In the past few days, the news has been full of discussion centered around what the election results mean for our country. On my drives into work in the morning, I flip through the radio stations and yesterday I landed on NPR. They were of course analyzing the results and providing feedback from exit polls. One statement they made that stood out to me was that the majority of people leaving the exit polls expressed that they thought our children will experience much more difficulty in their life as they grow to be adults. That had me thinking all day long. What are we doing with those children to equip them to not only be future leaders but to also deal with any adversity they may face in life?
Then this morning, listening to a completely different radio station, they brought up a recent report that the Iowa prison population is projected to increase by 39% by the year 2024--only ten years from now. Iowa does not have the capacity to deal with that amount of growth, nor should it. (http://thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/prisons/report-iowa-prison-population-set-to-grow-39-percent-by-2024-20141105). According to Begin to Read (http://www.begintoread.com/research/literacystatistics.html) 2/3 of students who are not reading at grade level by 4th grade will end up in prison or welfare. Although the state is taking strides to make sure they are being proactive with Chapter 62, there is still little known on how they will ensure that students are ready and able to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
Here is my proposal. No matter what side of the aisle you sit on or lead towards, we all share a stake in the future. We NEED to pull together for our future. The kids that we serve and my own kids are the ones that these reports are talking about and I am not ready to allow our future to go into the world unprepared and looking at higher prison rates. My vote is to take a stand each and every day to make a difference. What's your vote?
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Greetings to our friends in China!
I know I have written about social media before, but the internet sometimes surprises me in ways that I can't quite comprehend. One of the great things about this site, Blogger, is that it gives me analytics. I can see how many people read each posting (so please share this!!), which country they are viewing it from and even what kind of device they are using to read it. As I write this, our stats show that we have 36 pageviews from China, so "Ni Hao"!!
While this is an interesting and fun tidbit, I think it also shows how open we are to the rest of the world as well as how much of an impact we can make. Imagine if we were getting views from 5 different countries. Or maybe 50! The significance of this wouldn't be that thousands of people like to read blogs written by a newbie blogger, but that thousands of people "get" what we are doing.
I sometimes struggle when people ask me what St. Mark Youth Enrichment does. If I have a few seconds, I can tell them that we offer before and after school and summer learning programs to help students stay on track, but that seems so inadequate. Our students feel safe at program. They feel welcome. They are surrounded by students who go to the same school as them, but they are aware of their differences. They have teachers who are there and care and often times are at a 1:5 ratio. They have fun! They get a chance to do hands-on activities to help them learn whether it's about science, art, yoga, or literacy. Reading is made fun. Many of them have better academic grades in school. Parents know they can trust the staff. They have snack-and it's healthy! They get to hear and see guest speakers. They have an opportunity to experience things they might not otherwise. Now take this a step further. All of this allows students to apply what is in the world around them to their school curriculum. If their class is discussing how energy works, chances are, students in St. Mark programming have had a chance to actually SEE energy work and make it work themselves! There is so much that goes into creating the curriculum for our programs and the training for our staff to make real life differences.
We want people to "get" it. For some of you, you may need to see it to really understand what our programs do, so let us know and we would love to give you tour or invite you to a lunch and learn. And of course, to our friends who are reading this in China, we appreciate your support as well so keep reading!
While this is an interesting and fun tidbit, I think it also shows how open we are to the rest of the world as well as how much of an impact we can make. Imagine if we were getting views from 5 different countries. Or maybe 50! The significance of this wouldn't be that thousands of people like to read blogs written by a newbie blogger, but that thousands of people "get" what we are doing.
I sometimes struggle when people ask me what St. Mark Youth Enrichment does. If I have a few seconds, I can tell them that we offer before and after school and summer learning programs to help students stay on track, but that seems so inadequate. Our students feel safe at program. They feel welcome. They are surrounded by students who go to the same school as them, but they are aware of their differences. They have teachers who are there and care and often times are at a 1:5 ratio. They have fun! They get a chance to do hands-on activities to help them learn whether it's about science, art, yoga, or literacy. Reading is made fun. Many of them have better academic grades in school. Parents know they can trust the staff. They have snack-and it's healthy! They get to hear and see guest speakers. They have an opportunity to experience things they might not otherwise. Now take this a step further. All of this allows students to apply what is in the world around them to their school curriculum. If their class is discussing how energy works, chances are, students in St. Mark programming have had a chance to actually SEE energy work and make it work themselves! There is so much that goes into creating the curriculum for our programs and the training for our staff to make real life differences.
We want people to "get" it. For some of you, you may need to see it to really understand what our programs do, so let us know and we would love to give you tour or invite you to a lunch and learn. And of course, to our friends who are reading this in China, we appreciate your support as well so keep reading!
Thursday, October 2, 2014
The Impact You Make
Sitting on the gym floor in a circle of his peers, 1st grader Bryton wiggled with excitement as a new year of programming began. He likes the teachers, the games, the other kids, and the activities he gets to participate in as a member of the St Mark community. He is about to express this in one simple, yet profound statement during Circle Time as he sits with his Site Family.
Circle Time begins with students sharing about their day. A small, colorful beach ball covered with questions gets tossed around the circle. Students catch the ball, read and answer the question under their left thumb, and toss the ball to another friend waiting to share. As the ball landed in Bryton’s small hands, he read the question, “What do you wish for?” His response? “To be right here.”
Because of your support, Bryton is among the first generation of St Mark’s students to experience the intentional implementation of Circle Time and emphasis on Site Families. Both of these concepts were brought back by Melanie Dill, Program Coordinator, and Amanda Avenarius, Director of Programs, from the Conscious Discipline Training they recently attended. The focus is on how to effectively implement safe and supportive environments where students, many who have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives, will thrive and grow academically and social-emotionally.
Resources such as this, implemented by quality, compassionate staff, is critical to setting students on a path toward success.
Every day the treasure you share with us, impacts students just like Bryton. Students who do not have the means to engage in environments outside of school that provide opportunities for healthy development. Site Families are being created through daily cheers, chants, songs, or handshakes that signify unity, belonging, and respect for self and others. During times of transition – a new school year, possibly a new school, and a new schedule including a late start on Friday – support and encouragement are necessary, and the effect is trickling down.
We see this impact on a daily basis through various situations. An older student helps a younger one find a visual facial expression cue to express how she is feeling. Another student successfully facilitates conflict mediation between two other students. This is how lives are changed; by ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive in the real world.
Thank you for helping us to provide innovative services that cultivate the educational and social-emotional growth of children and families. Together we are making a difference!
Circle Time begins with students sharing about their day. A small, colorful beach ball covered with questions gets tossed around the circle. Students catch the ball, read and answer the question under their left thumb, and toss the ball to another friend waiting to share. As the ball landed in Bryton’s small hands, he read the question, “What do you wish for?” His response? “To be right here.”
Because of your support, Bryton is among the first generation of St Mark’s students to experience the intentional implementation of Circle Time and emphasis on Site Families. Both of these concepts were brought back by Melanie Dill, Program Coordinator, and Amanda Avenarius, Director of Programs, from the Conscious Discipline Training they recently attended. The focus is on how to effectively implement safe and supportive environments where students, many who have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives, will thrive and grow academically and social-emotionally.
Resources such as this, implemented by quality, compassionate staff, is critical to setting students on a path toward success.
Every day the treasure you share with us, impacts students just like Bryton. Students who do not have the means to engage in environments outside of school that provide opportunities for healthy development. Site Families are being created through daily cheers, chants, songs, or handshakes that signify unity, belonging, and respect for self and others. During times of transition – a new school year, possibly a new school, and a new schedule including a late start on Friday – support and encouragement are necessary, and the effect is trickling down.
We see this impact on a daily basis through various situations. An older student helps a younger one find a visual facial expression cue to express how she is feeling. Another student successfully facilitates conflict mediation between two other students. This is how lives are changed; by ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive in the real world.
Thank you for helping us to provide innovative services that cultivate the educational and social-emotional growth of children and families. Together we are making a difference!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Ice-free challenge
Most people in the Development world, as well as millions of people around the world, are watching a spectacle every day on their social media. The phenomenon is so simple and basic, yet it is making a huge impact. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has made such an impact that even Taylor Swift, Oprah, Robert Downey Jr., and my 10 year old niece have taken part. The awareness and fundraising campaign has truly gone global with India doing their own version (using rice instead of ice). With almost anything that goes viral, there are a few things that raise eyebrows or make people not want to take part, but I think the message is clear-people are raising awareness and ALS is something that most people now have actually heard of.
As a development director, I look in awe at the work that is being done to spread this across the country and to get people to donate and nominate. It's something I totally respect and even if not everyone understands the hype behind it or what they are doing, it's getting people to give in a new, share-friendly way.
Donating and spreading awareness is vital to keeping organizations alive. Every year at St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we impact 350 students as well as their families. The academic programs we provide align with the 40 Developmental Assets of Adolescents which, according to the Search Institute, help students to grow up to be healthy, caring adults who are equipped to handle the 21st Century. Most of the students we serve are in poverty and come from single parent homes with only one income. Our programs help to alleviate some of the stress on their families and allow the kids to learn and grow while having fun. In fact, in our program this summer, we saw 87% of our students maintain or improve their literacy skills; according to research, most of these students would have gone back almost 2 months academically if they had not been in the program.
So here is my challenge to you. On September 11th at Hotel Julien, we will be hosting our annual Legacy of Learning Dinner themed "Red Carpet Masquerade." For $50 a ticket, you will get a great meal, entertainment with a few surprises, a chance to bid on some awesome auction items, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference for students in our community. In fact, if you wanted a double challenge, you could even volunteer at the program to see the impact of that one night in effect!
This challenge is ice-free, although if you feel the urge to dump a bucket of ice water on your head, please do so!! Just not in the Hotel Julien. :)
To RSVP, contact:
Jessica Pape
563-582-6211 ext 102
or register online at www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org or on our Facebook page.
As a development director, I look in awe at the work that is being done to spread this across the country and to get people to donate and nominate. It's something I totally respect and even if not everyone understands the hype behind it or what they are doing, it's getting people to give in a new, share-friendly way.
Donating and spreading awareness is vital to keeping organizations alive. Every year at St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we impact 350 students as well as their families. The academic programs we provide align with the 40 Developmental Assets of Adolescents which, according to the Search Institute, help students to grow up to be healthy, caring adults who are equipped to handle the 21st Century. Most of the students we serve are in poverty and come from single parent homes with only one income. Our programs help to alleviate some of the stress on their families and allow the kids to learn and grow while having fun. In fact, in our program this summer, we saw 87% of our students maintain or improve their literacy skills; according to research, most of these students would have gone back almost 2 months academically if they had not been in the program.
So here is my challenge to you. On September 11th at Hotel Julien, we will be hosting our annual Legacy of Learning Dinner themed "Red Carpet Masquerade." For $50 a ticket, you will get a great meal, entertainment with a few surprises, a chance to bid on some awesome auction items, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference for students in our community. In fact, if you wanted a double challenge, you could even volunteer at the program to see the impact of that one night in effect!
This challenge is ice-free, although if you feel the urge to dump a bucket of ice water on your head, please do so!! Just not in the Hotel Julien. :)
To RSVP, contact:
Jessica Pape
563-582-6211 ext 102
or register online at www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org or on our Facebook page.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
From Media to You
Almost any non-profit will tell you that it's hard to get your message out to community members when you are working with a small or even non-existent marketing budget. We all know that marketing is important, but at the end of the day we know that hiring qualified staff to work with the students to have a safe and compassionate learning environment or being able to get students off of our waiting list for programs is even more important. We rely heavily on word of mouth to get our stories out there to show the success of not our programs but of our kids and the leaps and bounds they are making when they have that consistent place and they know someone cares while their parents are at work.
Social marketing is still rather new. I remember when Facebook was just for college students and now it seems like it's a free marketing platform more than anything. We use our Facebook page to share what we are doing in program as well as to share our love and support to the community that gives so much to us.
As I was updating a few things on our page this morning, I saw we were at 497 "likes." Three more and we would hit the milestone 500! Now, if you are not an avid Facebook user, one thing that is important to know is that a "like" when it comes to marketing is not so much about popularity as it is about people being engaged. If I "like" something on Facebook and I have 300 friends myself, my 300 friends could potentially see that, broadening the awareness for our organization. When I came back and checked the page after lunch, I was amazed. ScanDubuque, Stan's Coffeehouse and Resources Unite took to sharing our post and I am excited to say that we blew our goal of 500 out of the water and are now close to 700!!
Thank you for helping us spread the word. We feel your support and appreciate it so much! So from me to you, we like you as well and look forward to growing and impacting even more youth in our community!
Social marketing is still rather new. I remember when Facebook was just for college students and now it seems like it's a free marketing platform more than anything. We use our Facebook page to share what we are doing in program as well as to share our love and support to the community that gives so much to us.
As I was updating a few things on our page this morning, I saw we were at 497 "likes." Three more and we would hit the milestone 500! Now, if you are not an avid Facebook user, one thing that is important to know is that a "like" when it comes to marketing is not so much about popularity as it is about people being engaged. If I "like" something on Facebook and I have 300 friends myself, my 300 friends could potentially see that, broadening the awareness for our organization. When I came back and checked the page after lunch, I was amazed. ScanDubuque, Stan's Coffeehouse and Resources Unite took to sharing our post and I am excited to say that we blew our goal of 500 out of the water and are now close to 700!!
Thank you for helping us spread the word. We feel your support and appreciate it so much! So from me to you, we like you as well and look forward to growing and impacting even more youth in our community!
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Apples Season-A Time to Share
St. Mark Youth Enrichment, for many students and families, is a chance to help them succeed and a vision that they did not have before. For the past 26 years, our organization has served tens of thousands of students right here in our own backyard. We have some students who need an affordable, safe and structured program before or after school, students who benefit academically and socially from one on one homework help, and some students who are able to experience things that many of us take for granted. Even though I am able to literally see the impact we are making every day, I am also reminded of the work we have left to do.
As our summer programs wrap up here in our center, at Summer Academy and in our Dyersville pilot location, we are far from done. With the end of summer comes the beginning of the school year and we are always striving to make program better and stronger. We are also in Apples season. Apples for Students is an initiative that was started back in 1996 to provide school supplies to students who need them. This year we are looking at serving around 1300 students! On top of that, we are still looking for ways we can improve. On Saturday, August 2nd, we will be collaborating with community partners to host a Back to School Bash at Comiskey Park from 12-2PM. Families can come to this free event and learn about free resources in their community that are there to help. They can also sign up for the Apples for Students Program-one last chance to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.
I guess the lesson I am learning through all of this is that there is need and it is sometimes where we least expect it. We get phone calls daily from people who are looking for help with food or school clothes or high school students who stop in and ask if they can also receive school supplies. We are so proud of the community we live in but also know that there is so much more work and collaboration that needs to happen. Please let us know if you are willing to join us in making the entire Dubuque area better and stronger.
As our summer programs wrap up here in our center, at Summer Academy and in our Dyersville pilot location, we are far from done. With the end of summer comes the beginning of the school year and we are always striving to make program better and stronger. We are also in Apples season. Apples for Students is an initiative that was started back in 1996 to provide school supplies to students who need them. This year we are looking at serving around 1300 students! On top of that, we are still looking for ways we can improve. On Saturday, August 2nd, we will be collaborating with community partners to host a Back to School Bash at Comiskey Park from 12-2PM. Families can come to this free event and learn about free resources in their community that are there to help. They can also sign up for the Apples for Students Program-one last chance to make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.
I guess the lesson I am learning through all of this is that there is need and it is sometimes where we least expect it. We get phone calls daily from people who are looking for help with food or school clothes or high school students who stop in and ask if they can also receive school supplies. We are so proud of the community we live in but also know that there is so much more work and collaboration that needs to happen. Please let us know if you are willing to join us in making the entire Dubuque area better and stronger.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Why I Love Mondays
Recently, we were asked to share a story about the families we serve at St. Mark Youth Enrichment with members of congress in Washington D.C. Heather Moore, our Special Events Coordinator ,got a perfect snapshot of one of our families.
When I see and hear stories like this below, I am astounded at the gaps we still have in our community as well as the strength these individuals have. It's because of this that I don't dread Mondays but I look forward to working with our students, families and community members who are so committed to making a change in our community and in their lives. Thank you!
When I see and hear stories like this below, I am astounded at the gaps we still have in our community as well as the strength these individuals have. It's because of this that I don't dread Mondays but I look forward to working with our students, families and community members who are so committed to making a change in our community and in their lives. Thank you!
Walking into a busy, noisy gymnasium in early June, you wouldn’t be able to pick 10-year-old Haylee and five-year-old Bryton out of the sea of energetic smiles engaged in active learning. Like many of their chattering counterparts, and children all over the country, Haylee and Bryton are at risk.
Unlike so many children, Haylee, who is below proficiency academically, and Bryton, who struggles to create and maintain meaningful relationships and often finds himself without friends, are engaged with St. Mark Youth Enrichment. Through the powerful partnership with their school, St. Mark, and their mother, who is working and raising four children alone while living in a homeless shelter, the adults in Haylee and Bryton’s life are mitigating the multitude of risks that these children face.
St. Mark lessens the risk that Haylee will become a high school dropout- in her three years of program, Haylee has showed extensive growth in reading and writing, even winning first prize in a local American Trust Money Smart Week poster contest. The risk that Bryton will solve his problems using violence, which comes so easily to him, has been placated as he has learned to express his feelings without aggression. Both children are learning that they are lovable and capable- foundations for self-worth, which has diminished the risk of growing into adults who make decisions based on the belief that they are worthless.
St. Mark creates victors, instead of victims. Victors have the ability to be a positive influence in their family and their community and to break the cycle of poverty. St. Mark improves lives, one child at a time- one child who will touch the lives of many!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Spark Plug
My husband loves old cars and figuring out how things work. Typically he will start explaining a function of some machine and I am lost a few seconds into the conversation. This last time, though, I found something much more meaningful than I intended to find.
Volunteers play a huge role in the services we provide to children every day. Whether it's helping at program to get students transitioned from center to center, working one on one with a student who needs a little extra help on their homework, or organizing materials for the Apples for Students program, volunteers are the support that keep us going every day. What I realized is that in a lot of ways, volunteers are spark plugs.
Volunteers play a huge role in the services we provide to children every day. Whether it's helping at program to get students transitioned from center to center, working one on one with a student who needs a little extra help on their homework, or organizing materials for the Apples for Students program, volunteers are the support that keep us going every day. What I realized is that in a lot of ways, volunteers are spark plugs.
Granted, I don't know a lot about cars, but here is my thought pattern. Spark plugs are necessary to make many vehicles work that run on fuel. They are what make electricity arc across a gap to create a spark. When most people think of what is needed to make a car run, they would think of the engine, transmission, and fuel. Many people know about spark plugs but forget about how vital they are.
So, to all of our volunteers, thank you for everything that you do! You truly are what keeps us running and give us that extra "jolt" of energy that we and the community need to impact so many lives.
If you want to learn how you can be a catalyst for a spark in your community, give us a call!
If you want to learn how you can be a catalyst for a spark in your community, give us a call!
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Inspiration in All Forms
I am a firm believer that forms of inspiration happen around us every single day. These days I am always working to be aware of these miracles whether it's watching those dandelions (which I think are pretty and my husband despises) pop up where just a few months ago there was a few feet of snow, or if I make it down Dodge and through the road construction in less than 20 minutes.
These forms of inspiration come in all shapes and sizes. Last week, I had the privilege to meet with Clare of Clare Cares to talk about how she is working to transform her school and community to help build friendships. The amazing thing about her and her mission is that she is not focusing on bullying. She is emphasizing the positive. We already have great things going on in our community-she is enhancing it and shining a light on how giving people are. On the 24th, Clare Cares will be hosting one of her monthly Clare Cares Buddy Play Dates at Chocolaterie Stam. Even this great excuse to get together and hang out with friends has become a way to give back. On 5/24, any Buddy who shows up will be asked to bring school supplies to go towards kids who need them and are impacted by our Apples for Students initiative. We are so excited!! If you are interested in joining or bringing your child, you can get more information on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/261354397378208/
Two nights after my meeting with Clare, we had our first Gallery of Growing, a community donated art auction to benefit our programs and the Dubuque Rescue Mission. We had pieces of artwork on display from beginner artists, professional artists, and from our students. The best part of the night for me was when one of the attendees asked if they could purchase a piece of artwork that was not for sale--a piece done by one of the students in the after school program. The picture was a rainbow that listed what the student would do if they met a leprechaun. It included asking for $1,000,000 to give to the homeless as well as the White House to live in and to share with the homeless as well. The great news is that after we talked to the student, he was more than happy to sell it to her, completely making her night and showcasing the spirit and intention of the event.
This is what St. Mark Youth Enrichment is all about and we truly have a reason to be inspired every single day.
These forms of inspiration come in all shapes and sizes. Last week, I had the privilege to meet with Clare of Clare Cares to talk about how she is working to transform her school and community to help build friendships. The amazing thing about her and her mission is that she is not focusing on bullying. She is emphasizing the positive. We already have great things going on in our community-she is enhancing it and shining a light on how giving people are. On the 24th, Clare Cares will be hosting one of her monthly Clare Cares Buddy Play Dates at Chocolaterie Stam. Even this great excuse to get together and hang out with friends has become a way to give back. On 5/24, any Buddy who shows up will be asked to bring school supplies to go towards kids who need them and are impacted by our Apples for Students initiative. We are so excited!! If you are interested in joining or bringing your child, you can get more information on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/261354397378208/
Two nights after my meeting with Clare, we had our first Gallery of Growing, a community donated art auction to benefit our programs and the Dubuque Rescue Mission. We had pieces of artwork on display from beginner artists, professional artists, and from our students. The best part of the night for me was when one of the attendees asked if they could purchase a piece of artwork that was not for sale--a piece done by one of the students in the after school program. The picture was a rainbow that listed what the student would do if they met a leprechaun. It included asking for $1,000,000 to give to the homeless as well as the White House to live in and to share with the homeless as well. The great news is that after we talked to the student, he was more than happy to sell it to her, completely making her night and showcasing the spirit and intention of the event.
This is what St. Mark Youth Enrichment is all about and we truly have a reason to be inspired every single day.
Monday, April 21, 2014
April showers bring...
April showers bring May flowers and this year it seems like a lot of other exciting opportunities as well! We have so much to be thankful for here at St. Mark Youth Enrichment and much of it is because of you and our community!
Earlier this month we received notification that we received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers continuation grant. This grant is a 5 year grant that will help fund the before and after school programs that we provide to at-risk youth in Dubuque. This is a pretty hefty grant so we are extremely grateful to all of our partners throughout the community and tri-state area in this endeavor!
We were also contacted by Dyersville Elementary, a school in the Western Dubuque Community School District, about a summer learning program. With changes in state legislation and working to be proactive, they wanted to partner with us to get their community even more engaged. We are thrilled to be working with them this year to do a pilot summer learning program with Dyersville Elementary and St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Dyersville.
Hiring is well underway for our Summer Program here at St. Mark Youth Enrichment and we already have 50 children registered to attend this 6 week program that begins mid-March.
Gallery of Growing, a fundraiser we are doing with the Dubuque Rescue Mission, is also set to go and we have over 100 pieces of artwork donated by community members that will be auctioned off May 1st at 6:30 here at St. Mark. There will be an open house on April 29th if you want to take a sneak peek!
We are also gearing up for Great Give Day on May 6th, a national day of online giving, with local and national matches!
Amid all of these exciting developments and programs we have going on, one of the most exciting things is seeing how the students develop in our program. One of our site staff shared this: "I have tons of big reading books and when they rotate to this station they can choose what ever they want to read. Well, today they broke out in song! This is just one reason I love my job!"
Thank you for continuing to support us! Watch us grow!
Earlier this month we received notification that we received a 21st Century Community Learning Centers continuation grant. This grant is a 5 year grant that will help fund the before and after school programs that we provide to at-risk youth in Dubuque. This is a pretty hefty grant so we are extremely grateful to all of our partners throughout the community and tri-state area in this endeavor!
We were also contacted by Dyersville Elementary, a school in the Western Dubuque Community School District, about a summer learning program. With changes in state legislation and working to be proactive, they wanted to partner with us to get their community even more engaged. We are thrilled to be working with them this year to do a pilot summer learning program with Dyersville Elementary and St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Dyersville.
Hiring is well underway for our Summer Program here at St. Mark Youth Enrichment and we already have 50 children registered to attend this 6 week program that begins mid-March.
Gallery of Growing, a fundraiser we are doing with the Dubuque Rescue Mission, is also set to go and we have over 100 pieces of artwork donated by community members that will be auctioned off May 1st at 6:30 here at St. Mark. There will be an open house on April 29th if you want to take a sneak peek!
We are also gearing up for Great Give Day on May 6th, a national day of online giving, with local and national matches!
Amid all of these exciting developments and programs we have going on, one of the most exciting things is seeing how the students develop in our program. One of our site staff shared this: "I have tons of big reading books and when they rotate to this station they can choose what ever they want to read. Well, today they broke out in song! This is just one reason I love my job!"
Thank you for continuing to support us! Watch us grow!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Stories Make the Difference
My four year old loves it when we read to him before bed. Usually we read the regular books like "Meet Heatwave the Rescuebot" or "Are You Grumpy, Santa?" (yes even though it's now spring.) His favorite though is when I tell him the story of the Three Little Pigs. Stories allow us to have fun, use emotion, and put emphasis on certain aspects. The amazing thing is that it rubs off on the listener!
At St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we always have stories to share. Sweet moments when a staff member and student really connect and laugh together, inspiring moments when a student accomplishes something they were struggling with, and moments that surprise all of us. Earlier this week I had the chance to speak at the Resources Unite and Chamber's Community Connection meeting about donor devotion (aka donor retention). One part of my presentation was about the importance of telling and sharing stories and I shared a few of my favorites. One of them was about a student who had to write why he would like a new bike from one of our donors. He wrote just a few sentences but it said, "My daddy would buy me a bike but he is in heaven and mommy works hard so she can pay the bills." He is definitely getting a bike.
After my presentation, I had one of the attendees approach me. She shared that she was so thankful for what we did at St. Mark Youth Enrichment and said that it made a huge difference in her nephew's life and means so much to their mother. Overall, it wasn't my story that made the impact, it was hers.
We always try to tell our stories so we can share what it means to us to have community support to continue to grow and strengthen our programs. This is one reason behind our newest awareness campaign. Check out our Twitter page and Facebook page and see what St. Mark Youth Enrichment means to so many people. These stories would not be possible without your support and help. Stories truly do make a real life difference.
At St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we always have stories to share. Sweet moments when a staff member and student really connect and laugh together, inspiring moments when a student accomplishes something they were struggling with, and moments that surprise all of us. Earlier this week I had the chance to speak at the Resources Unite and Chamber's Community Connection meeting about donor devotion (aka donor retention). One part of my presentation was about the importance of telling and sharing stories and I shared a few of my favorites. One of them was about a student who had to write why he would like a new bike from one of our donors. He wrote just a few sentences but it said, "My daddy would buy me a bike but he is in heaven and mommy works hard so she can pay the bills." He is definitely getting a bike.
After my presentation, I had one of the attendees approach me. She shared that she was so thankful for what we did at St. Mark Youth Enrichment and said that it made a huge difference in her nephew's life and means so much to their mother. Overall, it wasn't my story that made the impact, it was hers.
We always try to tell our stories so we can share what it means to us to have community support to continue to grow and strengthen our programs. This is one reason behind our newest awareness campaign. Check out our Twitter page and Facebook page and see what St. Mark Youth Enrichment means to so many people. These stories would not be possible without your support and help. Stories truly do make a real life difference.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Throw Back Thursdays
I think all of us would like to be known as innovators. We all want to create that little piece of history in the world where someday people will look back and think, "Wow, whoever thought of that was really smart!" How great would it be to leave behind a legacy? The legacy I am referring to in this post is the person who came up with #tbt (known outside of the web world as Throw Back Thursdays-old photos that people post on Thursday).
I will admit that at first when I saw people posting pictures of their big hair in the 80's or the braces they had when they were in 3rd grade, I wondered why anyone would want to broadcasts the pictures that they would rather keep hidden or forgotten. Then I started to read the comments that people were posting about the pictures. It is amazing to see the story that one person can tell about a single picture and so much more captivating to see when multiple people begin to build stories off those stories.
Three weeks ago I started to post pictures to our Twitter and Facebook account with the link #tbt of our programs when they first began. These programs or sessions took place in the same facility we are in now. They would begin with a song that they all sang together to build their own safe community. From there they would have a snack and work with a volunteer who helped mentor them and work on their homework.
One of the first donor visits I went on when I started here at St. Mark just a little over 5 months ago was with two women who were a part of the St. Mark story from the very beginning. Even after 25 years, the stories were fresh in their minds and of course they pulled out their photo albums to share their pictures of everyone else who was involved and played a role in getting the program started.
If you haven't already, please check us out on Facebook and Twitter and look at the Throw Back Thursday photos from the past. Feel free of course to comment on the fashion, haircuts and technology that at the time were trendy, but more importantly, learn our story and watch us grow.
Facebook Twitter
I will admit that at first when I saw people posting pictures of their big hair in the 80's or the braces they had when they were in 3rd grade, I wondered why anyone would want to broadcasts the pictures that they would rather keep hidden or forgotten. Then I started to read the comments that people were posting about the pictures. It is amazing to see the story that one person can tell about a single picture and so much more captivating to see when multiple people begin to build stories off those stories.
Three weeks ago I started to post pictures to our Twitter and Facebook account with the link #tbt of our programs when they first began. These programs or sessions took place in the same facility we are in now. They would begin with a song that they all sang together to build their own safe community. From there they would have a snack and work with a volunteer who helped mentor them and work on their homework.
One of the first donor visits I went on when I started here at St. Mark just a little over 5 months ago was with two women who were a part of the St. Mark story from the very beginning. Even after 25 years, the stories were fresh in their minds and of course they pulled out their photo albums to share their pictures of everyone else who was involved and played a role in getting the program started.
If you haven't already, please check us out on Facebook and Twitter and look at the Throw Back Thursday photos from the past. Feel free of course to comment on the fashion, haircuts and technology that at the time were trendy, but more importantly, learn our story and watch us grow.
Facebook Twitter
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
A Novel Idea
At St. Mark Youth Enrichment, we aim to do more than just help enrich the academics of children in the Dubuque area; our goal is to impact lives. Connections are key.
I think most people would agree that technology today has made the world much more open and enables us to communicate with fewer barriers. Most people always know where their smartphone or tablet is. We can text, chat, Skype, Tweet, Facebook and even write blogs! Now obviously, I am a big believer in technology and truly feel that it does bring many people closer in numerous ways. However...I have been noticing a trend in responses in the way we communicate.
A friend of mine recently attended a training in Los Angeles. He shared with me that while he was talking to individuals from across the nation about community engagement, people were in awe at how easily he was able to make connections in Dubuque. To me, it's simple-I pick up the phone and call them or send them a simple email request to meet for coffee or lunch. You would be amazed at how many people really view this as a novel idea.
Connecting to people is the golden ticket. Whether it's at one of our monthly lunch and learns, a Chamber event, Community Connections meeting, or meeting someone face to face, these are the times when connections are made. By connecting, I don't mean just exchanging business cards and giving the elevator speech, I mean showing your true, real self at face value.
While this is a key step in doing business, it's also important to our mission. When we have staff and volunteers who truly connect with a student, there is a lifelong impact that is made. Maybe connecting by meeting someone where they're at or calling them on the phone isn't such a novel idea-maybe it's the way we should be communicating and want to be communicated with.
If you are reading this, fantastic!! But please know that if you would like to learn more about what we do at St. Mark Youth Enrichment or would just like to get to know us a little better personally, we are very open to meeting with you and would love the chance to get to know you more as well! When connections are made and collaborations are formed, we can not only make an impact on an individual's life, but also on the community. We look forward to forging ahead in this technological world alongside you!
I think most people would agree that technology today has made the world much more open and enables us to communicate with fewer barriers. Most people always know where their smartphone or tablet is. We can text, chat, Skype, Tweet, Facebook and even write blogs! Now obviously, I am a big believer in technology and truly feel that it does bring many people closer in numerous ways. However...I have been noticing a trend in responses in the way we communicate.
A friend of mine recently attended a training in Los Angeles. He shared with me that while he was talking to individuals from across the nation about community engagement, people were in awe at how easily he was able to make connections in Dubuque. To me, it's simple-I pick up the phone and call them or send them a simple email request to meet for coffee or lunch. You would be amazed at how many people really view this as a novel idea.
Connecting to people is the golden ticket. Whether it's at one of our monthly lunch and learns, a Chamber event, Community Connections meeting, or meeting someone face to face, these are the times when connections are made. By connecting, I don't mean just exchanging business cards and giving the elevator speech, I mean showing your true, real self at face value.
While this is a key step in doing business, it's also important to our mission. When we have staff and volunteers who truly connect with a student, there is a lifelong impact that is made. Maybe connecting by meeting someone where they're at or calling them on the phone isn't such a novel idea-maybe it's the way we should be communicating and want to be communicated with.
If you are reading this, fantastic!! But please know that if you would like to learn more about what we do at St. Mark Youth Enrichment or would just like to get to know us a little better personally, we are very open to meeting with you and would love the chance to get to know you more as well! When connections are made and collaborations are formed, we can not only make an impact on an individual's life, but also on the community. We look forward to forging ahead in this technological world alongside you!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Get Engaged!
Thousands of students have participated in our program. We have impacted countless families during the Christmas season and at the start of the school year. We believe in the value of a safe and supportive community. We foster hopes and dreams of the future leaders of our community. Our vision is for every child to have the opportunity to succeed. We are St. Mark Youth Enrichment.
Although we have been in the Dubuque community for over 25 years, there are still many people who do not fully understand what we do. Our mission is simple. We provide academic and social support to school aged youth and their families. As an agency we are growing, and unfortunately, so are the needs of many of the families we serve. Children from low-income families have more hurdles ahead of them in life. Just to give one example, statistically, they have less books than their more advantaged classmates which correlates to lower reading and math scores as well as graduation rates. Proven fact.
Whether you are already a strong supporter of the work we do at St. Mark Youth Enrichment with before, after and summer learning or if you are new and would like to know more, you have come to the right place. Now is the time to get engaged in the lives of youth who truly need your support. This blog will serve as a story board to help you see how we engage in the community and give ideas on how we can stay connected even more!
Thank you for joining us!
www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org
@SMYEnrichment
Although we have been in the Dubuque community for over 25 years, there are still many people who do not fully understand what we do. Our mission is simple. We provide academic and social support to school aged youth and their families. As an agency we are growing, and unfortunately, so are the needs of many of the families we serve. Children from low-income families have more hurdles ahead of them in life. Just to give one example, statistically, they have less books than their more advantaged classmates which correlates to lower reading and math scores as well as graduation rates. Proven fact.
Whether you are already a strong supporter of the work we do at St. Mark Youth Enrichment with before, after and summer learning or if you are new and would like to know more, you have come to the right place. Now is the time to get engaged in the lives of youth who truly need your support. This blog will serve as a story board to help you see how we engage in the community and give ideas on how we can stay connected even more!
Thank you for joining us!
www.stmarkyouthenrichment.org
@SMYEnrichment
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