Hoyleton Stories | Residential Thanksgiving

It was a cold, brisk evening outside Hoyleton’s Community Center, Hoyleton, IL, as guests began to arrive for the evening festivities. Inside the building, the aroma of a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving meal, complete with all the trimmings and a decadent dessert table, greeted invitees. Family members, friends, and Hoyleton staffers drove from near and far to be a part of Hoyleton’s annual Residential Thanksgiving. The community hall, decorated with painted pumpkins and handmade paper turkeys made by the residents, set the mood for the evening. 

Monte Mister, Director of Therapeutic Residential Care, graciously welcomed attendees. Monte’s speech sets the tone for understanding the significance of the moment for Hoyleton’s residents. “It means a lot to our staff, but more importantly, it means the world to our youth that you took the time to share this moment with us. The majority of the time, we are separated by residential homes, classrooms, and our different departments within Hoyleton. Tonight we celebrate each other and our time together.” 

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to stop and reflect on what we are all thankful for in our lives, whether the moments are big or small.  Hoyleton’s residential youth shared what they are grateful for this holiday season. 

“I am thankful for my mom, dad, and little brother.”

“I am thankful for my mommy.”

“I am thankful for living in a house, being here at Hoyleton, and that pretty much sums it up.”

“I am thankful for my family.”

“I am thankful for my mom, brother, and sister.”

“I am thankful for my mom for bringing me home for visits, and my therapist helping me through the tough times, my staff, and Monte.”

From the hearts of Hoyleton’s residential youth and the Hoyleton family, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Are you interested in spreading holiday cheer to the youth in our care this season? For more information on volunteer opportunities at Hoyleton, call Alice Drobisch at 618.688.7094.