Growing up in the Philippines, Nicky Schauder attended programs and activities for girls at her high school and at the local Opus Dei Center for women. She gratefully recalls how pivotal that formation has been as a foundation for a fruitful life of joy and service. Once she received her degree in journalism, Nicky joined her parents who had emigrated to Washington DC. Connecting to Stonecrest Center was a first step for the young woman upon settling into her new home.
Nicky was soon hired as the director of PALS (Program for Academic and Leadership Skills). She served as the director of this new initiative for three years. The program for girls in third through eighth grade supports inner-city students with summer camps and activities during the school year. PALS is still going strong, offering academic enrichment, cultural activities, mentoring and character formation for young girls in Washington DC.
Her own unique contribution…
Nicky met her husband, David, swing dancing at the top of the Kennedy Center. David is of South African descent, but grew up in England. The couple is passionate about helping suburban families grow their own food. They manage a permaculture community, website and blog at growmyownfood.com devoted to growing clean food and healthy, sustainable living. “Every garden for us is an opportunity to find God and an opportunity to restore Paradise.” The garden guru and mother of six draws on the formation she has received from Opus Dei centers: “My friendships with The Work over the years have encouraged and supported me on days that I feel that this is all too much. They are a reminder that the tasks in my professional life or even the job of washing dishes and cooking, are the stuff that turns ordinary people into saints.”
The Impact is Felt for Generations….
Nicky’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Zoe, has been participating in Stonecrest programs since 7th grade. This year, Zoe was selected for the Stonecrest Home Arts Summer Internship Program. The internship welcomes three candidates selected through applications and referrals. The three week volunteer program gives the girls the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals, learning technical skills and gaining hands-on experience through meaningful work.
The interns work in a different area each week, learning how to create elegant and festive tablescapes and how to properly set the table in the dining room; baking; and cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fun is part of the internship, too, with excursions off campus, special visits and meals at the home of local friends and a theme night. In addition to acquiring technical know-how, the girls learn about the value of their efforts and virtues associated with work done with excellence and conscientiousness.
Nicky raved about her daughter’s experience: “Stonecrest Center’s internship program is an encounter that our daughters need and crave today and yet is lacking in our community. Through this home arts internship program, Zoe developed a spirit of service; deep love and appreciation for the work of the home; attention to detail; cheerfulness; working for the love of God and man; and professionalism and order in her work. When I think of all the girls that could be impacted by programs such as these, my heart is moved to support Stonecrest Center and tell more people about it!
In Her Own Words…
Zoe Schauder
When I first tell people that I attend a public school, I don’t get an overly enthusiastic reaction. Many Catholic parents, including my own, most likely have concerns about their child being in that kind of environment. Over a year ago, Margarita from Stonecrest reached out to me, asking if I’d be interested in joining a study circle for high school girls. I was so excited to be able to find friendship and formation in a Catholic community outside of my church. Everyone in Opus Dei have been so welcoming and such good examples for my own daily life. I am grateful to have the opportunity to bring the principles I have learned from them to my current school. I hope the development of the new center will spread the love of Christ to others like me!