CORNERStONES - Cunningham Children's Home

“
a cornerstone of Friendship
When you’re playing with toys, share all
the good ones with your friends.” This
is but a small sampling of the wise
instruction of young author and Cunningham
youth Jason, in his new book, How to Get More
Friends.
Jason wrote the book in response to a book he
read with his therapist entitled, How to Lose All
of Your Friends. Reading the original book and
then writing his own “positive” version was a
way for Jason to take what he learned and think
through the best ways to make and keep friends.
Some additional suggestions Jason shares with
the reader are “Smile a lot,” “Be polite,” “Always
share,” and “Tell jokes.”
Jason was excited to hear that Cunningham’s District Representatives learned about his book at
their recent meeting. He couldn’t wait to tell anyone who would listen, “I’m famous! Did you
know I’m famous?”
Although his fame may be limited to the Cunningham family, Jason will certainly have many
friends based on his new knowledge of how to get more friends - particularly if he follows his
own advice to readers. “If you follow all of these instructions, you will be able to eat all the
cookies you want with friends and have friends play with you.”
Become a Special Friend
by Jan, Guardian Parent Program Coordinator
Evan, a Cunningham teenager, once asked me
how Cunningham gets money to pay for all the
fun things he gets to do. He told me this is the
first place he has lived where he got to attend summer
camp, have a birthday party, and go to the movies on
the weekend. I was delighted to have the opportunity to tell Evan about Cunningham’s special
friends - our Guardian Parents. Guardian Parents are dedicated individuals who make a special
commitment to support our youth on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Guardian Parent
donations help fund extra activities that are not covered by other funding sources. These activities
include the fun things Evan now enjoys plus field trips, drama and poetry classes, horseback
riding, and so much more. Guardian Parents are special friends who give our kids the opportunity
to just have fun being a kid! Evan was amazed to learn about Guardian Parents. He responded by
saying, “Wow, it feels pretty cool to know that there are so many people out there who have never
met me, but care enough to share with me!” Evan is right, those are pretty special friends!
If you would like to join the Guardian Parent Giving Program, you can make your first gift
using the envelope enclosed in this newsletter or contact Jan, Guardian Parent Giving Program
Coordinator at (217) 337-9072 or jbooraem@cunninghamhome for more information.
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