On this episode, we chat with the amazing Robin and Larry from Marketplace Care Partners in Friendswood ISD! Explore their heartwarming experiences, the impact of Care Teams, and their invaluable advice on mental and emotional wellness. Tune in for a glimpse into their world of supporting the FISD family!
On this episode, we chat with the amazing Robin and Larry from Marketplace Care Partners in Friendswood ISD! Explore their heartwarming experiences, the impact of Care Teams, and their invaluable advice on mental and emotional wellness. Tune in for a glimpse into their world of supporting the FISD family!
Speaker 1 Yes, I have. I have heard about that. Not a whole. Speaker 2 Lot, though. I just saw us. I believe this is the third. Speaker 3 Third? I believe it's the third year that we've been doing kind of day of service. It was a part of our strategic plan, actually, for one. And it actually was like the last thing I think we we worked on accomplishing from that strategic plan. But we enjoy it. We get to go around and just kind of capture the day. Speaker 3 So it's it's definitely become one of my favorite days of the whole year. But yeah, have you heard of anybody going out and serving? Have you heard of any projects? Speaker 1 No, I haven't. Speaker 4 I don't I, I tried the other day, but the person that was in charge wasn't in the office. So yeah, I didn't get a dig. Speaker 2 I was looking at the spreadsheet recently and so we have kids going out to Centennial to do a lot of clean up different parks in the community. The junior High has a new outdoor learning center. They're the junior high teachers and some students are working on making that look nice. Speaker 3 Art is doing a mural. We're trying to figure out where exactly that's going to be. But we know the high school art, they're doing a mural. Speaker 2 They love it. The transition center is having a massive garage sale on May 11th. And so our Transportation Department is coming over to the transition center and helping sort out price. And when I say massive, I mean. Speaker 3 Massive. Speaker 1 Big, big. Speaker 2 Massive amount of stuff that they have is like. Speaker 3 We were just there on Monday and it was like every every room is just full of. Speaker 2 Stuff. So they have like eight rooms. It's like, yes, they're ready to get rid of all the stuff. So I hope everybody plans on coming out to the May 11th because they also have lots. Speaker 3 Of stuff from what we saw yet. So super cool. Speaker 1 Who contributes all these things? Speaker 3 Just anyone in the community. Speaker 1 Obviously wants to. Speaker 2 Yeah. And it's really we kind of push it back to our students and our teachers to say reach out to our community centers, to our retirement centers, Just call people and say, hey, we have students, we have teachers wanting to give back to their community. Do you need anything for us to do or do you have anything for us to do? Speaker 2 So yes, busses have really taken it upon themselves and students to to find really cool, great things to do with friends with. So yeah. Speaker 1 That's good to hear. Yeah, I like that. Speaker 2 Yes, we'll be looking for the pictures because that will be coming out soon. Speaker 3 Absolutely. So with that said, welcome to season three, episode 14 of Christy's the podcast. We're Kelsey goals. That's me and Dana Owen that's. Speaker 2 Me. Speaker 3 Have the pleasure of interviewing interesting people and discussing anything and everything. Friendswood, SD Today we have two people who we truly adore Robin Groper and Larry Spader from Marketplace Care Partners here at Friends. What I See. Let's dive in and get to know them a little bit better. Welcome. Speaker 2 Welcome. Thank you. Speaker 1 Good to be here. Speaker 2 So glad you're here. So glad you're here. Speaker 3 So first, just tell us a little bit about the concept of a care team. So what all does that entail? How does it benefit the employees of Friendswood? I see. How did they get started? Take us in there. Speaker 1 Go for it, Robin. Speaker 2 Yeah, We're going to legislate this first and second. Speaker 4 The so now it's actually something that we do primarily in businesses. This is the first time that we've done it in a public school setting. But we go into these places and, and we really just care for people. And it's kind of a I like I think of it more as a frontline or first responder kind of situation where we've already built relationships and or are building relationships and then so that when something does happen that we can be there and be a familiar face in a situation and then, you know, point people towards the resources and things like that that they need. Speaker 4 But but a lot of what we do is just go in and just build relationships. Speaker 1 Yes. And, you know, I look at us as encourages. You know, it's a tough world out there right now. And it's not only the challenge of educating students, but it's what's going on in the world right now and family responsibilities. And just to have somebody come in and willing to listen and say, I understand that, I understand that, and we have resources that we can recommend for certain situations. Speaker 1 But just really to be there to be a cheerleader for them to say, you know what, you're making a difference in this world. Speaker 3 Now, this is something that was actually started by Forest Care's, which is a project of the Bay Area Alliance. They have funded this for us this year. And for my understanding, right y'all, right now, you'll just meet with like front office staff and administrators. Is that correct? Speaker 1 Administration staff, nurses, counselors and occasionally a teacher or two. If we have a little extra time and we see a teacher, we want to encourage them. Speaker 2 Yeah, I could see going back to Robin, what you were talking about is I could see where, you know, not that there's anything wrong with your coworker coming in or someone from administration or h.r. Coming in to say, how are you doing? How's everything going? It's just someone outside of the workplace. I think also that you just kind of feel like I think I've experienced. Speaker 2 I just feel like I can just kind of tell you if there's something going on or it's like, wait, why do they want to know that? Or, you know, and I'm not just talking about me, but I'm talking about the outside businesses that you also work with. I could see where it would be beneficial where you're not a coworker, right? Speaker 2 You know, so you don't have to hold, you know, put up your guard or anything like that. Like wait. Or they going to spread this rumor about me or you know what I'm saying, Right? Speaker 3 So yeah. And I and I'll say it definitely feels like you just both have such a beautiful presence Every time you come into the room, there's just this calming air about you. And I remember actually the first time meeting y'all, we were at our district leadership team retreat, and by retreat we mean in the boardroom. Unknown And we're just and. Speaker 3 They they introduced y'all. And Larry, you actually sat at my table, and I immediately, spiritually felt very connected to you. And so I was very grateful through some some tough waters that we've navigated this year in my personal life with my family. And even just being able to come in professionally and talk. I've been so grateful just for that instant bond and instant connection. Speaker 3 And anyway, just think so highly of both of you. I know Dana feels the. Speaker 2 Same way, and I know it's not. We all four believe this, but it's not just happenstance. Speaker 3 That that occurred, right? Speaker 2 That yeah, Larry was sitting at your table. You had some stuff that you went through with your life in your family. And Larry was there, too. I just think, you know, I love some people call it God wink. Some people I don't know. Speaker 1 It's not a coincidence. Speaker 2 It's not instant. Speaker 1 And something you said, Dana, I think is very important. We're sort of a neutral voice coming in and we adhere to strict confidentiality so that they can feel free to share something with us and they know it's not going to go any further. Speaker 2 That right? Right. That's good to know. That's good to, you know, really to people believe that. But for you to say and it's my understanding you'll have a lot of training. I mean, this is something how long how many years have you done this? Speaker 1 Well, a lot. Speaker 2 Right? Speaker 1 I've been with Marketplace now for ten years. Speaker 2 Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And they do. They're responsible for your training or they. Speaker 1 Yes, we have. We have monthly training. And yeah, there was a lot of training initially for this and then monthly We have sessions that we go through for training. Speaker 2 So yeah. Speaker 3 Awesome. Speaker 2 Well. Speaker 3 So both of you as care partners, your role is all about like social emotional support, right, for staff. So how do you kind of build that trust with staff members that you work with? And quite frankly, is it honestly sometimes really awkward walking into a room? Speaker 2 Yeah, Let's start from the beginning. Like we knew like you knew you were going to start working with that feisty and you didn't know anyone yet or you were going to start working with a new business. Not necessarily a feisty, but just a new business. Is that something that you your heart or stomach you like, you become anxious and you think, Oh, I don't want to start over with the company? Speaker 2 Or is that something that you've done it a while? You just kind of know humans are humans and this is how they react. Like kind of start at the beginning for me because it would just help me a little bit. Speaker 4 I think sometimes it can be awkward. Different places have a different feelings to them. For me, and I think for Larry, a feisty was was an instance connection. Yes. But there are places that you go into and you're like, I'm not really sure anybody really wants you, especially people who've never heard of it. Sure. And they're very suspicious. Speaker 4 Sure. You know, you talk about the confidentiality, but can I really trust these people because of the background that we come from? Sometimes people are a little, you know, like, that's not my thing. So I don't want to be a part of that. And sometimes it's it's a matter of years, you know, before that takes place. But I think for the most part, a lot of it is just being genuine and consistent and walking into a place. Speaker 4 It's not something that we have to make up or, you know, we don't have to stand outside the door and go, okay, I care about these people. Speaker 2 You are right. Speaker 4 We just are generally right. Wired Right for that thing. And so it's very natural to us walk into a room and care and even I'm sure Larry's had it. I know I've had it, that there are places that, you know, maybe an employee has left, but I'm still in touch with that person because it's a genuine relationship, right? Speaker 2 MM Yeah, Yeah. And not everybody has that, by the way, like your job would be when I was younger. Specifically my worst nightmare. Speaker 3 This is, this is what it would be like if you walked in the room. Speaker 2 Every so often. Just my head coming around the door like this. It makes these only my eyes would be like, Stay around, Go, get out of here. So but the reason I say that, Robin, is, you know, in the beginning when you all started coming around, it is a little awkward. And I would think to myself, I think what kind of broke it for me is I thought to myself, it's awkward for me, but I can not even imagine how awkward it is for you. Speaker 2 I know all the people I'm surrounded by. Right? You're coming in to our space and I feel awkward and I'm like, Wait, She probably really feels awkward if I'm feeling awkward, Like, I'm not helping the situation in, I guess, is what I'm saying. It's like she's a human being. She truly I think I know one of your co partners is Lynn Ho Brunch. Speaker 2 Yes. Okay. Yes, yes. You know, when you just know someone is just naturally good, they just care for people, then, you know, you kind of I guess I let my guard up and just like, okay, they're really just wondering how we're doing and how our day's going and to visit. And since then. Speaker 3 I really enjoy and look forwards. Speaker 2 I coming I enjoy your coming in. I, you know, I don't always have something to share, you know, or nothing. Yeah. Is always going on exciting or bad in my life. But it is it's just another friend or person come around just to see how you're doing. And for whatever reason coworkers don't do a lot of that. And I don't care what business you're in and coworkers don't do a lot of that. Speaker 2 Yeah, you know, just walking around visiting. Yeah. So, you know, I appreciate it. That's. Sorry. Speaker 4 I'm glad you made us feel very welcome. Speaker 2 Emailing the awkwardness conversation. You know. Speaker 1 For me personally, I've been doing this type of thing for years, and so I'm used to going into situations where I don't know people and I don't know if I inherited some of this from my mom, but my mom never met a stranger. She could know somebody for 5 minutes and she would say, That person is my best friend now. Speaker 1 And I said, Mom, how quick, how quickly you did that? You know, and I think I inherited some of that ability for from her to be able to just to go in and be genuine, As Robin said, and be a good listener and kind of know some questions to ask that aren't threatening, but just help people to kind of open up and kind of find out who you are and you can kind of know them a little bit. Speaker 2 Do you have does one come to mind? Speaker 1 Oh, Robin came up with the whole list of questions that we asked you. Speaker 2 Robin, I'm terrible at this. Speaker 1 Oh, she's very creative, believe me. Well, I. Speaker 4 Think I just try to think of things ahead of time that are just. Speaker 1 What was one of the last things that made you smile. Speaker 2 Yeah. Oh, yeah. Speaker 4 What's our challenge this week? Speaker 1 Or what were the last situations where you just go, Did I really just do that or know something funny? You know? Speaker 2 Yes. Yeah. I think those good. Speaker 3 Icebreaker don't want to. Speaker 4 Ruin it, you know? But when I come see you at Thanksgiving, I will ask you what your favorite dishes at Thanksgiving, which is how I got a recipe from you, too. Speaker 2 Yeah, I know. So, yeah, I'll see you all day long. Everybody ask us any few questions. We light up a food lovers. Speaker 3 I'm actually doing a cleanse this week, and it's been the most depressing week of my entire year, so. No, it's okay. Speaker 2 Let's talk about the one thing I really need you to come in every day this week. Please, just check on me. Oh, I don't know what it is, but if I am, I say stuck. If I am somewhere in the corner with someone that I don't really know. That sounded almost inappropriate. I'm not. I don't. I don't find myself included emotionally. Speaker 2 You feel bad about yourself? Yeah, that's what it is. Emotion in the corner. The only thing that ever comes to mind is talking about the Astros. Oh, ever. Like it's the in the work. And then I just sit there and my brain just goes, What do you say? What do you say? What should I say? I don't know what to say in this moment. Speaker 2 Like, it's so weird. I don't know why I do that. Speaker 3 I did hear, like, you know, weather is obviously a common thing people will bring up. Speaker 2 And I say that a lot, too. Speaker 3 I heard like one of the main reasons that is commonly brought up is because it's one of the only shared things that we all have that we're all experiencing at the same time, like with whoever you're having the conversation with. Like that's what's kind of an interesting thing. Speaker 2 But Right, what I like else questions but yes. Oh, that's awesome. Well I better. Speaker 1 And I feel to the people love to talk about their children they're great great especially grandparents. Speaker 2 And all. Speaker 1 My right when I find a grandparent, I just know there's going to be a common bond there and we can just laugh and talk about our last time with our grandkids, see what that was like. Speaker 2 And yeah, yeah. So sweet. That is so sweet. Speaker 3 So despite like all the awkwardness and some of this training, what led both of you into this line of work in the first place? What's your background? Speaker 1 I started off to be a medical doctor. That's what I thought I was going to do. And at about the age of 20, I fell to call into ministry and the rest is history. And when my wife and I moved down here to Houston in 2013, I heard about Marketplace Ministries and thought, you know, that would be a good place for me to serve. Speaker 1 And yeah, the rest is history. So that's kind of how I got into that. Speaker 3 Yeah, amazing. Speaker 4 That's I well, I've worked in youth ministry for 30 years, and so as a part of that, I've always kind of pursued different side jobs, I guess. And so I was working with Berry Alliance for Youth and Families, which is part of the Feisty Cares, and I had just finished a grant with them. And Bryan, the guy that oversees us, he asked if I would be interested in working with Marketplace, and I had never heard of it. Speaker 4 I didn't know what it was about, and I was kind of a little stunned that it even existed. So that was about six years ago that that I added that in there. And it's really expanded my vision of people in general, you know, to really be out there where people are living their day to day lives. And it's just it changes your connection to the world and to realize that everybody is experiencing something. Speaker 4 Right. You know, and it's just. Speaker 2 Every one has has has had will have. Speaker 4 Something. Speaker 2 Something major things going on in their life, you know, and they're all different personalities. I think that I'm a little more closed off. I don't really share and talk a lot about, you know, that kind of stuff. I just don't just somewhere along the line, I don't know, with my parents or something. It's just like, like people don't care. Speaker 2 I mean, that sounds bad. I mean, but in general, you know, you don't want to you don't want to put that weight on someone else almost, you know. Speaker 4 So, yes. How are you How often do you just say, oh, you know, that sounds you don't even make eye contact, right? You just sort of like move in a lot, right? Speaker 2 Yes. Yeah. I don't I don't remember where I was going with that. But it is a great it is just something that I have found to be very beneficial of having people that are just walking around visiting, talking, knowing that if something serious does come up, you would feel very comfortable because it will just shut the door and say, Hey, talk to me for, you know, that that's. Speaker 1 Not if it's when it's. Speaker 2 Something that's. Speaker 1 Relevant to our lives. I was I was working in a business downtown doing this and saw this one lady talk to her several times. And she usually would say to me, you know, Larry, I don't have time to talk right now. And I'd say, fine, But four years later, I want I bought by your office. And I had seen her in between there. Speaker 1 But I said, you know, there's something I've noticed about you. And she said, What's that? And I said, You have a work ethic that's out the ceiling. And it was like that wall came down and from then on it was like, Larry, come on in, let's talk type of thing. And sometimes you just have to be patient and let them get to know you a little bit and know that they're somebody that, you know, you're somebody that they can trust, Right? Speaker 1 That we actually really do care. You know, we say that in our bad says that, but we do care. Speaker 2 Let me tell you some. It wouldn't work if you didn't know. We all know those people that don't really care. You just know that they're saying whatever and they don't really care yet. And I think I think we're used to that in our daily lives of How are you doing? Good, great. Good to see you. You know, move on. Speaker 2 Yeah, that's just a part of who we are and what we do. But it wouldn't work if you didn't care. And so that's what you get after a while. You get okay, they do care. You know, they're here just to say hi and talk and visit and. Yeah, Yeah. I think you learn that, Kelsey, you kind of an old soul. Speaker 2 But I do think you I mean, you get this. I don't know that a lot of people get this, but as you get older, you do see that it's really about people and connections and just slowing down and just talking to people. You know, there's just people are people, you know. Speaker 3 And I think that's one of the the beautiful things, too, about y'all coming in. It's it's not just about how you've you've cared for us and been that that listening ear. But I do feel like you set such a great example of maybe how we should all be too and to slow down and to take the time to have conversations and to reflect on like what's truly important. Speaker 3 I think I just think all of that out so wonderfully. Speaker 1 If part of our training is that if we come by an office and somebody is really busy, they're on the phone, we'll come back later. We we're we're instructed not to impede the workflow. And so we try to be sensitive to that. But then every once when you go by an office and you just kind of know inside that there's something they want to share with you. Speaker 1 And so then you stop and you take the time and you may be there for five or 10 minutes, but that's okay, because that was what was needed at that moment. Speaker 2 Yep. Speaker 3 Now, specifically with friends, what I see, how have you seen Marketplace Care Partners fit in? This is the first time you said, Yeah, I've been in a in a school district. So what does that look like? Speaker 4 A lot of things have been the same, I think, for me, what I've seen different from the other places that I visit is that when you walk into an office or when you walk into a business place, they're there on a task. They're doing what they do in a school district. These are the caregivers. They're literally taking care of people, and we're walking in to take care of the caregivers. Speaker 4 And it's a it's a the sense of need and the sense of relief that somebody just went, you're doing okay. You know, it's it's palpable to me. And I can feel when I walk into the office of the school what it's going to be like. I can tell from the tension, you can tell from the very first individual that welcomes you at the door, whether it's going to be a just walk through and just speak all. Speaker 2 Or. Speaker 4 Engage. But but I feel like at least that's how I feel that that our calling is to really care for those that are are giving care and let you know you have teacher appreciation. I know you have Secretaries Day and all those things, but but a lot of times the office staff or the person in that little cubbyhole down the hall, there's not a lot of attention there. Speaker 4 Oh, for. Speaker 2 Sure. Definitely. Just like you said, everybody's so busy with their tasks and everyone has their list of things to do. You know? And so, no, that's the truth. Speaker 4 There's a couple of spots I can think of that we walk into that we know we're not we're not there to have a conversation. They are incredibly busy, but we're just walk in and go and see you and you know how your day is going. And then and then we just leave and get out of their space. But you can see on their faces and in their body language, somebody noticed me today. Speaker 2 So let's go ahead and rank our campuses. Never want to say it so it's not only the patient department. Here we go with the real question for as well to learn. And I just think. Speaker 1 You know, I would I want to just compliment Feisty because I felt and Robin and I have talked about this, we felt welcome from day one. Yes. It was just like I mean, I've had people say to me, we're so glad that you're here. Speaker 2 Yes. Speaker 1 We've needed this. And wow, when people start saying that, too, you go, okay, now I see why we're here. Yeah, there's a reason for this. Speaker 3 And I don't even know that I necessarily would have recognized that need until you all started coming. And then just how wonderful it's been. And like, I think it would. I would miss you. I wouldn't miss you if you weren't here. Speaker 1 Well, we miss when somebody is not in their office there in a meeting somewhere, and it's like, okay, I hope I catch them next time, you know? Speaker 2 But isn't that that's so interesting and I'm not going to get into this too much. But, you know, we're having a problem, really. America is having a problem with getting kids to school. And so many kids just they can somehow convince themselves and their parents that they don't have to go to school all the time. And we're seeing really COVID shed light on how impactful it is to our emotional yes well-being and how important it is that we are connected to other human beings. Speaker 2 Yeah. So you don't always notice it, right? Or know that it's needed until you're like, Wow, I really need other people. I really need connection. I need people to care about me and stop by and say, Hey, how you doing? How are you really doing? You know? So that's just kind of the way things are with us, you know, we just don't know. Speaker 2 We need things until we realize that we need it. And you're definitely something to people for sure that, you know, you're making an impact and a difference. And listen, right now, H.R., H.R. departments all over the United States are fighting to, you know, to get really quality teachers in their school districts. And that's a benefit. I think this is one of our benefits that we can offer this employee years is care partners. Speaker 2 So, yeah, I just want to say that. Speaker 3 So has there been like a standout memorable moment during your time in Feisty? Speaker 1 Well, there's one that's sort of comical. Okay. So I mean, I met a school the other day and one of the people I always like to contact is the counselor at that school. But she was busy. She was talking to someone else on staff there and outside her office were 12/5 grade girls who were waiting to get in to her office to talk to her. Speaker 1 And I looked in and the counselor said, Larry, would you entertain those girls for just a few minutes, please? Speaker 2 That's awesome. Speaker 1 Talking about being on the spot. So I remember an illustration. I had used one time of a picture of the Earth as a terrarium, and we have everything there. We need air and water and sunlight and all that. And then I just went around to these fifth grade girls and I said, So what else would you want to have in the terrarium called Earth? Speaker 1 And well, they would want Chick-Fil-A for sure. Speaker 2 Oh, that's a good way. Speaker 1 Starbucks. Speaker 2 Oh, my goodness. Speaker 1 They want to make sure there are some horses and some dogs. And in, you know, ten, 12 minutes went by, just boom like that. And the counselors just waving at me like, thank you, thank you, thank you. Speaker 2 Yeah. So Taylor Swift wasn't mentioned, huh? They didn't mention Taylor Swift's journey to Taylor Swift. No, they didn't. Okay. That's another great question. I love that question. There you go. Yeah. Aren't kids, you know, 14. I get to experience this on a regular basis when, like, we've got there is just feeling that comes over. It's like we've got to get on a campus and you get on a campus and you're surrounded by kids and there's just this energy and life that just comes with being on a campus with kids. Speaker 3 Yes. And they're goofy. Speaker 2 And just a sweet. Speaker 3 And sweet. So sweet. Like, I can't tell you how many times you've walked into a kindergarten classroom, have never met a single child in there. And the amount of hugs that we get, oh, they're reaching your knees. And it's just this I mean, it. Speaker 2 Just is sweet. It is. So you see the love they have to give. You see? So we walk into a room and I don't say anything and Kelsey doesn't say anything, and they swarm Kelsey and no one comes to me and I'm like, I give all your reasons. I might say I'm just like a school teacher walking in and I can sit down at this table. Speaker 2 You probably see what I wear. Speaker 3 And they're like, She has the same style as. Speaker 2 Me and. Speaker 1 I can talk to. Speaker 2 Her. She's one of us. Oh, that's funny. But they do bring life, don't they? They do. They do bring like they do. Speaker 1 I, you know, I. I love to just walk into the cafeteria sometimes. Oh, yeah. And and it's like I'm old enough to be grandpa several times over, and it's like the kids just sort of look at you. Oh, grandpa's here, you know, And they just start talking to you about anything need to say. Speaker 2 So they do. Sweet. Speaker 1 So I know Robin said some. You've had some great experiences, too. Yeah. Speaker 2 Yeah. I think. Speaker 4 Honestly, one of my favorite things that happens and it actually happened this morning again the person that has resisted you all this time and and and something happens one day and they just all of a sudden start talking and then they all of a sudden stop and they have this look on their face and they're like, I don't know why I just said all that to you. Speaker 4 And I'm like, I know. Speaker 2 I know. Yeah. I didn't know what you did. Yeah. Speaker 4 Yeah. And it's just it's just incredible to see people almost bloom because they just have the chance to breathe. Speaker 2 Mhm. Yeah. Speaker 4 That's, that's my favorite part. But yeah. Just watching and the gift to me to get to walk the halls of these schools. I literally at one of the campuses a couple of weeks ago I was just walking through and there's kids everywhere which you would think would be really chaotic. Speaker 2 Right. Speaker 4 But they are involved, they're engaged in what they're doing, all these little groups. And I just I couldn't wait. I just walked around the house to my friend, a teacher that was on break, and I was just like, oh my gosh, you guys just need to know how awesome it is. Speaker 2 I agree to walk these halls. I agree. I mean, we have a really good kid like in when I say good, I mean, you're just sweet and good and they're into their studies and creative. Yes. And there's they're just I telling you, I still go back to if you walk in, the high school blows my mind I just thought about this were right there today. Speaker 3 This morning. Speaker 2 You have a quarter of a mile white wall and not one kid has written anything. Speaker 4 Oh, it's amazing. It is. Speaker 1 Amazing. The miracle. Is it? It really. Speaker 2 Is. It's like we when they first. Speaker 3 Put those up, we were like, wait until the graffiti goes on. Speaker 2 And nothing, nothing, nothing. Speaker 3 It's crazy. Speaker 2 But you're just reminded we really have great kids. That's good fun. Speaker 4 Even just seeing the teachers that are in there and. Speaker 2 Then the teachers are phenomenal. Speaker 4 Energy that they bring in the creativity and the love. I mean, I've seen the meltdowns in the hallways and and the swarm of love that comes out on that kid Absolutely. Just blows me away. Speaker 2 Absolutely. Speaker 4 It's beautiful. Speaker 2 Yeah. Which is another benefit of coming and being in school. Yeah. Surrounding yourself with people even when you don't want to. Yeah. Even when it's the last thing you want to do. You know, you still just you, the energy that comes from that. I was so tired. I got about 3 hours of sleep the other night. I was so tired, but I had already set up this night with my family and I was exhausted and I didn't want to go. Speaker 2 And. But it's your family, right? So any mother would be like, They're going to bring me. I'm telling you, I left after 2 hours of just like I could have run a marathon. Yes. And you could have I could have not gone. But the life that other people bring to you just naturally is just it's just important. It's important to surround yourself with people. Speaker 2 Yeah. Speaker 3 Now, have you all heard any feedback on what employees of FRC in general have, how they felt about you all coming in? Speaker 1 I've had many comments of We're so glad you're here. It's good to see you this morning. It's always good to have you stop by type of thing. Very, very positive. I, I have not had any type of any stretch of the imagination negative experience at all. And I think that speaks highly of the district. I think there's yeah. Speaker 1 That says something for feisty Yeah yeah. Speaker 2 And you're on campuses or you're with a feisty every. Speaker 4 One of us is. Speaker 2 Every one of. Speaker 1 Us every. Speaker 2 Week. Speaker 4 Okay Sometimes we get to come together. Speaker 1 Yeah. Like when there was spring break, we came the next week together and that was. That was fun. Did last. Speaker 2 Time. Okay. Yeah. Speaker 3 And another thing, I think whenever we've had some unfortunate circumstances, y'all will come in during those times to Right and just be that extra layer of support. Speaker 1 We twice now we've been called into the high school and with some serious things that have gone on and we've had some excellent opportunities this last time to just kind of roam the halls and talk to some of the teachers that were kind of directly affected by this. Yeah. And it was like it was almost a sense of relief that somebody is here just to hear what I'm kind of feeling right now. Speaker 2 Right. Right. And I just realized, Yogi, to stop by and talk with the counselors, which I would think the counselors pour into people on a regular basis. But you are someone that can show up at their door and have them be able to kind of visit and talk with you. So I just realized that, like how important. Speaker 4 It is to catch them. Speaker 2 Yeah, yeah, yeah, to catch them. So busy travelers. Speaker 1 Irretrievably busy. Speaker 2 They're busy. Speaker 1 One of the things I love to say to the counselors is in your position, it's very challenging and it's it's you're hearing things that could just take the life out of you. Right? And so I encourage them to find things that give you life. Because when you're working with people like that and you're dealing maybe with some pretty tough situations, it is kind of draining. Speaker 1 And so to find some way to kind of fill that back in, I really stress that as much as I can. You'll find things that you life. Speaker 3 Now for y'all, since y'all are also taking in so much. How do you handle that? How what's. Speaker 2 Your question? Speaker 4 I craft lot of craft. Speaker 2 What does crafting look like to you? There's a lot of different crafts. Speaker 4 I make quilts. I started pretty much anything that I can do with my hands, paint or that kind of thing. Making beauty out of nothing is kind of my hobby. And being surrounded by my own ministry of people that that take care and listen and let me vent or blow up. Speaker 2 Or have you think quilt coats, quilt jackets. I guess they've become you. Do they become very popular? They're all my TikTok feed anyway. Speaker 4 I had made like eons ago. Speaker 2 So so they used be true. Oh, it's going to make it even like cool. Is it like right here? Is it long? Speaker 4 Yeah. No, it's, it's like the, you know, like three in a theater. Speaker 2 Okay. Speaker 1 I mean, would a guy wear this. Speaker 4 Now. Speaker 2 This. Speaker 1 Pretty f is it like sports Snakes on the cool. Speaker 4 With a different quilt? Speaker 2 Okay. Right. Speaker 4 Little more manly. Speaker 2 Okay, so I call him a guy. He's a young guy in his twenties, and he finds material. Yes. And makes jackets out of really cool material. And he makes some really incredible man. Speaker 4 Jackets that I can see. Speaker 2 Yes. Okay. Yeah. Speaker 1 That makes sense. Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. Yeah. Yeah. Now, you asked what gives us life. Two things for me. First Of all my grandkids, they're ten, eight and five are now six, ten, eight and six. And they just they just give me life. Secondly, I love to mentor other men, especially younger dads, younger husbands who are just kind of learning the ropes of marriage or raising children. Speaker 1 And I just and my wife will say, I'll come home and she'll go, You were mentoring somebody this morning, weren't you? And I said, How could you tell? She said, Because you came in and you had a spring in your step, like, you know, you were like, alive. And I said, Yeah, that really does give me life to do that because I like I'm I'm pouring something into somebody else's life that it's going to make a difference ten years from now. Speaker 2 Absolutely. And men need it. Women need it, Men need it. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, do men don't seem to. Maybe. Maybe that's not right. But men don't seem to say they need it and to talk about it. Speaker 3 Just they don't tend to seek help or want to seek help as much as James is. Speaker 1 Oh, and I find that a challenge to see that wall come down. And it takes time. Sometimes, because guys just somehow have been trained over the years. You don't share your feelings with anybody. And I'm like, No, you can't keep stuffing those down because you a price for that later on. So but yeah, anyway, that those are two things that give me life and help me keep going. Speaker 2 Yeah that's. Speaker 3 Great. That is great. Okay, so we were talking about how right now it's a little bit more limited on the types of employees that you meet with. Are there any plans to expand that in the coming years? Have y'all been told anything? Do you know? Speaker 1 We're still waiting to hear for next fall? We would love to see this expanded to the teachers. The opportunities that I've had to talk to some of the teachers, it's like, wow, that's a whole another area that I would love to see us be able to venture into. And yeah, because the ones I have had a chance to talk to, it was like, yes, we could use this, you know. Speaker 2 And what would that take? Would that take obviously, obviously money? What would it take to three more people? Like how many people do you see that moving up to if you take in all the teachers? Speaker 1 That's a good question. Right now, the two of us are able to handle what we're doing. The level we're doing right now. If you add in the teachers, I mean, how many teachers do we have in the fire. Speaker 3 Staff is over 800, right? Over 800. That's total. Speaker 2 That's total. That's maintenance. Custodial bus drivers, that's everything. So let's say 500. Speaker 1 Yeah, Yeah. That would make a difference because we right now we spend a half hour at each site. We have eight sites that we hit. And to add the teachers into that, I'm guessing would take another half hour at each site and. Speaker 2 Yeah, we can. Speaker 1 Do that. Speaker 2 But I think at least yeah. Speaker 1 At least at least yeah. And so I'm thinking probably maybe another chaplain or two or care partner two would. Yeah. Speaker 3 Yeah. But like, yo, y'all aren't allowed to leave us right at the administration level. Speaker 2 I have no plans to give you all. Speaker 1 You're stuck with. Speaker 2 The same thing. Well, good. Well, I guess kind of. Speaker 3 One of the last things I want to leave our listeners with is we'd love to hear just a piece of advice for for them on or emotional wellness. What what is one piece of advice you have to give? Speaker 4 I think just just to make it okay to talk. I think a lot of times people feel like, well, my problems are that big a deal or there's always somebody and I can always find somebody that has a bigger problem than I do. But I always tell people, it's kind of like if I go to the grocery store and I carry out a £20 bag of dog food and you carry out two £20 bags of dog food, you're loads heavier. Speaker 4 But my load isn't any lighter for the fact that yours is heavier and it's okay to to unload that and not feel like it wasn't worth unloading, you know, Or like I said, like when I see people that they just all of a sudden just explode with what they had to say and they don't know why, but it's just because we all need to be heard and we all need a space and a place that somebody sees us and recognizes that we exist regardless of what's going on. Speaker 1 And I think, along with Robin, what you just said, I really encourage people my definition of a true friend is someone that you could tell them the worst thing about yourself and they're not going to leave you. And I encourage people find somebody like that because I most most cases are somebody out there that can be that kind of friend to you. Speaker 1 And and so have that connection where when things start to build up inside of you, you have somebody that you feel safe going to and talking to because, you know, it's just so much going on in the world right now. We need at least one person that we can just unload to and they can unload to us and we can share that load together. Speaker 1 It someone said one time a burden share. Just have a blessing. Share. It has doubled and I think that applies to relationship as well. Yeah. Speaker 2 I think Larry may need his own podcast know what do you think about that easily. Unknown Goes Oh yeah he's profound words Oh we're troubadours Yes. Speaker 1 You you you ladies make this very easy. Speaker 2 To you. Speaker 1 You're very comfortable. You'll be around. Speaker 2 So well. Speaker 3 Y'all are so sweet and truly we have. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you both this year and having you come sit down and speak with us. And I just want you know, what a blessing you have been to us and to everyone you've come in contact with. Speaker 1 Well, thank you. And, you know, I just again, I appreciate FSD for taking this step. I think it it's very admirable of them. And I think it tells us that the leaders in this district care about their people. And so they've taken this step. Yeah, yeah. Speaker 4 And it's our joy. Speaker 1 And it's our joy. Yes, it is. Speaker 3 Well, it's been our joy having you today. Absolutely And we just want to say thank you and we hope. Speaker 2 You have a great day. Spend much.