The Kickball Miracle

June 26, 2025

A Lesson in Trust, Patience, and Unexpected Joy

I have a story that gave me goosebumps as a skills counselor.

Recently, one of my colleagues, whom I trust deeply, posed a heavy question to me, asking if I thought we could play kickball together with two groups of our clients here at day treatment. My first thought was, there is no way this will work, but the amount of respect I had for my coworker outweighed my common sense. To be clear, in the past, many a kickball game was had successfully. However, with this specific group, I was sure we did not even know which way to run. But I was “all in,” as they say.

So, we prepared for a kickball game. My colleague found some equipment, pumped up a ball, and coached his group on what was happening. Since we were getting together with two groups, and one group was younger than the other, I chose to prepare the youngest group by calling it a “mentoring activity”—words our youngest group understands, as they get to spend time with the “older” kids. I also pre-taught that it is you younger kids that are going to mentor the older clients, as “they are having a hard time lately following directions.” Now was this true, or was I trying to motivate the young ones to be leaders, giving the older kids no option to “act out”? You can be the judge.

So, I get the younger kids prepared—bathroom, drink, sunscreen. Ok, great. Now I can see who has not played kickball before, as I had a couple of minutes before the older group showed up. I asked, “Raise your hand if you have ever played kickball before.” No hands went up. The group was smaller in number, but nobody! Seriously, I’m thinking, I knew this was a bad idea! It’s too late now—the older kids started to gather near me. Before I knew it, all eyes were on me to prepare for the big game.

I greeted everyone and began saying, “This is a mentoring activity. Younger kids, you are mentoring the older kids on how to follow directions, and older kids, you are mentoring how to play kickball, as some people have never played before.” Ok, brilliant, I am thinking—now we all know some kids will not know which way to run.

We headed for a space nearby with a larger flat area, put down some cones for bases, and split the two groups into equal teams based on basic coordination skills, which I had in my head as I called out names and pointed where to go, picking the least coordinated clients first. (Remember getting picked last in grade school for team events? I do, and this does not happen in our groups here at day treatment.)

This whole time I am thinking, how can we just play for five minutes before moving on, calling it a mentoring activity? There were a lot of what I would call afraid faces, but a couple of excited leaders too. My trusted colleague began to speak in a very direct coaching voice—something he has had experience with. He was amazing. He explained the rules of kickball in about two minutes or less (including which way to run), and we began, with me just cringing as I know my group.

We have active trauma kids, several unmedicated, very impulsive kids, and kids that have been bullied in team sport games all their lives. I just knew this was going to be a big disaster, and maybe I could put the whole thing on just one incident report. I was feeling anxiety as my colleague pitched the first ball.

Those students began teaching, cheering, and supporting each other beautifully. Some older kids were getting down to younger kids’ level, coaching calmly. Staff were actively involved in the game, and ALL the younger kids were mentoring how to listen to everyone. We played in that summer heat on that rock-hard field for four innings, and to a person, everyone had a great time.

How do I know this? Several reasons. One, I was confident it would not work. Two, the afraid faces were gone and replaced with alert, participatory, joy-filled excitement. And three, something happened at the end of the game that has never happened before—nobody asked what the score was, as we all completely enjoyed our time together.

We had some small bruises, a skinned knee, and that one student who was “never going to play” kicked in the first two runs of the game—because the negativity was simply ignored.

The goosebumps came to this writer as I walked off that field thinking: Taking risks makes us stronger, patience is golden, and memories are real.

God bless,

Marc Ruegemer

Our Recent News

More than Just a Meal

By Brittany Hoversten • December 9, 2025
Our Senior Dining programs offer more than just a meal – they provide a nurturing environment that fosters friendships, healing, and a sense of belonging. Roberta, a Senior Dining Coordinator for 15 years, has witnessed the powerful impact of our services at the Grasston and Mora locations. Among the many events that have touched her heart, one couple’s journey stands out as a beautiful testament to the healing power of community. A woman who had recently suffered a stroke, faced significant challenges. Most of her right side, including her vision, was affected, and she was determined to regain her independence. After her therapy sessions, she and her husband would come to Senior Dining, where they found not only a meal but a circle of support and care. Every visit, a group of women diners would greet them with warm smiles, helping with her jacket and guiding the couple to their table. These kind-hearted women went beyond mere kindness – they helped the woman with her meal and made sure she was comfortable and well-cared for throughout the dining experience. Over time, the woman’s strength and independence began to improve. The therapy sessions, combined with the unwavering support of her new friends at Senior Dining, made a significant difference in her recovery. The bonds formed in that dining hall grew stronger, evolving into genuine friendships that transcended just shared meals. What had started as a place for nourishment soon became a sanctuary of laughter, conversation, and companionship. It was clear that the true nourishment was not just the food – it was the emotional and social support the diners received, creating an atmosphere that was as healing as it was comforting. The couple still maintains their deep friendships with the group of women they met at Senior Dining. Even in their 80s and 90s, they continue to get together three or four times a year, reminiscing about the meals that sustained them, the friendships that uplifted them, and the kindness that made all the difference. For Roberta, this story is a reminder of the true essence of her work. It’s not just about coordinating meals – it’s about creating a community where people care for one another, lifting each other up in times of need. 

Catholic Charities Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 12, 2025

By Brittany Hoversten • December 8, 2025
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting a great cause! Catholic Charities is partnering with Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud for a Bookfair on Thursday, December 12, 2025 . A percentage of your purchase will benefit Catholic Charities’ programs—just mention you're shopping to support Catholic Charities at checkout! Shop in-store or online: In-store: Visit Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud on December 12 and let the cashier know you're supporting Catholic Charities. Online: Shop at https://www.bn.com/bookfairs from December 12–16, 2025 and enter Bookfair ID 12695763 at checkout. How to apply the Bookfair ID online: Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page. Click the plus sign next to “Add Bookfair ID.” Enter 12695763 and click Apply . Everything counts! Books, DVDs, music, vinyl, toys & games, and even Café purchases (except Starbucks-operated locations). Stock up for the holidays and help support Catholic Charities’ vital services in our community. Note: Gift cards, memberships, textbooks, video games, digital content (eBooks), and purchases at Starbucks-owned Cafés are excluded from Bookfair totals. Institutional discounts may not be applied.

A Family's Fight to Stay Home

By Brittany Hoversten • November 12, 2025
Allie and Ben’s dream of owning their first home came under threat when Ben unexpectedly lost his job. With two young children at home, Allie balanced evening classes while Ben had a steady income. However, when Ben lost his job, he struggled to make mortgage payments and, feeling overwhelmed, kept the issue hidden from Allie until it was too late. The arrival of a “sheriff sale” notice signaled their impending foreclosure. Determined to protect their home and their family, Allie turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling team for help. With guidance from a counselor, Allie learned about the foreclosure process and the potential solutions available to them. Together, they worked closely with the mortgage company, exploring options to address the overdue payments. After persistent efforts, Allie and Ben were able to negotiate a resolution that would prevent foreclosure. Thanks to the support they received, Allie and Ben were able to keep their home, which not only brought them financial stability but also strengthened their bond as a couple. Allie reflected on the importance of teamwork and open communication, acknowledging the valuable lesson they learned through the experience. “I’m so grateful for the support we received,” Allie said. “It taught us that facing challenges together is key to protecting what matters most—our home and our children.” Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, which has been providing expert guidance since 1982, is available to anyone, regardless of income. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-licensed provider, our team is committed to helping families like Allie and Ben navigate financial challenges and build a secure future.