Around the world, we relied on technology during the COVID pandemic for work, school, and to keep connected and maintain friendships. We relied on our phones and technology to keep us informed, distracted, and entertained. We developed new habits and routines that centered our lives around technology. While the extreme isolation and uncertainty of COVID fades, habits and coping methods we learned during COVID continue to impact our daily lives. Many are discovering that their new technology habits are harming their relationships, productivity, and Christian walk.
In 2019, “Life Ready Kids,” a 12-part video series, was produced with the support of Kevin and Jenny Maevsky and their company, Design by Nature Health Foods. This project captured much of what Chuck Hagele shares during weekend seminars. The series aims to support parents raising kids who own technology rather than being slaves to it. Each 30-minute episode includes a discussion guide used by parent groups, couples, and families.
As the videos were televised and shared in Australia, requests for Chuck to speak increased, yet there was no way to travel due to closed borders. In March of 2022, travel began to open between the United States and Australia, and we decided it was best to take quick advantage of the opening. Kevin started to contact churches, schools, and conferences. It wasn’t easy because he and his wife became sick, and then there was flooding in Queensland, cutting off all communication for a week. Despite all these challenges, the schedule filled quickly.
Chuck arrived in Melbourne on Monday, March 28, and drove straight from the airport to Heritage College to speak to 350 students. Over the next 25 days, Chuck presented 44 messages at school assemblies, worships, parent nights, churches, and big camps (camp meetings). He presented in Melbourne, Mildura, Sydney, Avondale, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Stuarts Point.
During school assemblies, he shared questions, images, and activities with teens that demonstrated how easily our brains could reach wrong conclusions. It’s fun to get a big group to yell “carrot” simultaneously (it’s hard to explain unless you were there), yet it’s also alarming to realize we aren’t as logical as we think.
He taught about the “conforming pattern” of thoughts that Paul wrote about in Romans 12:2. The harmful thought patterns used by the world are easy to observe: If it feels good – do it more. If it hurts – stop. And always look out for yourself.
Patterns always produce the same result. If you follow a pattern while making a shirt, you’d expect a shirt, not a pair of pants. The world’s pattern of thinking always produces the same result: brokenness. Our reactions hurt people. We damage ourselves. We miss God’s grace and blessings with our relentless chase for self-sufficiency.
This isn’t a new pattern, but we live in an age where we can quickly pursue our worst cravings, often using a device that’s small enough to fit in our pocket but has immense power over our daily lives. The good news is that God offers a much better way of living through a “renewed mind,” which focuses on love and responding to needs, rather than reacting.
Parent sessions focused on the Life Ready Kids model of helping develop skills to own technology and use it helpfully. Kids are feeling lonely, anxious, depressed, angry, and confused. They use technology because it either distracts them from their problems or seems like a solution. Parents often fight against technology rather than helping their kids learn skills to address their challenges and meet their needs. Watch a parent night from Wahroonga SDA Church at www.ProjectPatch.org/AustraliaTour.
Finally, Chuck presented a five-part sermon series for the Victoria Conference Big Camp meeting held at Lilydale SDA Church in Melbourne and streamed around the entire region. This series shared the good news that God has a plan to help us thrive even when living in difficult times. These messages combined scripture, principles taught at Project Patch, and encouragement for facing our challenges. Links to these messages can be found at www.projectpatch.org/AustraliaTour. This is a critical time for us to rely on God to transform our minds and respond in love to a world desperate for freedom and God’s faithful love.
An updated Life Ready Kids video series is now available at www.ProjectPatch.org/LRKSeries. This is an excellent resource for parents, churches, and schools.
We are also excited to share a new series we’ve filmed for kids ages 8–12 called Life Ready Kids: Tough Topics. This web series with special guest, Brenda Walsh of Kids Club for Jesus, includes topics such as anger, jealousy, loneliness, sadness, bad habits, and more. Kids learn to respond to emotions appropriately, using tools to meet their threats. This series is free on our website at www.ProjectPatch.org/LRKToughTopics and the Project Patch YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/ProjectPatch.
Maranatha Volunteers left our campus for the 20th time on June 2, after a very challenging two weeks. They were replacing windows, building window casings, and painting all the new siding. Nothing went to plan, and each task was more complex and took longer than expected. We knew it wouldn’t be easy but weren’t prepared for the complexity and problems we encountered. It wasn’t just the task of making windows fit; it was the weather, the supplies, and coordinating four teams all working on different aspects of the job.
Jon Yarlott, Maranatha Project superintendent, was constantly pulled from place to place to solve problems and adjust our plans. The team from Maranatha put on a master class in perseverance and teamwork.
Perseverance (noun) – continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
These traumatic experiences can leave kids in a perpetual state of fear that can result in impulsive and explosive behaviors when triggered. Several studies show that those with an ACE score of four or higher are twenty times more likely to be incarcerated at some Perseverance is a critical skill – a lesson many of our teens are still learning. They have destructive habits and challenges to overcome. Perseverance is the skill to keep moving forward despite challenges and setbacks. It’s the steps forward, moving away from destructive things toward purpose, hope, and connection.
Teens often believe in the fantasy that identifying the reason for the problem will solve everything. Finding the source of our anger, fear, anxiety, paralysis, insecurity, or hopelessness will cure us.
It’s helpful for teens to work through their life experiences with their therapist at Project Patch. Our teens often gain a new perspective when processing safely. However, perspective isn’t enough.
Our teens watched as volunteers faced obstacle after obstacle and kept working. They heard people talk about solutions rather than blame. They saw people helping other teams and being willing to listen and try new things.
There was a point during the middle of the project when I was ready to dramatically lower expectations for what was supposed to be accomplished. Yet, when the project was finished and the volunteers drove away, all the windows were installed, all the window casings and sills were done, and the buildings were painted. Even several extra projects were completed.
What else did our volunteers do? They were role models and gave the ultimate lesson in perseverance.
YOUTH PROGRAM HAPPENINGS
Ropes Course with the Boys
Basketball with the Boys
Rafting with the Girls
National Day of Prayer with the Girls
HONORING HARLAN R. GEPHART
Harlan joined our board in April of 2001 and served for 21 years. He spent his career helping kids as a pediatrician and helped pioneer the specialty of helping kids with ADD/ADHD. Harlan was considering starting his own residential program. He was introduced to Patch through his wife, Kathy, and, after meeting Tom and touring our program, decided we already had started the program he longed to create.
He served as chairman from July 2004 until August 2012. Harlan was very active beyond board meetings. He presented at staff trainings on medication and ADHD. He also presented several times during therapist meetings and was a valuable resource. For several years, he took Patch boys steelhead fishing in Stanley, Idaho. He was instrumental in helping develop the Family Experience and spent countless hours with the team developing the site and program.
He was passionate about his family, helping struggling kids, and fly fishing. I’m forever grateful for the many days Harlan shared working on the mission of Project Patch. I’m also thankful for the many days we spent on a river or lake trying to catch fish on flies, eating cookies, and talking about helping more kids and families.
Tribute by Chuck Hagele, CEO, Project Patch
Harlan was a very, very gentle and kind man. I always looked forward to his presence and leadership. Now I will look forward to his friendship in the kingdom.
Tom Sanford, Founder, Project Patch
The Gephart family has generously set up a memorial fund with Project Patch for a special pond project that will allow our teens and families to catch & release fly fish on our Idaho property.
Donations to this fund can be made online at www.ProjectPatch.org/Harlan or mailed to: Project Patch – PO Box 820209 – Vancouver WA 98682.
THANK YOU to everyone who supported Project Patch for Giving Day. With the help of 23 donors, including a generous $2,500 match from Bob and Jani Davidson, we were able to raise $6,835 during the 24-hour event to help our teens, families, and communities!
PIECING IT TOGETHER – by Chuck Hagele, CEO
The worst thing about summer for me as a kid was having to go to bed before the sun even set. I’d toss and turn in bed while my friends played outside. The most humiliating thing would be when they rang the doorbell to ask my parents if I could come and play. The next day they’d brag about all the exciting things they did, and I’d feel even worse. It’s never fun to miss out on something exciting.
Since I don’t want you to miss out on all the thrilling things going on at Project Patch, here’s a recap: Sixteen clients have completed our program this year, and five more will be done by the start of September. With the help of Maranatha, we’ve replaced 91 windows and painted three buildings. We’ve onboarded six new team members. We’ve made countless program improvements thanks to the initiative of our staff and feedback from clients, alumni, and parents.
This work is never easy, yet as the saying goes, many hands make light work. Plus, when we work together it means we can also celebrate together. As you read this newsletter, I hope you are encouraged by the work that’s been done and inspired to take the next step in helping restore hope and healing in the life of a struggling teen.
There is more going on at Project Patch than can be captured in these four pages. If you don’t want to miss out on the excitement, we’d love for you to come for a tour of our facility in Garden Valley, Idaho. While we aren’t easy to get to, you won’t regret the travel time and cost when you meet our teens and staff and see our beautiful campus. If a tour isn’t an option, we’d love to schedule a visit with you in person, via zoom, or over the phone to share more about Patch.
AS AN EMPLOYEE – We are expanding our staff and looking for hard-working, highly relational Christians who are eager to help at-risk youth and families. This is your chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while pursuing your personal and professional growth. Get more details at www.ProjectPatch.org/jobs
Current openings: Mental Health Therapist, Direct Care Staff and Maintenance Worker in Garden Valley, ID – Bookkeeper in Vancouver, WA
WITH A TESTIMONIAL – Are you a supporter of Project Patch in some way and willing to share your personal experience? We are always appreciative of positive reviews on Google, Yahoo, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
We also love to share alumni success stories. If you have a story to tell, contact Kari at kwallingford@projectpatch.org.
ON OUR PRAYER TEAM – When you join us, you will receive a monthly newsletter with a message from our chaplain, as well as specific prayer requests and praises for our teens, families, staff, and Patch supporters. Join at www.ProjectPatch.org/PrayerTeam.
For those who prefer to give toward a specific project, the following list contains items that are needed, yet are not a part of the operating budget. Please make sure to note on your gift if you would like it designated for a specific Wish List item or the highest need Wish List item. If the item has already been purchased, we will contact you for further instructions.
YOUTH PROGRAM Updated April 2022
#
COST EACH
AMOUNT NEEDED
Mattresses
40
$300
$12,000
Washer for Girls’ Dorm
–
–
$975
Lawn Care Tools
–
–
$300
Wheelbarrows
3
$200
$600
Pond Improvement Project
–
–
$8,000
Mountain Bikes
10
$1,200
$12,000
Rafting Life Jackets
2
$100
$200
Safety Paddle Boards
2
$400
$800
Classroom Smartboard
–
–
$4,000
Classroom Adaptive Seating
20
$50
$1,000
Chapel Video Editing Software
–
–
$200
Chapel Music Rights
–
–
$150
To donate via credit card: please call our office at 360-690-8495 or use the button below To donate via check: please mail to Project Patch, PO Box 820209, Vancouver WA 98682
PatchWorks Summer 2022
G’DAY FROM AUSTRALIA
Around the world, we relied on technology during the COVID pandemic for work, school, and to keep connected and maintain friendships. We relied on our phones and technology to keep us informed, distracted, and entertained. We developed new habits and routines that centered our lives around technology. While the extreme isolation and uncertainty of COVID fades, habits and coping methods we learned during COVID continue to impact our daily lives. Many are discovering that their new technology habits are harming their relationships, productivity, and Christian walk.
In 2019, “Life Ready Kids,” a 12-part video series, was produced with the support of Kevin and Jenny Maevsky and their company, Design by Nature Health Foods. This project captured much of what Chuck Hagele shares during weekend seminars. The series aims to support parents raising kids who own technology rather than being slaves to it. Each 30-minute episode includes a discussion guide used by parent groups, couples, and families.
As the videos were televised and shared in Australia, requests for Chuck to speak increased, yet there was no way to travel due to closed borders. In March of 2022, travel began to open between the United States and Australia, and we decided it was best to take quick advantage of the opening. Kevin started to contact churches, schools, and conferences. It wasn’t easy because he and his wife became sick, and then there was flooding in Queensland, cutting off all communication for a week. Despite all these challenges, the schedule filled quickly.
Chuck arrived in Melbourne on Monday, March 28, and drove straight from the airport to Heritage College to speak to 350 students. Over the next 25 days, Chuck presented 44 messages at school assemblies, worships, parent nights, churches, and big camps (camp meetings). He presented in Melbourne, Mildura, Sydney, Avondale, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Stuarts Point.
During school assemblies, he shared questions, images, and activities with teens that demonstrated how easily our brains could reach wrong conclusions. It’s fun to get a big group to yell “carrot” simultaneously (it’s hard to explain unless you were there), yet it’s also alarming to realize we aren’t as logical as we think.
He taught about the “conforming pattern” of thoughts that Paul wrote about in Romans 12:2. The harmful thought patterns used by the world are easy to observe: If it feels good – do it more. If it hurts – stop. And always look out for yourself.
Patterns always produce the same result. If you follow a pattern while making a shirt, you’d expect a shirt, not a pair of pants. The world’s pattern of thinking always produces the same result: brokenness. Our reactions hurt people. We damage ourselves. We miss God’s grace and blessings with our relentless chase for self-sufficiency.
This isn’t a new pattern, but we live in an age where we can quickly pursue our worst cravings, often using a device that’s small enough to fit in our pocket but has immense power over our daily lives. The good news is that God offers a much better way of living through a “renewed mind,” which focuses on love and responding to needs, rather than reacting.
Parent sessions focused on the Life Ready Kids model of helping develop skills to own technology and use it helpfully. Kids are feeling lonely, anxious, depressed, angry, and confused. They use technology because it either distracts them from their problems or seems like a solution. Parents often fight against technology rather than helping their kids learn skills to address their challenges and meet their needs. Watch a parent night from Wahroonga SDA Church at www.ProjectPatch.org/AustraliaTour.
Finally, Chuck presented a five-part sermon series for the Victoria Conference Big Camp meeting held at Lilydale SDA Church in Melbourne and streamed around the entire region. This series shared the good news that God has a plan to help us thrive even when living in difficult times. These messages combined scripture, principles taught at Project Patch, and encouragement for facing our challenges. Links to these messages can be found at www.projectpatch.org/AustraliaTour. This is a critical time for us to rely on God to transform our minds and respond in love to a world desperate for freedom and God’s faithful love.
An updated Life Ready Kids video series is now available at www.ProjectPatch.org/LRKSeries. This is an excellent resource for parents, churches, and schools.
We are also excited to share a new series we’ve filmed for kids ages 8–12 called Life Ready Kids: Tough Topics. This web series with special guest, Brenda Walsh of Kids Club for Jesus, includes topics such as anger, jealousy, loneliness, sadness, bad habits, and more. Kids learn to respond to emotions appropriately, using tools to meet their threats. This series is free on our website at www.ProjectPatch.org/LRKToughTopics and the Project Patch YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/ProjectPatch.
DONATE NOW
A LESSON IN PERSEVERANCE
Maranatha Volunteers left our campus for the 20th time on June 2, after a very challenging two weeks. They were replacing windows, building window casings, and painting all the new siding. Nothing went to plan, and each task was more complex and took longer than expected. We knew it wouldn’t be easy but weren’t prepared for the complexity and problems we encountered. It wasn’t just the task of making windows fit; it was the weather, the supplies, and coordinating four teams all working on different aspects of the job.
Jon Yarlott, Maranatha Project superintendent, was constantly pulled from place to place to solve problems and adjust our plans. The team from Maranatha put on a master class in perseverance and teamwork.
These traumatic experiences can leave kids in a perpetual state of fear that can result in impulsive and explosive behaviors when triggered. Several studies show that those with an ACE score of four or higher are twenty times more likely to be incarcerated at some Perseverance is a critical skill – a lesson many of our teens are still learning. They have destructive habits and challenges to overcome. Perseverance is the skill to keep moving forward despite challenges and setbacks. It’s the steps forward, moving away from destructive things toward purpose, hope, and connection.
Teens often believe in the fantasy that identifying the reason for the problem will solve everything. Finding the source of our anger, fear, anxiety, paralysis, insecurity, or hopelessness will cure us.
It’s helpful for teens to work through their life experiences with their therapist at Project Patch. Our teens often gain a new perspective when processing safely. However, perspective isn’t enough.
Our teens watched as volunteers faced obstacle after obstacle and kept working. They heard people talk about solutions rather than blame. They saw people helping other teams and being willing to listen and try new things.
There was a point during the middle of the project when I was ready to dramatically lower expectations for what was supposed to be accomplished. Yet, when the project was finished and the volunteers drove away, all the windows were installed, all the window casings and sills were done, and the buildings were painted. Even several extra projects were completed.
What else did our volunteers do? They were role models and gave the ultimate lesson in perseverance.
YOUTH PROGRAM HAPPENINGS
HONORING HARLAN R. GEPHART
Harlan joined our board in April of 2001 and served for 21 years. He spent his career helping kids as a pediatrician and helped pioneer the specialty of helping kids with ADD/ADHD. Harlan was considering starting his own residential program. He was introduced to Patch through his wife, Kathy, and, after meeting Tom and touring our program, decided we already had started the program he longed to create.
He served as chairman from July 2004 until August 2012. Harlan was very active beyond board meetings. He presented at staff trainings on medication and ADHD. He also presented several times during therapist meetings and was a valuable resource. For several years, he took Patch boys steelhead fishing in Stanley, Idaho. He was instrumental in helping develop the Family Experience and spent countless hours with the team developing the site and program.
He was passionate about his family, helping struggling kids, and fly fishing. I’m forever grateful for the many days Harlan shared working on the mission of Project Patch. I’m also thankful for the many days we spent on a river or lake trying to catch fish on flies, eating cookies, and talking about helping more kids and families.
Tribute by Chuck Hagele, CEO, Project Patch
The Gephart family has generously set up a memorial fund with Project Patch for a special pond project that will allow our teens and families to catch & release fly fish on our Idaho property.
Donations to this fund can be made online at www.ProjectPatch.org/Harlan or mailed to: Project Patch – PO Box 820209 – Vancouver WA 98682.
DONATE TO THE MEMORIAL FUND
GIVING DAY 2022
THANK YOU to everyone who supported Project Patch for Giving Day. With the help of 23 donors, including a generous $2,500 match from Bob and Jani Davidson, we were able to raise $6,835 during the 24-hour event to help our teens, families, and communities!
PIECING IT TOGETHER – by Chuck Hagele, CEO
The worst thing about summer for me as a kid was having to go to bed before the sun even set. I’d toss and turn in bed while my friends played outside. The most humiliating thing would be when they rang the doorbell to ask my parents if I could come and play. The next day they’d brag about all the exciting things they did, and I’d feel even worse. It’s never fun to miss out on something exciting.
Since I don’t want you to miss out on all the thrilling things going on at Project Patch, here’s a recap: Sixteen clients have completed our program this year, and five more will be done by the start of September. With the help of Maranatha, we’ve replaced 91 windows and painted three buildings. We’ve onboarded six new team members. We’ve made countless program improvements thanks to the initiative of our staff and feedback from clients, alumni, and parents.
This work is never easy, yet as the saying goes, many hands make light work. Plus, when we work together it means we can also celebrate together. As you read this newsletter, I hope you are encouraged by the work that’s been done and inspired to take the next step in helping restore hope and healing in the life of a struggling teen.
There is more going on at Project Patch than can be captured in these four pages. If you don’t want to miss out on the excitement, we’d love for you to come for a tour of our facility in Garden Valley, Idaho. While we aren’t easy to get to, you won’t regret the travel time and cost when you meet our teens and staff and see our beautiful campus. If a tour isn’t an option, we’d love to schedule a visit with you in person, via zoom, or over the phone to share more about Patch.
To schedule a tour or visit contact Kari Wallingford at kwallingford@projectpatch.org or 360-690-8495.
WE NEED YOU…
AS AN EMPLOYEE – We are expanding our staff and looking for hard-working, highly relational Christians who are eager to help at-risk youth and families. This is your chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while pursuing your personal and professional growth. Get more details at www.ProjectPatch.org/jobs
Current openings: Mental Health Therapist, Direct Care Staff and Maintenance Worker in Garden Valley, ID – Bookkeeper in Vancouver, WA
WITH A TESTIMONIAL – Are you a supporter of Project Patch in some way and willing to share your personal experience? We are always appreciative of positive reviews on Google, Yahoo, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
We also love to share alumni success stories. If you have a story to tell, contact Kari at kwallingford@projectpatch.org.
ON OUR PRAYER TEAM – When you join us, you will receive a monthly newsletter with a message from our chaplain, as well as specific prayer requests and praises for our teens, families, staff, and Patch supporters. Join at www.ProjectPatch.org/PrayerTeam.
Project Patch Wish List
For those who prefer to give toward a specific project, the following list contains items that are needed, yet are not a part of the operating budget. Please make sure to note on your gift if you would like it designated for a specific Wish List item or the highest need Wish List item. If the item has already been purchased, we will contact you for further instructions.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Updated April 2022
COST EACH
AMOUNT NEEDED
To donate via credit card: please call our office at 360-690-8495 or use the button below
WISH LIST DONATION
To donate via check: please mail to Project Patch, PO Box 820209, Vancouver WA 98682
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