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Teen Mentors Make a Difference

1/10/2017

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It's National Mentoring Month!
Frederick Douglass once said "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Here at UCM, we couldn't agree more. Every weekday afternoon, the UCM Creekside Village Community Center is filled with young students eagerly working on homework and enjoying healthy snacks. All with the caring assistance of volunteer "Homework Helpers" that include local elementary school teachers and teens from area high schools.

The UCM Creekside Village Community Center, located in Creekside Village Apartments on Janna Lee Avenue in the Hybla Valley area, offers programs throughout the year for families and youth, including enrichment activities, clubs like Girls On The Run and the Future Young Men group, and educational field trips.

During the past school year, West Potomac High School Senior Nasim Al-Saadawi has been one of those active teens volunteering several afternoons a week at the center to mentor elementary and middle school students. A Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 996, Nasim chose the community center for his Eagle Scout project to fund, design, and build 25 large wooden desks. He then took his involvement many steps further by designing a tutoring program to work with the youth, where he recruits fellow West Potomac students to join in. “I refer to Nasim as our ‘Student Ambassador,’” says UCM Community Center Supervisor Deborah “Ms. Debbie” Finley.

“Being a tutor and role model is a caring and important way to influence our youth to inspire them with bigger dreams, so they can succeed at school and in life," she continues. “Their influence works wonders. In the short term, we see the children’s report cards and their grades do improve. Many have even made the honor role at Fort Hunt Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and Carl Sandburg Middle School. In the longer term, it makes a positive and lasting difference in their young lives.”

“Growing up, I learned about UCM and how it provides help to people in need, from my Boy Scout Troop 996,” explains Nasim. “It meant a lot to collect donations in our neighborhoods with the Scouting for Food drive every November, plus my grandmother donated to UCM. I have been lucky growing up in the family that I have, and I learned that it feels good and it is important to help others who maybe have less fortunate family situations.”

PictureTeen mentors Andy and Nasim award a certificate to a mentee at the community center holiday party.
Ms. Deborah is most appreciative of how Nasim has incorporated his observations about each student into her regular discussion reviews for each child, that includes the teachers who volunteer at the center. “Nasim is so helpful with observing and then helping to make a plan with us so that we are addressing each student’s individual learning challenges,” she explains.

“I enjoy being with the children and seeing them learn,” Nasim continues. “At the holiday party in December, we decided to create special certificates for our mentees, like “Most Improved Student” for example. It is a great feeling to see them accomplish and learn so much, and be proud of their improving grades.”

View Creekside Holiday Party photo album >>

The students appreciate the help and advice of Nasim and his fellow teen volunteers. “Mr. Nasim and his friends help me with my science homework, like learning everything about atoms and matter and elements and compounds,” says one fifth grade boy who has been coming to the after-school programs since kindergarten. “Mr. Nasim is cool. He makes learning fun and cool. I got one of the certificates that said ‘Most Improved’ at the holiday party – that was cool too.”

If your group or someone you know – teens included – would like to get involved to volunteer with our youth and children’s programs, email UCM Volunteer Coordinator April Love
.

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)


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Meet the UCM Board Officers and Directors for 2017

1/9/2017

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Picture(Left to right) UCM Board Chair Ken Disselkoen, Vice Chair Janet Heddeshiemer, and Secretary Jim Seeley. (Photo credit: Mount Vernon Voice, Steve Hunt)
At the UCM Annual Meeting on Dec. 8, 2016, we welcomed new Board of Directors Chair Ken Disselkoen. The 2017 officers were elected and installed. Three new Directors joined, and we thanked those whose terms of volunteer service have expired.

The new officers are Chair Ken Disselkoen; Vice Chair Janet Heddesheimer; Treasurer Lan Pasciak; and Secretary Jim Seeley. Elin Bohn (President of The Friends of UCM), Joanna Crane, and Thomas Curcio were installed as new Board Directors.  Three members retired from their volunteer service: David Barber (Board Secretary), Moira Flanders, and Andrew Reinsdorf.

“For almost a half century, UCM has been committed to providing holistic programs and services to vulnerable children, youth, families, and adults residing in southeast Fairfax County,” says UCM Executive Director, Nichelle A. Mitchem. "Current data for our region reminds us that the need for UCM's programs and services continues to be great now and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as Executive Director supported by such a dedicated Board. UCM's staff is extremely grateful for their service and leadership in our efforts to improve the quality of life for people in poverty."

Thank you to Mount Vernon Voice for the UCM photo collage in the Dec. 8, 2016, issue. Read the article

Learn more about the UCM Board of Directors.

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)

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Top Ways to Help at UCM

1/8/2017

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Volunteer in the New Year
Has the New Year inspired you to do something that benefits others? We have volunteer opportunities that will put a smile on someone's face and warmth in your heart. If you've been contemplating your resolutions, volunteer with UCM. There are many opportunities that can accommodate your interests, passions, and busy schedules. 

Easy Ways to Volunteer in the New Year

1. Volunteer at the Back Porch Thrift Store.
Our thrift store located at Sacramento Shopping Center on Richmond Highway is open 7 days a week until 6.30 pm. We always need reliable volunteers (age 18 and older) and can accommodate your busy schedule. Volunteer assignments include helping to sort donated items, organize inventory, and stock the shelves. Helping out at the store is a critical but easy way to earn community service hours. 


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2. Host a Food Collection Drive in your neighborhood or at a local grocery store. 
This can be a great opportunity for a young family and can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be. It can be as simple as designing a flyer, distributing in your neighborhood or posting online, collecting the donations at a central site, and delivering to UCM at a scheduled time. The pantry always needs non-perishable food items. We especially appreciate donations of heart-healthy food, such as low-sale canned vegetables, low-sugar cereal, and whole grain pastas. (And we welcome monetary donations to purchase food too, with our partner discounts.)
Learn how to host a Food or other collection drive >>

3. Do you love babies and young children?
Volunteer at the UCM Early Learning Center as a teacher assistant or to read to our PreK classes, for example. We have flexible hours to accommodate your busy schedule, at your convenience.


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One of our most critical needs is volunteers to interact with the infants and toddlers. This opportunity is perfect for retired teachers or anyone age 18 or older who likes children. Volunteer Jennifer Marks assists the Lead Teacher in the Infant Room, on afternoon a week.  “The early years are so critical for a child’s development,” says Jennifer.  “Just by being here to play with or read to the children for some extra one-on-one attention is so gratifying.  It’s fun to see them learn and grow.  And I get my exercise too!"
View opportunities to volunteer with children

4. Do you enjoy volunteering with your friends?
  • Operate the Food Pantry for a day or afternoon with your colleagues or other group.
  • Volunteer as a group at the Back Porch helping to sort donated items, organize inventory, and stock the shelves.
  • Contact us about opportunities to help at one of our events or community food drives

Visit our Volunteer webpage to learn how you can make a difference helping with these and other short- and long-term opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages. Then sign up for an Orientation, or email our Volunteer Coordinator April Love. 

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)


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Because of You: Merry Thanks!

1/7/2017

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PictureClick image to view our Holiday Photo Album
Holiday Joy for Hundreds of Children and Families
We rely on your generosity to make the season joyful for local families who are struggling this year. And once again, we are humbled by the generous outpouring of support by our caring community.

Thanks to donations of in-kind gifts and monetary support -- and the commitment of our dedicated volunteer Santa elves -- our Holiday Gift Room provided toys, games, books, and warm clothing for more than 1,000 children. More than 600 families enjoyed a special December holiday meal thanks to holiday collection drives and donations.

We especially appreciate all the community groups, faith communities, businesses, schools, families, retailers, and other groups that hosted collection bins or drives.

View list of participating groups

The next time you stop at one of our participating retailers, such as Five Below and Walgreens at Beacon Hill, please tell them you appreciate their support for UCM.

View the Holiday photo album

Thanks for being "Part of the Heart" to make a joyful holiday for our kids and families!

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)


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Congratulations, PreK Teacher Lolita Sellers!

1/6/2017

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Child Care Aware of Virginia Award
Lolita Sellers, who has taught PreK at the UCM Early Learning Center for more than 25 years, was honored with The Sharon R. Veatch Heart of Service Lifetime Achievement Award CCAV at the Child Care Aware of Virginia annual conference on Dec. 1, 2016. 

“Ms. Lolita,” as she is affectionately called by her students, was nominated in recognition of her longstanding contributions to the early care and learning profession and to the children and families whom she has served so faithfully.

Lolita Seller is a lifetime educator of young children and as such embodies the words of author Neil Postman: “Children are the living messages we sent to a time we won’t see.” She has worked with a wide variety of families at the UCM Early Learning Center for more than 25 years. 

“We appreciate Ms. Lolita as an exemplar Lead Teacher,” says Center Director Torria Baker. She demonstrates a keen understanding of how children construct knowledge through play, exploration, and interactions. To this end, she fully integrates play in the curriculum and uses a variety of strategies to encourage children’s growth, development and learning in terms of developmental domains, multiple intelligences and learning styles. Her interactions with children support creative development in a manner that enhances learning and validates the process of creating.

Ms. Lolita is noted for her ability to create and maintain a nurturing emotional climate that provides security for children through being present and fully engaged,” says Elizabeth McNally, UCM Deputy Executive Director and a former Director of the Early Learning Center. “Having worked with families from a variety of cultures, she ensures the learning environment reflects the cultural and linguistic influences of the families she serves which in turn fosters the development of the whole child. She has dedicated decades to her profession, often in the face of funding challenges and statewide priorities that work in opposition to consistent, quality early care and learning programs.”

“With her brilliantly creative mind, Ms. Lolita has undeniable talent to evoke in children the very imagination and desire to explore the world around them,” continues Torria. Through her service to hundreds of children and families over the years, Ms. Lolita has indeed had a positive, multi-generational impact not only with those families, but with the community at large. Congratulations and thank you, Ms. Lolita!

Learn about the UCM Early Learning Center

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)

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Community Spotlight: Mount Vernon Branch AAUW

1/4/2017

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"The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Mount Vernon Branch recognizes how much the wellbeing and advancement of all women is closely tied to finding the assistance and support they need with their parenting responsibilities," explained Co-Presidents Joanna Crane and Mary Ellen Mehler on a recent visit to the UCM Early Learning Center. "By providing meaningful support to the Center, we hope to help provide a creative educational environment for the children, and thereby help young mothers complete their education and enter the workforce."

The AAUW Mount Vernon Branch has selected the UCM Early Learning Center as one of its focus causes for 2017. At its Holiday Brunch meeting in December, AAUW members brought a book or art supplies to donate for the children and families at the Center.

"On behalf of all of us at the UCM Early Learning Center, thank you so much to the AAUW members for the very thoughtful gifts of the new picture books, art supplies, area rugs, and handmade afghans for our students," says Torria Baker, Director of the UCM Early Learning Center. "Exploring and creating with art materials is an important part of The Creative Curriculum (R) that we use in all our classrooms. Young children who engage in expressive art activities gain a sense of accomplishment and grow in their autonomy, a critical part of their social and emotional development.”

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"And we certainly appreciate all the beautiful picture books,” she dontinued. Our children always love books. Books are interactive and demand that children think. They help develop and nourish childrens' imaginations, expanding their worlds and inspiring creativity.

"I hope many of the members – and other community members -- will come visit our Center soon, to take a tour and meet our students and teachers. And maybe even read a book or too with us!"

Learn more and schedule a tour
Volunteer at the UCM Early Learning Center

(UCM E-news Jan. 2017)

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    UCM E-News
    JanUARY 2017

    Table of Contents:

    Teen Mentors

    UCM 2017 Board

    Volunteer in 2017

    Merry Thanks!

    Lifetime Achievement Award for PreK Teacher Lolita Sellers


    Community Partner Spotlight: Mount Vernon Branch, AAUW

    Q

    ​

    January 2017

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