from staff
As our community continues to struggle with a tight economy and shrinking budgets, the Daily Record has established this page that will each week feature local nonprofit organizations. We invite all members of the local nonprofit community to submit news, announcements, success stories and any other information they feel would be of interest to our readers. E-mail to: [email protected].
We also hope that this will enable our readers to become more aware of the needs of these worthy organizations as they try to continue to provide valuable services with reduced resources.
Youth programs as crime prevention and economic development
Two core interests of the local community — crime prevention and economic development — are the focus of Communities In Schools (CIS).
After School Director Eric Johnson is making sure the CIS Jacksonville Journey Team Up sites are up and running. Scores of students are participating in the voluntary program.
“These kids want to be here. They vote with their feet. If we are not providing them something worthwhile, they won’t show up,” said Johnson. “They are making good choices by coming here, and they will make good choices elsewhere. Everyone seems to make them out to be born criminals, but they aren’t.”
Communities In Schools was recently awarded funding for the largest number of Team Up after school program sites through the Jacksonville Journey crime prevention initiative. But conversations among the students or CIS staff aren’t focused on the topic of crime.
“What are we saying about children when we refer to youth programs as crime prevention programs?” asked Communities In Schools CEO Jon Heymann. “Are we saying that without us they would be criminals? That’s ridiculous. That’s why we will always see our role as fostering economic development. Crime prevention is a byproduct of that, not the primary goal.”
CIS is the largest provider of in-school programs that ensure students stay in school and prepare for life. That goal is met through a range of services including case management, mentoring, after school programs and literacy tutoring. Approximately 6,600 students participate in the local organization’s programs, which makes it the largest affiliate in Florida and third-largest in the nation.
The national CIS network has been recognized by Worth Magazine as one of the top 100 organizations “most likely to save the world.” It is also featured in a new book, “The Charismatic Organization: 8 Ways to Grow a Nonprofit that Builds Buzz, Delights Donors, and Energizes Employees,” by Shirley Sagawa and Deborah Jospin.
The in-school focus of the organization makes it unique.
“We build no buildings, only relationships,” said Heymann. “Providing services inside the school keeps costs low, provides a location that is familiar to families and facilitates the connection between the family and the school.”
The founder of the national CIS network, Bill Milliken, recently authored a book titled “The Last Dropout: Stop the Epidemic.” In the book, Milliken asks, “If it takes a village to raise a child, what does it take to raise a village?” He goes on to explain the value of programs hosted inside schools as a way to build community. “These facilities are physically central to the community,” he said. “It’s right there, it’s a place where families are already used to going, it’s a public trust, and all too often it’s underutilized once classes are over for the day.”
Research conducted by ICF Consulting and funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies provided evidence that the CIS program model produces results. The report found the model is one of the few that is proven to reduce dropout rates and increase graduation rates.
“At the end of the day these students are going to make the grade. You won’t see them on the evening news tonight regarding the latest shooting. You’ll see them on the news years from now when they are successful at their careers and giving back to the community,” said Johnson.
For more information on Communities In Schools visit www.cisjax.org or call 904-354-5918.
– Submitted by Marcus Haile, Communities in Schools communications director
Giving kids a smile
A group of 15 dentists from the Jacksonville Dental Society went to the Sulzbacher Center Friday for the American Dental Association’s annual “Give Kids a Smile” day. They donated their services and treated homeless and needy children who otherwise would not have access to dental care. Last year, the program provided more than $38,000 worth of services locally and more than $1 million statewide.
First Coast Heart Ball has Valentine’s Day theme
The American Heart Association will present the 2009 First Coast Heart Ball, “The Journey of Amore,” Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa. Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba is this year’s special honoree. The evening will begin with cocktails, then take a culinary tour of Italy plus live music and dancing. A live auction will be conducted by former State Rep. Aaron Bean. Tickets are $350 per person or $700 per couple and all proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association. For details and reservations, call 739-0197.
Second 26.2 with Donna Sunday
Marathon racers from all over the country will be in Jacksonville later this week for the 2009 “26.2 with Donna” National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer. Saturday, race registration and packet pickup will be held at the Hyatt along with a Health & Fitness Expo presented by Winn-Dixie from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The marathon and half-marathon will begin and end Sunday at the Mayo Clinic Campus. The Runner’s Village will open at 4 a.m. Sunday with the marathon set to begin at 7:30 a.m. For more details and a course map, visit www.breastcancermarathon.com.