead on a buildingthey can use to house their efforts
this season, please reach out to them.
And as always, if you ever havean idea for a guest for this
show, please reach out to me.
You can email me fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com, that is fuzz at fuzzmartin.
com.
You can text me 262 299FUZZ, that is 262 299 3899.
(17:23):
Or you can fill out the form fuzzmartin.
com slash guest.
So many easy ways to get in touch.
So few excuses for you not to.
New episodes drop on Apple Podcasts,YouTube, Spotify, and at fuzzmartin.
com every Tuesday.
And with that, I will talk toyou next Tuesday, right here
on Fifteen Minutes with Fuzz.
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