|
Adopt A School and Volunteer Program: A husband and wife team who volunteered at Waccamaw School tutored a 4th grade boy whose mother had died a year earlier. His father is a long haul truck driver who often cannot be home so the young man lives with his grandparents. The volunteers were helping the young boy with his reading, but noticed he seemed sad most of the time. He missed his dad. One day he mentioned he would be traveling with his dad through the summer vacation so he was looking forward to the end of the school year. While talking about the time he'd spend with his dad and the places they would be going, his eyes would brighten and he would smile. The couple had the idea to incorporate the upcoming trip with their tutoring. They asked the child to find out exactly where they would be going; they brought in a map and mapped out the route. He learned how to figure the miles to be driven, how far they could drive in a day, the miles per gallon the truck would get, how much gas they would be purchasing and the cost, etc. He learned to read a map and use the scale and the legend. This child's sadness soon disappeared as he smiled much more, seemed much happier and well-adjusted.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: A 7th grader was referred to us having failed his End-of-Grade test score and showing low grades in homework and daily assignments. He possessed an attitude that was difficult for others to witness and much worse for him to own on a day to day basis. He was uncaring for himself and others and demonstrated a real lack of any motivation to do well in school and in his personal life. During the previous year he was caught with a knife and was tagged as continually getting into fights. Dwight had few friends and allowed no one to become close to him. His teachers tried to help and recommended the CIS after school program as a safety net. As the year progressed, Dwight showed signs of recovery. He became friendly and laughed with others around him. He contributed to group activities and took the lead in daily games of Jeopardy. He talked of careers he found interesting and soon began completing homework assignments. Dwight is a true advocate for after school. He tells his peers about the things he does each week and has started building relationships with his teachers. He is respectful of the after school staff and his peers, he is slowly becoming involved in sports, and his entire attitude is changing. His mother states that the change in his character and grades is due to the attention he received during the after school program.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS: Peggy quit high school in the 10th grade. After her three children were born, she decided it was time to finish school. In 2002 she started attending GED classes at the Waccamaw FRC 2-3 times a week and received her diploma this past spring. The FRC provided transportation for her to class and to take her GED tests at the community college. She is now registered in the cosmetology program at Brunswick Community College. Her advice to young people thinking of dropping out of high school: “Finish school. You can’t do anything without an education these days. It was very hard for me after being out for all those years, but I kept trying until I finished this time.”
FAMILY LITERACY: A letter from a parent at the Literacy Center: “We moved from Texas last July and I planned to go back to work once I settled in Leland. One day I took my son for a doctor’s appointment and while waiting I started reading a magazine. I found English as a Second Language class ad. I called and I got the address and after the appointment I went to see the school. For my surprise it was a literacy program for parents. I told them that I would like to learn to write better English. The Director gave me an application and Ms. Bess explained to me how in six months I will get my GED, better English and learn computer programs.
I am working now on my last test, writing. Writing for me in English is hard but not impossible. I am here to learn and I will do my best. All the work for a GED will give a better knowledge of English. After I get my GED, I will enroll in college.
Leland Family Literacy Center provides childcare, food, free clothes, school supplies, etc. Parenting classes, nutrition and finance classes are also a big addition to this program. They are also helping us with our children’s development. I thought that this center would only teach me how to get a GED, better English and computer programs, I was wrong. I am being blessed.”
PARENTING EDUCATION: Trying to bridge the relationship gap between her stepdaughter and herself, Mary decided to attend parenting classes with her stepdaughter Alex. Alex was having behavior problems at school as well as at home. In the initial sessions of the program, Mary was eager to point out the problems she was having with Alex and was very negative in all references to her stepdaughter. In keeping with typical adolescent behavior, Alex came to class the first week with her arms crossed, refusing to make eye contact with anyone and answered all inquires with “I don’t know” or “I don’t care”. As classes progressed, the dynamics of Mary and Alex’s relationship changed. Alex quickly warmed up to the children’s facilitator of our program. She often bragged about the trouble she was getting into at school, referring to herself as “bad.” Searching for acceptance, Alex began to look forward to coming to class and would openly confide in the facilitator. The program curriculum allowed our facilitator opportunities to aid Alex in communicating more positively as a family member.
Although extremely negative when referring to her stepdaughter, Mary kept an open mind and tried several strategies she learned in our program when dealing with Alex’s behavior. One week Mary reported the benefits of utilizing stress reducing techniques and stated Alex had told her friends, “My Mom didn’t yell so much this week!” Mary also stated that Alex had learned through the program the importance of being accountable and taking on her own responsibilities of completing homework. Mary was delighted when homework was no longer a major issue in the household.
As the weeks progressed, Alex began to come to class smiling and more willing to cooperate. She was eager to help the younger children of the group with their craft projects and at times, displayed an air of self-confidence. Our program director decided to capitalize on an opportunity to help Alex continue to build a more positive self image. The director approached Mary to discuss the possibility of Alex volunteering with the upcoming parenting program and assist the children’s facilitator with the children’s program. Mary agreed to this proposition. Alex was then asked by the facilitator to volunteer and assist with the children’s program for the following twelve week session and she was thrilled to help out. Mary was happy to support Alex by driving her to and from class weekly and thanked our staff over the course of the 12 weeks for providing such a positive experience for Alex. She told one of our Parent Facilitators, “I brag about Alex and tell my friends all the things she has done here!”
Teen Court: The program mission is to offer first offenders a second chance at a clean record with education and skills to not make the same mistakes again. “Joe” was one of those students who needed a second chance. He was into sports, wanted a college scholarship to play, but he rebelled at home and then “messed” with drugs. Joe thought like countless other youths that he wouldn’t get caught, but he did and the consequences could have meant a loss of a scholarship and the ability to do his favorite thing – sports. Joe came to Teen Court so he wouldn’t have to go to “real court”. He completed his sentence and thanked us for giving him a “second chance.” But his most profound statement was, “It got me off drugs. I’ve learned not to do drugs because they hurt you, your loved ones and your life.” With hard work and determination Joe can now go on to accomplish his goals.
Teen Court works with student volunteers as well as first offenders. The first night young Tabitha came to Teen Court as a volunteer she was dressed all in black right down to her fingernails. She came searching for a place where she could fit in and make a difference and that first night she decided Teen Court was where she wanted to spend her time. Tabitha became a defense attorney representing first offenders in need of a second chance with the law and with life. Immediately she connected with the offenders, relating to them at their point of need and assisting them in their move forward. Unknowingly to her, she became a role model for many teens in need of an example to follow. During that first year, Tabitha changed by throwing off her “Goth” look and focusing her attention on others in need. She has impressed elected officials with her speaking abilities, brought focus to the needs of our youth in our community and touched the hearts of her fellow teens with her compassion. She became a leader by example and by deed. Four years later, Tabitha is now ready for college and was awarded a scholarship by the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis Club for her community service through Teen Court. She will represent Brunswick County well as she moves to the next phase of her life.
Peer court/DROPOUT PREVENTION PROGRAM: Dianna was a 6th grade student who appeared as a first time offender in the Peer Court Program. She completed all of her sentencing, stating that she enjoyed her community service hours in a local thrift store. Dianna was then placed with a certified tutor and a mentor as part of the Dropout Prevention Program. Her grades improved the last 9 weeks and she started making an effort to get along better in class and with other students. All of her teachers reported that Peer Court and the Dropout Prevention Program had a positive impact on her as they had seen an increase in her positive behaviors and a decrease in her negative behaviors. Dianna made vast improvements with her attitude towards school and now seems to take her role as a student more seriously.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS: CIS provided 16 ($1,000) academic scholarships for Brunswick County graduating seniors.
“Helping Kids Stay in School and Prepare for Life”
09-10-09
|
