Written by Rose Draft
Social Worker, Orange County Social Services Agency
 
Chris Draft, Linebacker for the St Louis Rams, is a familiar sight at Orangewood Children’s Home (OCH) each year on the third Wednesday in February as he participates in the annual OCH Black History Month celebration. Thanks go out to Chris, as February 18, 2009, was no different.
 
Orangewood Children’s Home, the emergency Shelter Facility for abused, abandoned and neglected children in Orange County, California, is a secured facility with the confidentiality of its residents a priority. Most of its children attend the on-campus  K – 12 William Lyon School and each year Chris joins a select few who help bring an on-grounds field trip to the children, allowing them to forget about their challenges for a day and to enjoy an event designed for them while learning about others.

For the children at Orangewood, this event and other cultural events such as this one, provide opportunities to celebrate the past as it reminds us of what has been done and what still needs to be done to keep our country great.

The event is a collaboration with the African American Roundtable, which is one of Orange County’s internal multicultural support groups, Orangewood Children’s Home and the William Lyon School staff and school librarian Geany Crabb. Financial support for the event was provided by the LaCasa Organization in Orange County and The Chris Draft Family Foundation.
 
The 2009 celebration consisted of an exciting African dance performance by some of the OCH children under the direction of OCH staff member, Ms. Ngozi Nnorom, a vocal performance by county staff member, Kimberley Edwards, and Breakout Workshops featuring: African Storytelling by “The Sunshine Storyteller” Ms. Ina Buckner-Barnette; “Did U Know” discussions on events and accomplishments of African Americans in our United Stated history; and discussions on healthy choices led by Chris Draft. After the workshops, the children were treated to a final breakout “Snack Tyme” session where they had a chance to taste a variety of different foods such as black-eyed peas, barbecue ribs, collard greens, cornbread and other delectable treats.
 
As in the past, Chris’s contribution to the cultural event was well received by those in attendance. Each year, Chris challenges the youth to think about the choices they make daily and how those choices can affect their lives and the lives of others. He encourages them to stretch to reach for higher goals in their education and mental and physical health.
 
Chris is often seen engaging with the youth after the event and enlisting their help in cleaning up, making sure to remind them that a task is not done until all of the work is completed and then… they head to the basketball court or baseball field until he’s called to come in before the evening lights come on!! Even NFL players need to Play Smart and Play Safe and Make Good Choices… like coming in when it’s dark!