Communities in Schools: Empowering Students to Stay in School and Achieve in Life

Communities In Schools works within the public school system, determining student needs and establishing relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and parent and volunteer organizations to provide needed resources.

Many children face challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools strategically aligns and delivers needed resources so that students can focus on learning.

The Communities In Schools network is active in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Our nearly 200 local affiliates serve the lowest performing schools and the students most vulnerable to dropping out. Check our list to see if there is an affiliate near you.

Find your affiliate:  Click here.

One Family One Community

ONE FAMILY ONE COMMUNITY IS A SHOWCASE OF THE POSITIVE PROGRAMS AND GOOD WORKS OF INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATED MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.  WE WORK COLLECTIVELY AS A WHOLE TO AID EACH OTHER  IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMICAL, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PROJECTS. HERE, OUR STAFF ARE CONSTANTLY STUDYING, LEARNING, AND APPLY THOSE SKILLS WHICH WOULD ACCELERATE OUR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AS A POSITIVE FORCE WITHIN OUR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LEGAL RESEARCH TEAM AND KNOW THAT ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN RESEARCHING NEW LAWS AND LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD ASSIST US IN OUR CAUSE AND THE CAUSE OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. 

WE WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING NEW UPDATES ON PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. WE WILL BE GIVING RECOGNITION TO THOSE ASSOCIATED MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE. SO VISIT THIS WEBSITE OFTEN, TO STAY IN TUNE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY NEAR YOU.

Learn more.

Miriam's Kitchen - Give to the Max Day

•  Starting at midnight on Wednesday, November 9, local residents will donate online to help raise millions of dollars for local nonprofits as part of the first annual Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington.

•  Give to the Max Day is a massive one-day regional online fundraiser that will unite local Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC communities to support nonprofits serving the area.

•  As part of Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington, nonprofits large and small can earn their share of $125,000 in cash awards, including up to $25,000 for nonprofits with the most individual donors and the most money donated.

• Homelessness in Washington, DC, the Nation's Capitol: there are more than 6,500 homeless men, women and children in Washington, DC on any given night. Of those, nearly 2,000 are chronically homeless--meaning they have been homeless for a year or more, or four or more times in the past three years.

•  Miriam's Kitchen provides free, homemade meals and high-quality support services to more than 4,000 homeless men and women each year in the Nation's Capitol, Washington, DC. Their core programs are meals, case management, Miriam's Studio, and Miriam's Cafe.   

• Homelessness at Miriam's Kitchen: on any given day at Miriam's Kitchen, 82 percent of their guests are chronically homeless.  In fact, the average length of homelessness of the guests is 5.5 years

• Nearly 80 percent of Miriam's Kitchen's guests live on the streets of DC, in parks around the city, under the bridges along the Potomac River, and in emergency shelters.  

• Miriam's Kitchen's guest demographics: 95 percent of Miriam's Kitchen's guests are male, 60 percent are African American and the median age of our guests is 50.

• Mental illness and addiction at Miriam's Kitchen: Many of Miriam's Kitchen's guests suffer from severe mental illnesses and addictions, making them the most fragile and hardest to connect with social services.

Learn more at http://www.miriamskitchennews.org/.

Caregiver Village: Making A Difference

Today in the U.S. alone over 50 million individuals are caregivers for an aged, ill or challenged family member.  Whether you have a child with autism or ADHD or a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, you may be one of those millions, experiencing an unprecedented level of stress and personal challenge.

Despite millions of dollars and hundreds of dedicated websites, family caregivers are still in trouble. With over 60 million family caregivers in the U.S. alone, many are sick (with nearly twice the rate of chronic illnesses as their non-caregiving peers); they’re depressed (40-60% report significant feelings of depression) and they’re frustrated, unable to find resources or solutions they need to help with the basic, day-to-day caregiving tasks they face. They’re also costly to our economy, accounting for an estimated $33 billion in lost productivity to our country’s businesses.

It’s time to change this description of the family caregiver. It’s time improve the lives of family caregivers. Caregiver Village, a brand new place on the web, is dedicated to doing exactly this.

Learn more:

caregivervillage.com
facebook.com/caregivervillage
twitter.com/cgvillage 

Volunteering in America

Volunteers are resolute in their commitment to serving their neighbors and communities, with 62.8 million adults volunteering almost 8.1 billion hours in local and national organizations in 2010, service valued at almost $173 billion. Explore this website for the most comprehensive data on volunteering ever assembled including volunteer profiles for all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as hundreds of metropolitan areas, rankings, demographic trends, and profiles of volunteer organizations making an impact on some of our nation's toughest challenges.

Did you know that your family could be leaving an important mark in American history, simply by giving time and service to your community? The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service is an important part of communities. This month, CNCS released new data on volunteerism. Volunteering in America is the most in-depth report on national service – spotlighting:

·         who volunteers
·         what cities have the highest rates of volunteerism
·         how Americans are serving their community.

You can follow CNCS on Facebook and Twitter, or learn how you can volunteer in your community at www.serve.gov.

HANDY: Help Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth

Get involved in your community

HANDY, Inc. is an award winning non profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1985 to meet the fundamental needs of Broward County's foster care children and those who have been placed in the care of non-relative and relative caregivers under protective supervision.

We provide direct services to children ages birth to 23 years who have been removed from their homes due to domestic violence, substance abuse, physical and/or sexual abuse, and abandonment. We serve older youth who are aging out of the foster/relative care system. We serve youth who may be homeless or on the verge of homelessness. We do not discriminate – we help the children who need help.

In Fiscal Year 2008-2009 HANDY provided free services to a total of 1,932 children touching their lives 16,500 times.

HANDY’s programs provide children with safety and well being, education, social and recreational activities, and advocates to give these children a voice.

All programs are provided free of charge to children/youth thanks to the support of philanthropists, corporations, foundations and grantors.

HANDY, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale will be named the National Sun Life Rising Star in the non-profit category during the First Annual Sun Life Rising Star Award National Summit at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL on February 25th & 26th. By winning the award, HANDY will be presented with a $50,000 grant.

HANDY, Inc., which stands for Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth, is an award-winning nonprofit organization founded in 1985 to meet the fundamental needs of Broward County’s foster care children.

HANDY was selected as a National Rising Star for the success of its programs, which provide children with:

·         Life Skills
·         Tutoring
·         Mentoring
·         Scholarships
·         Emergency food/rent/clothing assistance

HANDY ascribes to a philosophy rooted in one-on-one attention and personal investment in each individual, the results of which are remarkable: 98% of students who participate graduate from high school, and 100% of HANDY’s high school graduates enroll in college. 

In one success story, LaGary Roberson of Ft. Lauderdale was able to get a $5,000 scholarship through HANDY so he can attend Broward College, with hopes of transferring to Florida Atlantic University to study for his Bachelor's degree in sports medicine.

LaGary has been an active participant in HANDY’s LIFE program since 2006. He has transformed from a youth whose life was filled with violence and anger, to a young man whom others look to as a role model and mentor. Previous to his work with HANDY, he did not believe that high school and higher education were in his future. He has participated in the onsite virtual high school from 2007-2009 to complete his GED, attended all LIFE skills classes, attended tutoring three days a week, and has been a member of the HANDY LIFE Program Youth Advocacy Board. 

He has become a spokesperson to share his life struggles to youths like him. He also became an avid boxer through the LIFE boxing program as a way to channel his anger constructively. His passion for boxing led him to pursue a career to better understand the human body and athletic performance. He hopes to have his own facility where he can offer sports and conditioning to inner city youth so they can receive the same opportunities that were offered to him through the HANDY.

HANDY had previously won a $50,000 grant back in the fall as part of the Rising Stars regional competition.

They will be presented with the latest check at the national summit, which brings together student and nonprofit winners from the other six markets the Rising Stars program operates in, as well as educators and national education experts to discuss how to help at-risk students achieve post-secondary education amid rising national drop-out rates.

Local Celebs Venus Williams and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess will also be guest speakers at the event.

Avon Calling.... Fundraising Can be FUN and Products You Can Use

A product your neighbor will support

Many schools (private and public) will have our kids bring home those fundraisers that we cringe over.  But what about a fundraiser with products you can actually benefit from?  Avon has been part of many families for many years and many don't realize they have fundraisers!

Earn up to 40% profit with an Avon fundraiser. Request information now from an authorized Avon Rep. She will provide everything you need to get you started with your Avon fundraiser. Receive professional service from an experienced fundraising manager.

Aren't we tired of the candy, expensive wrapping paper (which we can now get at the dollar stores), and other stuff we simply have no use for?

Learn more - click here.

Knit for Kids 2010

Knit for Kids is a global organization created by Guideposts.  As the holidays are here, times are tough in many areas and in many households, however when you give to others it can warm your heart and build your own family bond.

Knitting may seem old-fashioned to some teens, but isn't it a great opportunity to learn when you know you will be helping keep a needy child warm?  Many grandparents and parents have been knitting for generations - let's start this tradition now in your family.

Since 1996, when Guideposts Knit for Kids began, the program has grown beyond anyones imagining because of dedication and creativity. Thanks to many, some kids for the first time in their lives have had something new; for others, the sweaters are cherished hand-me-downs.

A “million smiles”, that’s a conservative estimate of how many people have been touched with joy by these gifts: the children who have received them directly or as a hand-me-down, their parents or guardians, and needleworkers like you who found your lives changed as you created these treasures with heart and hands.
Start your family tradition today through stitches of love.  Whether you are in Clay, Duval or St. Johns County, download the simple knitting patterns here and share them with your friends and family.

Do you prefer to crochet?  Click here for the pattern.

Get your teens involved today.  To learn more about Knit for Kids and where to send your sweaters, click here.

Read more.

Taylor's Closet: Making a Difference

In 2005, Ft. Lauderdale teen, Lindsey Giambattista founded Taylor's Closet, an organization, which is named after her twin sister that died at birth.  Taylor's Closet provides clothing to needy children throughout the world.

About Taylor's Closet:


Taylor’s Closet had its first outreach in early December, 2005. We set up a mini “shop” on the salon-deck of a large yacht in the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade and invited girls from local foster care programs to come by and shop. There were some 30 girls on the cruise that night who were blessed with new clothes, and a handful of parents, kids and program administrators who got to see the love of Christ in action as well.

Since then we’ve seen God bless this ministry in some huge and wonderful ways. In December of 2006, we opened our first permanent “store” for foster girls. Several local businesses have put aside their business agendas to come alongside and help out. One in particular, RCC, designed and paid for the cost to build the store. We’ve had clothing donations from all over the world. - Taylor's Closet


As the holiday time approaches, it is time for you and your family to go through your closets and take up a collection to help those that truly need your generosity.  As the weather is getting cooler, even in South Florida, we need to take the time to be grateful for what we have and consider giving what we really don't need.

What happens in Taylor’s Closet is remarkable. Girls who have been abused, injured or who are just basically suffering from a lifetime of hopelessness, come in to our store and find out that someone cares – that all these beautiful new, designer clothes are there for them – completely free.

When Lindsey was asked in an interview by I Heart Dailey:

How can people help with TC?  Buy our products! We just launched a TC merch line. Go check it out. It’s really cute, and every penny goes to making girls in need feel beautiful!

Created by a teen with a dream, Taylor's Closet has proven to help thousands of children throughout the world.  Lindsey is truly a teen that inspires.  Learn more at www.taylorscloset.org. Watch video on sidebar.

Get your teen involved today!  Giving feels so good, encourage your kids to pay it forward!

Read more.

Food for Fines

Do you have overdue library books?  Are those fines mounting and your finances dwindling?  Starting Monday, November 8th thru December, 22nd, you can pay them off with food!

That's right, it's time once again for Food for Fines at St. Johns County Public Libraries System (SJCPLS). From November 8th until December 22nd, bring in your non-perishable, non-expired food items and wipe out $1.00 in fines for each item! Get rid of your fines while  benefiting those in need in our community!

As the holidays approach many people are having lean times, some are without jobs and/or losing their homes.  Food banks need to be replenished and our community needs to come together to help each other.
SJCPLS is also collecting Boxtops to benefit our local school.  You may have seen these on cereal boxes, paper towels, soups and other products, but did you know that each Boxtop earns 10 cents for schools! All branches of the St. Johns County Public Library System will now be collecting Boxtops for Education for schools in their communities. Please help support the education for the kids of St. Johns County by saving Boxtops from these products and simply dropping them off at your SJCPLS branch library.

Community service and family go together.  Get your kids and especially your teens involved in giving back this holiday season.  There are many ways they can help others including volunteering and donating to organizations that assist the homeless or others that are in need.

Giving is what the holidays are about.  Be the example for your children, get involved today.

Read more.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards - Teen Volunteers and Community Service

Do you know a teen that are making a difference in the lives of others?  A youth that is reaching out in their community, giving their time, donating items or simply being part of an organization targeted at helping others?  Paying it forward is part of building a community. 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is the largest youth recognition program in the country based exclusively on volunteer community service. And what better way to recognize our young heroes and inspire others to follow their lead than honoring them with these prestigious awards?

If you know someone from grades 5-12 who has demonstrated outstanding volunteerism over the past year, then encourage them to complete an online application at http://spirit.prudential.com. State and national honorees will receive a cash prize, a trip to Washington, D.C., and an engraved medallion to thank them for the great work they have done. 

This is a great opportunity to reach out and recognize those that are exceptional youths and create a positive and inspiring environment.

If you are a junior or senior in high school, acquiring your community services can make a major difference on your college applications.  What most teens realize is that giving back is actually helping them to build their self-esteem and will give you a warm feeling.

Do you know a special youth today?  Nominate them and they may be rewarded!


Watch video for more information.

VolunTeens: Promoting Community Service

As schools have opened in many areas, many teenagers in high school that will be graduating this year and applying to colleges. They will need to consider their community service and volunteering hours.  Colleges have become more competitive and adding your volunteer services can enhance your college application and possibly be the deciding factor in being accepted into your first choice school.

VolunTeens.com is your source for opportunities for volunteer services in Broward County and Palm Beach County.  There are many chapters throughout the country.  Whether you are a teen seeking community service hours or an organization that needs volunteers, visit their website today for more information.

Volunteens.com is a website that assists teens in finding service opportunities that best fit each individual. Whether it is working with children, animals, or the elderly, volunteering is extremely rewarding.

Be an educated parent, your teens will have a brighter future!

Sue Scheff: VolunteerSpot Save Parents Time and Hassel at Back-to-School

As massive budget cuts hit schools across country, free online tool makes it easy for parents to help our nation’s teachers


Back-to-school is right around the corner, and due to recent state-wide budget cuts, teachers and schools need parents’ help this year more than ever before. Parents will be asked to step-up and help in the classroom, the campus, and to support fundraisers. VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot.com), a free online coordination tool, simplifies the volunteer experience and makes it easier for more parents to get involved. Most importantly, VolunteerSpot is a proven success; the online sign up tool increases parent participation by 20% and raises school donation rates, too.

Any teacher or parent-leader can invite volunteers to sign up electronically through VolunteerSpot.com, and in two simple-clicks, parents can sign up for whatever activity and time works for them -- from reading to the class or brining snacks to the Fall party, to helping in library or cafeteria, to staffing important fundraisers like the school carnival or stadium concession stand. VolunteerSpot even sends automated messages reminding volunteers of their commitments. No more “reply all” emails, late night phone tag, or disorganized paper sign-up sheets.

“Back-to-school is an exciting but stressful time for teachers and parent-leaders as they set up their classrooms and prepare for the year’s fundraising activities,” said Karen Bantuveris, Founder & CEO, VolunteerSpot. “It’s our responsibility as parents to help out in any way we can, and VolunteerSpot helps by making it easier for more parents to get involved at school.”

“VolunteerSpot made it so easy to sign up parents to read to my kindergarten class,” says Erin W., of Austin, TX. “I set up the schedule in a few minutes, and VolunteerSpot did the rest. Within 48 hours, all the spots were full and the best part is the kids love seeing their parents in the classroom.”

VolunteerSpot brings the simplicity of an online party invitation to school volunteering and makes it easy for anyone to ask for help. The site also provides unique tools, from free e-books, including the new “Room Parent Survival Guide,” and smart tips on everything from how to throw a successful school carnival or bake sale to Teacher Appreciation Week.

VolunteerSpot recently helped the Carmel Unified School District in California win a $100,000 donation when they were faced with the request to mobilize volunteers for the US Open.  Asked to assemble a team to work approximately 14,000 hours over the course of seven days, the school district enlisted VolunteerSpot’s easy-to-use sign-up sheets, automatic e-mail reminders and organizational tools to ensure that the event went off without a hitch.

 

####

 About VolunteerSpot

Based in Austin, Texas, privately held VolunteerSpot (www.VolunteerSpot.com) is a free Web-based organization tool that powers grassroots volunteering at school and in the community. Founded by ‘mompreneur’ and PTA leader, Karen Bantuveris, VolunteerSpot's easy online sign-up tool saves time, streamlines communication and makes it simple for more people to get involved. VolunteerSpot has help organize more than a quarter-million volunteers since its public launch in April, 2009. VolunteerSpot is perfect for coordinating groups for anything - PTA activities, classroom helpers, carnivals and festivals, tournaments, VBS, service projects, mentoring sessions, group campouts, ministry meals, book fairs, swim meets, and more.... VolunteerSpot, DOING GOOD Just Got Easier!!!

Sue Scheff: PTA Fundraisers - Village Soap Company

Village Soap Company is a handcrafted and luxurious soap retailer based in Pinehurst North Carolina. We proudly offer the highest quality of soap products for your pleasure and enjoyment. Our products also make wonderful gifts for those you truly care about.

As school is opening, here is another practical and great idea for PTA Fundraising!

Raising funds for your PTA or Educational Event has Never Been Easier!
Read below to learn more about our 10% For Education Program.


How does it work?
As a retailer we sell fine luxury soap products online. When products are purchased from our website, customers receive a confirmation email which contains an Order Number and a Transaction Number. The customer may then go to the 10% For Education Program page and designate which PTA or Educational Event to support with their purchase. It is just that simple.

How can my PTA be added to the list?
Simply go to the “Program Participation Request” page and fill out the form. We will review the request and, if approved, we will add your PTA to our list.

I have been added to the list, now what can I do?
The next step is to let folks know about it. Let your community know that gift shopping with us will support your PTA or Educational Event.

Follow Village Soap Company on Twitter - and watch  for their new Facebook page coming soon!

If you have a cause you would like to raise funds for, contact them for their fundraising programs. Click here.

Sue Scheff: VolunteerSpot - Giving To Your Community

It is VolunteerSpot!  The place that everyone can be part of.  It is about time management, it is about giving and it is about being part of your community.

Whether you are part of an outreach program in Duval County or a youth group in St. John's County, VolunteerSpot can help you organize your community to benefit your cause and activities.  Fundraising can be a stressful time, however with supporters behind you, it makes everything a little bit easier and your success that much greater.

A little history of this young organization:

VolunteerSpot launched in Spring, 2009 with the mission of enabling ANYONE to quickly mobilize and coordinate volunteers in their community, congregation and social network. VolunteerSpot’s simple sign up application makes it easy for community members to participate and say YES to volunteering. No waiting for approvals and passwords, no software to install, just easy, free scheduling and sign up tools for everyday heroes making a difference. 

Learn more about VolunteerSpot at www.volunteerspot.com and visit their Blog. Follow them on Twitter and join them on Facebook.

Watch quick video and read more.

Sue Scheff: The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.

The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.

For many years you may have heard of Junior Leagues, but what exactly is there mission and who exactly are they?

Read more:

Welcome to the website of The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. And welcome to the world of over 160,000 women in 293 Leagues in four countries who make a difference in their communities every day through their volunteer efforts.

As we travel across the Association, we are truly humbled, moved and awed by the amazing work the women in this organization do, continuing the work that women as Junior League members have been doing for over 100 years. Our website celebrates the energy, vision, determination and savvy of our Leagues and their members.

We hope you'll take the time to read about what Leagues today are doing. We hope you'll consider joining a League, sponsoring one of our activities or attending an event. And we hope you'll share our passion for this remarkable organization and its members.

Visit http://www.ajli.org/ for more information and find your local chapter today. Start making a difference in lives in your community.