AmeriCorps Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Words Alive Volunteer Team of the Month - February 2017

Please join us in congratulating the AmeriCorps Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove – Words Alive Volunteer Team of the Month for February 2017!

Our AmeriCorps team members help deliver the Words Alive Family Literacy Program (FLP) to families in need in the Garden Grove community of Orange County.  Words Alive FLP expanded to serve Orange County for the 2016-2017 school year with a goal to reach 300 children 0-5 and their families.

Through We Can Read Orange County!, a grant provided by Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the Orange County United Way, and the Orange County Community Foundation, BGCGG and Words Alive are able to work together to fulfill our missions.

“The Words Alive Family Literacy Program has helped BGCGG be more intentional in the interventions that we offer our families with children ages 0-5. We have identified the most vulnerable communities in Orange County with gaps in resources resulting in low literacy levels. Now we have a curriculum that will show real gains in pre-literacy skills for our youngest Club Members. So far, our AmeriCorps Members have dedicated over 2,000 hours in service through our Readiness on the Road Program. With their service this year we will be able to reach over 300 children.”

-        Christina Sepulveda, Vice President of Programs and Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove
 

Check out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with our team below!

What is the most rewarding part of your work at BGCGG?

The most rewarding part about my work at BGCGG is knowing that families are creating memories when attending the program. Seeing parents spend quality time with their children is what motivates me to keep doing what I am doing because I know it impacts their lives in a positive way. 

-        Yvette Fuerte, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

The most rewarding part of working for BGCGG is giving back to the families in the community where I grew up in Garden Grove, and actually making a difference in their lives.  It's an amazing feeling.

-        Joanna Calderon, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

The most rewarding part is being able to experience growth in the families and children. I love that we get to sing our hearts out, and are able to provide families with quality care. Every activity has a purpose and most times it's so much fun, that no one even realizes they are learning.

-        Andrea Esparza, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

What is your favorite part of the Words Alive Family Literacy Program?

My favorite part of the Words Alive Family Literacy Program is that children and parents are learning the value of literacy and early learning through fun activities. Also, seeing the children’s love for books grow from week one through week seven. 

-        Yvette Fuerte, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

One of my favorite parts is doing the icebreaker with the parents. There is something beautiful and extraordinary in watching a mom stick her tongue out and slither like a snake, or seeing a dad jump around as he imitates a kangaroo.

-        Andrea Esparza, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

In week 7, when all the families get together and we are able to see the growth in all the kiddos, as well as the cohesiveness of the group. I love to see them networking at the end, and hear them tell each other what other classes might be similar to the one we offer. It's a great feeling!

-        Leslei Emard, BGCGG AmeriCorps Member

Katie Collins - Words Alive Volunteer of the Month - January 2017

Please join us in congratulating Katie Collins – Words Alive Volunteer of the Month for January 2017!

Katie began volunteering with Words Alive in October of this year. She is a full-time student at the University of San Diego, studying English, history, and education.  She joined us for the fall semester as an intern to help develop our Adolescent Book Group Program curriculum – a great learning opportunity for her, and a great help for the program!  She has been a wonderful addition, diligent in helping develop the program’s online content and web page, and creative with the advancement of our curriculum guides which we use program-wide to facilitate book group discussions in the classroom.  This January she will be traveling outside of the country to study abroad and has dedicated some time to continue her support of the program.

Katie, you have been such a professional and impressive volunteer intern, and we are so appreciative of the hard work you have done and continue to do for the Adolescent Book Group Program and for our organization.  Thank you!

Check Out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with Katie Below!

Katie, tell us a little about yourself! 
I am a junior at the University of San Diego, born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I am double majoring in English and History with a minor in Education, and my dream is to teach in an underserved, urban area in the United States. My favorite things to do include reading, yoga, rock climbing, and trying out new coffee shops. I will be spending the next five months in Buenos Aires, Argentina in a study abroad program, living with a host family, and taking all of my classes in Spanish, which will be extremely challenging for me but equally rewarding. 

How long have you been volunteering with Words Alive, and how did you get involved? 
4 months - I googled foundations or organizations in San Diego where I could combine my love of reading with the goal of promoting literacy with a classroom element. Words Alive was the first result, and I looked into our website and contacted Christina immediately!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer service with Words Alive?
So far my favorite contribution has been the opportunity to read and analyze The Glass Castle for the Teen Services program where I intern with Theresa. This memoir was so powerful and one of my favorite books I read in 2016. I loved being able to create a curriculum guide from scratch, knowing that my work would directly influence and guide classroom discussions among the in-class volunteers and students of the program. It excites me that the schools we work with are departing from the purely Eurocentric literary canon in favor of more contemporary and diverse material, which is all the more poignant and crucial to promote, now more than ever.

And, by the way, what are you reading lately?
I am currently reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, which was published about six months ago, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone! It follows two sisters in the late eighteenth century from a village in Ghana. One marries a slave-trader, and one is sold into slavery. I am almost finished with it, and I have no doubt that it is one of the best books that I have ever read. It is so important to promote own voice narratives and diverse literature. I cannot promote this novel enough.

Winter Yearick - Words Alive Volunteer of the Month - December 2016

Please join us in congratulating Winter Yearick– Words Alive Volunteer of the Month for December 2016!

Winter joined the Words Alive family earlier this year, and has jumped right in!  She began her involvement participating with the organization’s Event Committee, and was an invaluable source of support at the event in October. Winter exhibited such positivity and professionalism while monitoring the event’s silent auction.  She stayed past her shift to ensure the event wrapped up smoothly, and calmly handled all aspects of the closeout that were passed her way.

On top of volunteering for the luncheon, Winter shared her love of reading by supporting the Adolescent Book Group Program. Over the summer, while school wasn't in session, she volunteered to review books to add to our curriculum list. Reviewing books for our curriculum list allows for more options for our teachers.  This is how we learn of great books to share with our students and thus, enhance our program.

Winter, thank you for your time and dedication to Words Alive. Every little detail, and second of your time is appreciated.  We're grateful to have you on the Words Alive volunteer team!

Check Out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with Winter Below!

Winter, tell us a little about yourself! 
I’m a business professional originally from the East Coast, but love being in San Diego now. Most of my time is divided between work and my family, but I try to find time to enjoy all that the area has to offer. I also love to cook and read in my spare time.

How long have you been volunteering with Words Alive, and how did you get involved? 
I started volunteering in July of this year, so I’m still a newbie to the group!  I wanted an organization that I could relate to and felt passionate about their cause. I’ve always been a big reader and want others to share in my love of books, so when I saw Words Alive pop up in an email from someone I was intrigued. The more I read about the organization and the more I learned about the challenges the San Diego community faces, the more strongly I felt to get involved. I reached out to the group, and here I am now!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer service with Words Alive?
I really enjoyed seeing the fundraiser come together. To see so many people come together who feel passionately about literacy and opportunities for our youth is inspiring, and reminds me that we all have the ability to make a positive impact on someone else’s life. Surrounding myself with other people who want to make a difference has been the most rewarding part for me.

And, by the way, what are you reading lately?
I’m currently working my way through the Tess Gerritsen ‘Rizzoli and Isles’ series. I’m on a murder mystery kick at the moment, but I’m also reading ‘Helen of Troy’ by Margaret George on the side- it helps to balance out the scary!

Kathryn Kelly - Words Alive Volunteer of the Month - November 2016

Please join us in congratulating Kathryn Kelly – Words Alive Volunteer of the Month for November 2016!

Kathryn Kelly, University of San Diego senior, joined our team in September as the Development and Events Intern. Kathryn is incredibly organized in her approach to event management. She helped create all Social Media content for the 13th Annual Words Alive Author’s Luncheon including the beautiful slide show presentation at the event. She also helped organize in-kind donations for the raffle and silent auction. Kathryn’s ability to see what work needs to be done and accomplish the tasks at hand has been incredibly helpful in ensuring our success in raising support and awareness for Words Alive. Kathryn will complete her internship with Words Alive by helping us with our #GivingTuesday campaign. An opportunity for us to continue the excitement started at the luncheon and remind people that they can “Give the Gift of Reading” this year.

Check Out the Volunteer of the Month Interview with Kathryn Below!

Kathryn, tell us a little about yourself! 
I’m a senior at University of San Diego, where I’m majoring in Communications with double minors in Sociology and Marketing. If it wasn’t obvious by what I study, I’m definitely a people person! I get my energy from being around others and hearing their stories. When I’m not working or in class, I love hiking or being at the beach. I try to make it to the beach in some capacity at least once a week! I hope to pursue a career in corporate event planning or public relations, and interning at Words Alive has helped me take steps towards that goal.

How long have you been volunteering with Words Alive, and how did you get involved? 
I began as the Events and Development Intern at Words Alive in September.  I was initially drawn to this position because it gave me the opportunity to get experience in event planning and marketing. I loved that Words Alive works with children, teens, and families and supports a cause I care about. Half of my family is made up of teachers and principals, so education and literacy have always been close to my heart!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer service with Words Alive?
I love that I’m able to gain experience in so many different areas. I’ve been able to see how a big fundraiser is planned, what approaches are successful in marketing certain events, and the importance of relationship building in non-profit work. The most rewarding moment so far was seeing the Author’s Luncheon came together. I thought the event was such a success, and it was very rewarding to see all of the pieces fall into place. So much detail, attention, and hard work was put into the luncheon by a huge number of people, and being a small part of that team was really rewarding.

 And, by the way, what are you reading lately?
I’m currently reading a lot of textbooks, but I try to squeeze in some fun reading when I can! The book I most recently finished was Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. I loved it!

Words Alive Welcomes New Hire

Words Alive continues to grow, and as we expand, we are continually building our team. In that vein, we are excited to announce our newest team member, Sara Mortensen. Sara joins the Words Alive family as the Office Coordinator, responsible for front desk operations and supports development, events, communications and programs.

Sara is native to San Diego and graduated from the University of California, San Diego with both a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Dance. Previously, Sara worked as a Research Assistant with the Veterans Medical Research Foundation on the QUICK Study, which aimed to quantify how the use of Electronic Health Records in clinical settings affects physician-patient communication. Sara is also a volunteer for The Harry Potter Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works to create positive social change through the power of story. She currently holds the position of Research Team Lead for the Campaigns Department. Sara is very passionate about reading and is excited to be working with the Words Alive Team.

Now, let’s hear from Sara!

Sara, tell us what intrigued you about Words Alive?

I am very passionate about reading and since I have graduated from college, I have been interested in finding a full-time job at a nonprofit organization. So Words Alive seemed like a perfect fit for me! I think that the work that Words Alive does is so important for our community, and I really wanted to be a part of making that happen.

What are you most excited about in your new position?

I am most excited about how much I am going to learn in this position! I'm looking forward to working closely with multiple different departments here and seeing how I can best contribute to the success of Words Alive.

What is your relationship with literacy?

Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have early memories of reading, whether it was first learning to read in preschool, helping my best friend learn to read better in second grade, my mom reading Harry Potter with me every night, or discussing what books I'm currently reading with my friends. Literacy has been so important to my personal development and success, and I think that my love of books shapes a lot of my personality. When someone asks me to describe myself, the first thing I say is usually, "I'm a reader!"

And by the way, what are you reading currently?

I am currently reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and I am also listening to the audiobook of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. This is my third time reading The Name of the Wind; it is one of my all-time favorite books!

Currently, there are no employment opportunities at Words Alive, but we are ALWAYS recruiting for wonderful volunteers to work in the classrooms with both other students and families. Check out how to get involved as a Words Alive volunteer! #makereadingmatter #wordsalive.

Words Alive Awarded Community Partner of the Year by Neighborhood House Association

(Pictured left to right are: Dr. Alfonso Rodriguez - Director of Research and Training, NHA, Carter Anderson - WA Read Aloud Program Manager, Kimberly Maraya - WA Read Aloud volunteer at Miller Head Start, Sharon Gruby - WA Read Aloud volunteer at McGill School of Success and Read Aloud Program co-chair, Terri Hamlin -WA Read Aloud volunteer at McGill School of Success and Read Aloud Program co-chair, Amanda Bonds - WA Senior Program Manager)

Words Alive is honored to be recognized by the Neighborhood House Association as the 2016 Community Partner of the Year! For the past 5 years, Words Alive, our dedicated volunteers and the NHA have worked together to bring quality reading experiences, parent education and book ownership to Head Start families who need it most. We all agree that a strong literacy foundation is a key factor in scholastic success and we look forward to accomplishing more great thing together! 

At Words Alive, we believe that reading is a cornerstone skill and our mission is to open opportunities for success by cultivating a commitment to reading. Since 2011, we have partnered with the Neighborhood House Association and their collaboration sites within the San Diego Unified School District to bring the love of reading to preschool age children from underserved communities across San Diego. Through weekly read aloud sessions led by trained volunteers, parent workshops, lending libraries and book donations, we have worked alongside schools and families to build a culture of reading. The Neighborhood House has been an important partner in this endeavor and has worked with us to continually deepen our impact on literacy readiness among the families who need it most. Below is a snap shot of what we have accomplished together between 2011 and 2015 (the clock is still ticking on the current school year!):

·        Words Alive has donated 20,255 new and gently used books (given to children to build their home libraries and to site to create center-based libraries where families can borrow books from the same place they bring their children each day) .

·        Volunteers have dedicated 1,633 hours to reading aloud with children in the classroom, helping students cultivate a love of stories and wonder about their world.

·        Words Alive staff has led 255 hours of parent education workshops, helping parents to recognize and grow their power as their child’s first teacher.

These efforts have aligned nicely with the NHA’s three year goals to:

·        Engage the whole community in working together to ensure that children are ready for school (school readiness).

·        Develop programs, competencies and linkages that support and promote parent empowerment and self-sufficiency. (Parents – empowerment/Self-Sufficiency)

Other WA volunteers who read at our Head Start locations but were not able to attend NHA’s Volunteer event include; Sharon Gruby, Charlotte Germundson, Tora Grossman, Terri Hamlin, Christy Moore, Charline Meulemans, Kim Maraya, Cynthia Shenkman, Kathy Zybelman, Linda Sorrentino, Valentina Jones-Wagner

Summer Reading Book Drive

It is Reading Awareness Month in San Diego and to help share the importance of reading, Words Alive is participating in a summer reading book drive to benefit the libraries of San Diego. 

“More than half of the achievement gap between lower- and higher – income youth can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities. As a result, low-income youth are less likely to graduate from high school or enter college."

Low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement over the summer months. Books collected will be distributed to students by the San Diego Public Library to ensure they are able to keep up with their reading over the summer.

To announce this new endeavor, on April 19th Words Alive brought a Read Aloud Program classroom from Washington Elementary to the City Council Meeting. Our students were so excited to learn about what goes on at these meetings and shared their love of reading with the City Council. Madeline from the third grade class addressed the Council and shared, “reading is important because it lets you go places.”

In partnership with Council member Lorie Zapf, City of San Diego, United Way of San Diego County, and the San Diego County Public Library The Summer Reading Book Drive will run through May 31. We will have a collection bin here at Words Alive and keep a look out for bins at your neighborhood public library and select City Administration buildings in San Diego.

As part of our commitment to make reading matter to everyone, we want to encourage all of the work being done in San Diego that supports our mission, “to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading!”

Click HERE to view a list of all of the San Diego County Libraries and locations.

Investing In Early Childhood Development

Words Alive is working alongside some great organizations to support early education in San Diego, such as the Education Synergy Alliance P-3 Salon and the Diamond Education Excellence Partnership. Words Alive brings our expertise in early literacy to the table offering Family Literacy programming as part of community solutions. Early childhood education lays the groundwork for success in Elementary School and beyond.

“A critical time to shape productivity is from birth to age five, when the brain develops rapidly to build the foundation of cognitive and character skills necessary for success in school, health, career and life.” 

Dr. James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics and expert in economics of human development, argues that

it also pays to invest in a child’s early years.  The Heckman Equation shows for every dollar invested in early childhood education there is a “7%-10% per year return, based on increased school and career achievement as well as reduced costs in remedial education, healthy and criminal justice expenditures” for early childhood education.

During a recent visit to Dewey Child Development Center to join the celebration of families graduating from the Words Alive Family Literacy Program, I was struck by the story of a mother’s resilience and the role she felt Words Alive played in helping to empower her to be her child’s first and most important teacher. Maria has 2 children, Max age 4 and Camila, age 7. Maria shared that growing up and attending school in Mexico, reading was a challenge because she did not have books or the support that she needed to make reading accessible; “My parents never read to me, my mother never came to my school.” Asking what influence the program had on reading habits with her children, she continued “one of the most important things I learned is that reading isn’t just about the words on the pages, it is about colors, the pictures, rhyming, and the themes in the book." Maria said that both of her children are more engaged in reading now because she knows how to make it a fun part of their routine.

Maria and her children were just one of seventy families graduating from the 7-week Family Literacy program in March armed with new knowledge, a kindergarten readiness tool kit, and a commitment to continue to make reading matter for their children.

Programs like Family Literacy and the wide variety of early childhood programs throughout San Diego will give these families and children a level playing field, a better start to their school career, and an increased opportunity for high school graduation – all of which will lead to a boost in our economy. By one projection,

“A 5% increase in male high school graduation rates is estimated to save California $753 million in annual incarceration costs and crime-related expenditures. If that same 5% not only graduated but went on to college at the same rate as typical male high school graduates, their average earnings would accrue an additional $352 million annually.”

If a collaborative effort is made to provide access and empower families with young children we at Words Alive and other organizations working together can make a huge impact on our community. At Words Alive we believe that Literacy is the foundation of community and economic development. When everyone can read, whole communities thrive.

79th Assembly District's 2016 Salute to Women Leaders!

79th Assembly District's 2016 Salute to Women Leaders! 

Words Alive is proud to support both staff and volunteer team members who received recognition this past weekend at the 79th Assembly District's 2016 Salute-to-Women Leaders!  The event is a tradition from 1987 in which women who improve the quality of life in our communities are acknowledged. 

Words Alive's own Teen Services Program Manager Theresa Tolentino (left), was the recipient of the Social Service Award. Theresa adeptly manages volunteers and programs that connect 450 teens from Juvenile Court and Community Schools across the county to rich book discussions, writing programs, book ownership (often the first for many of the kids), author events, arts projects, scholarships, mentors and more. Most recently, she collaborated with teaching staff to develop a Share Your Story workshop, encouraging students to find their voice, develop a positive self-image, and hone the communication skills needed for successful writing, resumes, and interviews. Theresa is a champion of Words Alive's mission and embodies the power of service and education. We are proud to see her get recognized for all of her achievements. 

Theresa is joined (right) by Words Alive volunteers Billie Greene, who was recognized in the Community Activism category, and Ethel Daniels.  There were a total of 32 nominations in all.

Congratulations Theresa and Billie for a well-deserved salute to your community service and giving spirits! Thank you for your help in fulfilling our mission, to open opportunity for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading!

Words Alive Inspires Counselors During Forum

Words Alive was recently invited to participate in the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Alliance Middle & High School Counselor Forum, hosting a breakout session on volunteer and partnership prospects. As a continual effort to collaborate with like-minded organizations and institutions, Words Alive has made itself available for collaborative opportunities to provide more resources for students and families, as well as educating the community on the importance literacy plays in all aspects of our lives.

On March 8th, Operations Director, Chrissy Califf and Read Aloud Program Manager, Carter Anderson facilitated conversations with middle and high school counselors related to “needs of the whole student - academic, cognitive, social, and emotional” as part of an annual CSUSM Alliance event.

CSUSM Alliance is a community engagement cohort, ensuring students have support, connections, mentorship and a vehicle for success on campus. “CSUSM and K-12 districts in the university’s service region share a commitment to enhancing student success. With an interest in expanding and enhancing student experiences, the university and partner districts have developed a mutual agreement in which K-12 districts provide their students with a rigorous program of study and meaningful learning experiences and the university provides a guarantee of enrollment and a compendium of experiences designed to support college perseverance and success.”

It's Words Alive’s objective to discover, obtain and realize connections in the community in order to fulfill our mission in the classroom and beyond. As part of that cause, we will continue to seek avenues to present, facilitate and foster discussions about ways to join forces to tackle illiteracy within our community.