At George Junior Republic, the CARE model doesn’t just guide how we work with youth; it also shapes how we support and connect with one another as staff. CARE emphasizes the importance of relationships, respect, and creating environments where everyone feels valued. That same philosophy is essential for our teams, too.

Recently, the Patterson team embraced this idea by holding their team meeting in the art studio, where staff spent time working with clay. What began as a hands-on activity quickly became a meaningful exercise in collaboration and connection. Shaping clay side by side provided an opportunity to step outside of daily routines, strengthen relationships, and see each other’s creativity shine.

Team-building experiences like this not only strengthen bonds between staff members but also enhance the care we provide to youth. When teams are connected, respectful, and supportive of one another, that energy extends to the young people we serve. In this way, staff experiences with CARE mirror the same principles we practice with youth, meeting people where they are, building trust, and nurturing growth through positive relationships.

By taking time to engage in activities that foster connection, the Patterson team demonstrated that CARE isn’t just a framework for youth; it’s a way of building community for employees as well.