Teddy Child Watch extends hours

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Donald Osborn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Teddy Watch program is heading into their second year of success thanks to the hard work of sponsors, staff and volunteers. 

The Teddy Watch program is a community project sponsored by the Armed Services YMCA, in partnership with the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the David Grant USAF Medical Center. It is a program designed to watch well children while the parent, guardian, or a sick child is taken to their medical appointment at the DGMC. 

"This is a very convenient program for parents who may have a medical appointment or may need to take a sick child to a hospital appointment," said Barbara Beougher, community readiness consultant for the AFRC and DGMC. "All they have to do is call for an appointment at Teddy Watch and drop their well children off to our volunteers on their way in to the hospital." 

The idea for the program started nearly two years ago by Mrs. Beougher after a phone conversation with Executive Director of the ASYMCA, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Frank Gallo.
"The ASYMCA was impressed with how we had implemented their HERO mentoring and tutoring program at our on base schools, which they also sponsor," said Mrs. Beougher. "So they asked me if they could help Travis with any other programs." 

Mrs. Beougher said they introduced her to similar programs like Teddy Watch that were currently underway at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, as well as a few Army bases around the country. 

After working many long days and nights, Teddy Watch was launched; making it no longer just an idea, but a reality for Travis families. 

In order for Teddy Watch to continue to be a success and enter the second year phase by offering extended hours of service at DGMC, volunteers are needed to help watch the children. The new extended hours are now Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

New funding for the program was secured by Mrs. Beougher through a $25,000 donation to the ASYMCA from Tri-West. Additional community fundraising for Teddy Watch goes directly to the local Teddy Watch program. Since the ASYMCA grants were written as Airman and Family Readiness Spouse Employment initiatives, Mrs. Beougher serves as the corporate liaison and advisor for ASYMCA, AFRC, DGMC and Travis Unified School District for both the HERO and Teddy Watch programs. 

For members who would like to support the Teddy Watch program, there will be a spring bazaar May 4 in partnership with Travis' Officer and Enlisted Spouses Clubs.
"The volunteers we have watching our children are the key to keeping this community program up and running," said Mrs. Beougher. "Without them, we would have to close the program down." 

"It's been wonderful volunteering here," said Andrea Franzer. "They watch my children when I have a doctor's appointment, and I also get to bring them here to play when I volunteer." 

The ASYMCA Director for Teddy Child at DGMC watch, Laura Kornegay, has two training and volunteer coordinators, Renee Richardson and Jennifer Castillo, who help administer the program. 

"This program has been a huge success," said Mrs. Kornegay. "We have served approximately 600 families so far. We add a new family to the list every day." 

Teddy Watch volunteers are an integral part of making this viable community a success.
If you would like to volunteer or make an appointment for your well child, please contact Teddy Watch at 423-3376.