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!
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