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Greetings!
March. In like a lion and out like a lamb? Not the case at The Monkey College! We are gearing up for some fun changes and look forward to sharing a new look for our e-Newsletter and website soon.
Until then, take a moment to meet Michael, a 2007 recipient, Amanda, a volunteer, and mark your calendar for Festivale and our quarterly open houses.
Sincerely,
The Staff and Monkeys at Helping Hands
PS. Don't forget about Monkeyhugs - they have extended their special offer and make a great Easter gift! |
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2013 Monkeys in a Minute, Episode 2
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In our second episode of the 2013 Monkeys in Minute series, we invite you to spend some time with Michael and Kathy. Together since 2007, Kathy helps fulfill Michael's wish for enhanced independence and impacts his life in many invaluable ways.
Please feel free to share our Monkeys in a Minute series with all your friends and family - past episodes can be found on our video page. Enjoy!Helping Hands would like to thank the Ludwick Family Foundation and Trillium Studios for making this very special film series possible.
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Everyone knows the phrase "monkey see, monkey do" but did you know that is how we start training our service monkeys at The Monkey College?
Imitation is the basis on which all other tasks are learned. The trainer takes out objects that monkeys are naturally interested in and have seen before, such as toy rings and a poll. While saying "Do This", the trainer demonstrates what she wants the monkey to do, such as put the ring on the pole. Using a bell and peanut butter as a reward, the trainer will reward her monkey for small steps, such a simply touching the ring or picking it up.
Eventually, the bell, verbal praise and a treat are given only when the monkey places the ring on the pole, as her trainer has demonstrated. This imitation technique is carried through their entire training process at The Monkey College. Take a minute to watch Basic Training, one of our Monkeys in a Minute episodes, for a demonstration of "Do This".
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Student Spotlight - Amanda Bond
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We could not accomplish all the work that we do without the assistance of our animal husbandry volunteers, interns, and work study students who generously give their time and energy to our program. We sat down with Amanda Bond, a Boston University Senior, who not only gives her time, but also developed a device to make everyone's lives just a little bit easier while cleaning the housing rooms at The Monkey College.
 Tell us a little about yourself. I am originally from Philadelphia - my brother is a BU alum and when I saw the school and the city, I decided that this was the place for me. I am studying Health Science and plan on continuing my education to become a Physical Therapist. I play basketball and am very interested in body health and fitness. One day I hope to be a Physical Therapist for an athletic team.
What is this device that you created? How did you construct it? As an intern, I was required to do an enrichment activity to fulfill the requirement. When we are cleaning and spraying down a room with water, there may be some areas in the room that we do not want to get wet, so the process was very time consuming. I wanted to come up with a portable, low cost solution to this problem. I thought about some sort of curtain system, but it needed to be more durable than plastic sheets that the monkeys could tear. In the end, I took some corrugated plastic sheets (light weight and waterproof) and attached it in 2 pieces to adjustable garment racks. The boards can be raised and lowered to adjust for any amount of spray and can protect areas of the room with ease.
When you were finished, what did you think? I was surprised at how well the dividers actually worked, and at how durable the structure was, as it is so lightweight and portable. I am not usually prone to inventing and constructing things - this is my first invention, in fact. I was really happy at the reaction of all the trainers and volunteers. They love the divider and are excited about using it for cleaning.
Do you think that you will carry these skills over into physical therapy? I think that problem solving skills are important when doing occupational or physical therapy and that I will continue to find creative ways to help people.
Front and back view of Amanda's invention.
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In the Boston area on Wednesday, April 17th? There are still a few spots left on the Behind the Scenes Tour of The Monkey College!  This interactive and fun evening will include a guided tour of Helping Hands' Boston training facility, a question and answer period with our trainers, and a monkey bath demo. When: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 6:00-7:30pmLight refreshments courtesy of Whole Foods, Brighton. Tickets are available for $30 per person. These tours have a limited capacity - advance ticket purchase is required.Can't attend this one? Our two remaining dates have been confirmed - Wednesday, July 17th and Wednesday, November 13th. Contact Erica for more information or to RSVP. |
Helping Hands Monkeys are fantastic at tasks, but do not always pose well for photos!
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| TAKE ACTION |
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SAVE THE DATE
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Saturday,
September 28th
2013 Festivale  WGBH Studios
One Guest Street
Boston
Interested in helping out? We rely on our volunteers to make this event spectacular.
Please contact
Erica to find out how you can get involved.
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| Hugs for InnVision Shelter Network |
 Everyone Needs a Hug - Help Give Away 500 Hugs!Your purchase will have a three-fold impact: A hug for the person getting the toy monkey, a donation made to Helping Hands, AND a child will receive a precious hug when they need it the most.
Monkeyhugs.org was designed and created in 2010 by Sydney, a twelve year old girl who believes that two hands can make a difference in the world. Unique plush toy monkeys have been created by Sydney to be sold online and in retail stores across the country. 100% of the profits, after tax, from the sale of these monkeys is donated to the Monkeyhugs Foundation. This foundation provides grants to various organizations, which help to bring a better quality of life to those in need.
Monkeyhugs.org is embarking on a very special project. For every Hug sold, not only will the proceeds go to Helping Hands Monkey Helpers, but a second stuffed monkey will be donated to a child at InnVision Shelter Network, a Silicon Valley based organization.
The goal is to give 500 Monkeyhugs to InnVision Shelter Network!
or to order yours today.
Bonus: Enter HUGMARCH at checkout and get $5.00 off.
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| ABOUT US | |
We are a non-profit organization that helps adults with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments live more independent and engaged lives. We do this by providing, free of charge, with a unique service animal: a highly trained capuchin monkey to help with their daily tasks. The only organization of our kind, we raise and train these special service animals, carefully match them with appropriate recipients throughout the nation, and provide active support and care for the duration of the placement.
Since 1979, Helping Hands and our monkey helpers have given recipients the priceless gifts of greater independence, companionship, and hope. Learn more.
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