Sharing holiday cheer!

What do you get when you put CEN staff in a room with each other? Laughter, food and fun times!

Our recent professional development and Christmas Social gave CEN staff (we missed those of you who couldn’t make it, Old Man Winter, not such a nice man!) the rare opportunity of all coming together under one roof. While we may all be unified under one umbrella, Community Education Network, many hands are we…with Community Youth Network and the Community Action Committees (Family Resource Centers and Healthy Baby Clubs included). So, events such as this was a happy occasion; one that gave us a chance to get reacquainted or acquainted, depending on your hiring date.

During the welcome, Bernice Hancock, Executive Director asked that everyone pair with a co-worker for a short “get-to-know-me” activity. With so many busy schedules, sometimes we aren’t able to get to know someone we work with…this was a great way to do so!

Small groups were challenged to creatively promote what CEN means to them. There were colorful pictograms, play-doh creations and poems. Regardless the medium, the underlying message was the same…CEN is a great place to work while being able to give to the community.

Kim Kendell provided some relaxing tips to use during the upcoming bustling holiday season; mindfulness exercises that can be used throughout the year. Her final word of wisdom was that no matter the stress, the best way to get rid of it, is to just “put it down!”

Mark Felix, brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Directors of CEN. “We’d like to wish everyone a safe holiday.” He went on to say , “Many thanks for all your hard work. Know that you all are very powerful, in that you have touched many people’s lives. While thank-yous may not be plentiful, know you are touching and changing lives.”

At the end of the day, holiday cheer and good wishes were shared with advice for everyone to spend time with family, take care of oneself and to do at least one good deed for someone not expecting it.

For more pictures, check out our Holiday Social gallery.