Kindness Champion of Guilford County 2020

Today’s Kindness Champion is Edie Allen! Here is what Edie’s nominators had to say about why she is outstanding at showing kindness: “Edie’s kindness and compassion are a bright light in the UNCG Department of Counseling and Education! Not only is she a wonderful counselor who cares deeply about the clients she serves, but she is also a great friend and colleague. Edie always makes an effort to check in on her fellow cohort members, and cares about our well-being. Moreover, Edie is incredibly kind and genuine. She shows compassion to all her fellow classmates and is ready and willing to lend an ear; you always feel seen and heard when Edie is listening! Even in the midst of the hectic master’s program, Edie is a point of calm. She takes good care of herself and encourages others to do the same. She is a joy to know and a truly good person, which is why she is an excellent candidate for HRI’s Kindness Champions!”

RAK Countdown: Share 2 New Experiences with a Loved One

Healthy relationships are all about learning and growing together, and one of the best ways to do that is by trying new things! Look for 2 new experiences to share with your loved ones this week. Cook a new meal with your family, go someplace new with friends, or try something you’ve always wanted to do with your partner. Talk about something new you want to try, and carve out time to help make it happen! New experiences can be fun and exciting, and are even more memorable when we do them with people we love.

Kindness Champion of Guilford County 2020

Today’s Kindness Champion is Javon Rutledge (JR)! This is what his nominator had to say about why he exemplifies the qualities of a kindness champion: “JR is always willing to help others in need.  He is always willing to share (even his food!) and is always polite.  He uses his manners in every situation, and is one of the first to step up to help someone else.” 

RAK Countdown: Spend 3 Hours Off of Technology

Technology is wonderful, but too much of it can be isolating. Spending all our free time on phones and computers, even when we’re in the same room as others, doesn’t build our relationships. Try blocking off 3 hours this week to spend time with loved ones. Take a walk together, go to a new place, or just have a long conversation face to face. Making time for the ones we love is a big part of healthy, balanced relationships, so break out of the routine and spend some time screen free!

Kindness Champion of Guilford County 2020

Today’s Kindness Champion in Michele Chapin! Michele’s nominator had this to say about why she stands out as a role model of kindness in our community: “Michele brought ready ready to High Point with energy and commitment to our community. She is excited about the potential in High Point and it’s residence. She is excited about the potential in High Point and it’s residents. She listens and hears what people are telling her and she responds with empathy and graciousness. A true asset to the nonprofit world in High Point.”

CANCELLED: Communicating While Kayaking

This program is back by popular demand!

 

Join the Healthy Relationships Initiative and Greensboro Parks and Recreation and strengthen your relationship with a loved one while enjoying the positive benefits of kayaking.  This interactive program is designed to teach you basic communication skills, while giving you the opportunity to practice the techniques while completing a physical activity.  Each couple or pair will receive a set of game cards that will challenge you to work on different relationship skills.  All skills are completed out on the water while kayaking.  Before we get out on the water, there will be a brief safety training led by a Parks & Recreation staff member.

All pairs are welcome. You do not have to bring a romantic partner in order to get the benefits of this program.  Bring along a friend or a family member.  Light refreshments and other relationship resources will be provided.

Please note that kayaks are limited for these programs, and pricing is as follows: 2 single kayaks for $34 per couple. 1 tandem kayak for $30 per couple.

UPDATE: The May program has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UPDATE: The August program has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

UPDATE: The September program has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We hope to bring this series back in the Summer of 2021. Stay well!

RAK Countdown: Embrace 4 Positive Things about Yourself

Self-love is important! We need to be kind to ourselves as well as to others. Take some time during Random Acts of Kindness Week to be kind to you! Identify 4 positive things about yourself. Maybe that’s embracing certain parts of your body, recognizing your accomplishments, or listing positive qualities you’re glad you have. It can be hard to recognize good in ourselves sometimes, but being kind to and taking care of ourselves helps us be kind to others. Be kind to yourself today!

Kindness Champion of Guilford County 2020

Today’s Kindness Champion is Paige Gilliard! Paige’s nominator had the following to say about her: “She is an attorney with the Children’s Law Center.  She has a lot of contact with children as she is an acting GAL.  She is well respected within the courts and the Family Justice Center.  She has a “how can I help?” attitude.  I first met Paige when the FJC opened in Greensboro.  She always came around when we were having a gathering and immediately began to assist with what was needed.  She genuinely wants to know how people are doing.  One of my favorite things about Paige is that she is a Camp HOPE counselor.  Her name is Fannypack because she carries one at all times.  It is filled with all sorts of things for the kids at camp.  The Camp HOPE coordinator recently told me a story about how Paige went to visit one of the Camp HOPE kids at lunch and she made sure to bring the child her favorite meal which was a box of chicken from Bojangles!  Paige treats people with kindness and loves our children in this community deeply.”

RAK Countdown: 5 Healthy Ways to Express Love

There are many different ways we show love to each other! Some relationships have rituals, like saying “I love you” before going to work or spending certain nights a week together. Sometimes we add grander gestures, like thoughtful gifts on anniversaries or holidays. Though we may have expressions of affection we do often, we can always add more to our repertoire! Brainstorm 5 new ways to express love to your family and friends. This could be anything from writing a note of encouragement to cooking someone’s favorite food. Be creative and embrace the opportunity to show your loved ones you care!

Kindness Champion of Guilford County 2020

Today’s Kindness Champion is Dee Craven! Her co-worker at Guilford County Partnership for Children said the following about why she is deserving of the Kindness Champion award: “Dee Craven is one of my co-workers that is always giving back to the community. Each time that our Partnership has the opportunity to have a great impact by giving or sharing with families, Dee is there to donate her time and resources to any project. In the past two years, we have had several very unique opportunities to give back to homeless families in our county and to families who may struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. With Dee being the “Coupon Queen!”, she took the time to plan her couponing to gather items such as hats, gloves, socks, toiletry items, toys, children’s books, games and much more to make sure that families have what they need. She has already started saving items and planning for our annual service projects in the Fall and Winter of 2020! We are so thankful for her generosity and her heart of giving. She has touched the lives of many children and families across Guilford County and I’m so proud to nominate her for HRI Kindness Champion of Guilford County!”