A Volunteer’s Perspective on Giving to FLOC

Since September, I’ve volunteered with FLOC Tuesday nights from 6-8pm tutoring a middle school student in reading and writing.  While the journey has not always been a smooth one as my student and I learned one another’s boundaries and I remembered what it was like to be in middle school again, overall, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  Also, as with most volunteering, I feel like I come away learning more than I’ve given.  I would recommend this organization to anyone in DC who is passionate about education and giving back to the DC community.

Are you looking for an organization to contribute either your time or money to?  Here are 5 reasons you should donate one or the other (or both!) to FLOC:

1. You’ve got the time.  This past year was a little crazy for me as I welcomed my husband to the US from Guinea (his first time to the US!), continued my studies toward a Master of Arts in International Education and worked full-time with an environmental non-profit here in DC.  All that to say that even if you’re busy – you’ve surely got a couple hours to hang out with a kid who wants to do better in school (or a few minutes to donate some money!).  Volunteering with FLOC takes just a couple hours a week and it’s flexible!  While I sometimes wanted to be doing something else before going to tutoring on Tuesdays, I always felt better afterwards and glad that I had come.  Do you work crazy long hours but are here on the weekends?  FLOC has programs on Saturday.  Are you away most weekends (like me) but have a weeknight free?  FLOC has after school and evening tutoring sessions.  Maybe you can just commit every now and again – FLOC has you covered there, too, with substitute tutoring.
2. You’ve got the means.  Whether that’s a few hours to spare or $24 to purchase an SAT prep study book for a FLOC scholar, there are many ways you can give back (both of your time and monetarily).
3. You’ve got the heart.  It’s hard to argue with helping children get back to their grade level in reading, writing and math.  Check out FLOC’s website to learn more about what they do!
4. You’ve got the desire.  In casually talking with friends and co-workers, so many have expressed an interest in joining a volunteer organization in the area but they haven’t found one that works for them.  Maybe FLOC is for you!
5. You’ve got what it takes.  While I don’t know you, if you’ve stumbled across the FLOC blog or read it regularly, you’re probably pretty great!  I’m sure you’ve got what it takes to give back to an organization that is doing so much for the DC community.

Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have questions (or leave your comments below!).  I’d love to share more about my experience with FLOC with you and hope you’ll think today about contributing to their organization.

From Tim Payne’s email: 

Follow FLOC on Facebook, Twitter, and read their  blog to help spread FLOC’s key message:

In DC, poverty persists: over 75% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.  The opportunity gap widens: barely 40% of secondary students are proficient in reading or math and average SAT scores put DC seniors in the lowest 20th percentile of their college-bound peers. For Love of Children (FLOC) is focused on closing this gap, 1 student at a time, and since 2006, 100% of FLOC’s high school seniors have graduated on time and all been accepted into a postsecondary institution. FLOC’s unique range of programming and curricula adapts to each student, providing consistent individualized support to over 600 students from the day they come through our doors to the day they earn their postsecondary degree.

Donate!

Minimum donation is $10

$12: Fees for processing one volunteer at FLOC

$24: SAT prep study book for a FLOC Scholar

$48: Reading materials for one year for a student in FLOC’s Neighborhood Tutoring Program

(Jennifer Bangoura is a volunteer at FLOC.  A version of this story appeared on her personal blog during FLOC’s participation in the DoMore24 campaign last week).

Summer Camp: A Student’s Perspective

There are many things that one would do in FLOC camp. I know FLOC is offering different camps now, but this is supposed to be about what I did in the last years camp. In a two weeks time period we had done activities with the “main ideas” of ecology, conquering fears, and fun. I also met new people.

One of the most common teachings was of ecology. Ecology is the study of relationships between living organisms and their environment. Last year I remember specifically talking about swamps, but that wasn’t all. While still in ecology FLOC staff taught us about eco-friendly energy sources. Since then I have been inspired and try to be more conscious about how much energy I use.  Camp has opened my eyes to another branch of science.

Another category was the conquering of your fears. I suppose you could also call being in uncomfortable situations. At FLOC we have to do uncomfortable things- which is different for everything- from bugs to sleeping on the hard ground of the earth. There is a lot of obstacles dealing with heights too, you don’t have to do them, but if you’re scared of heights you should try it. I have even conquered a fear while at camp.

Last is how much fun I had. The subjects before this was fun to me, I think everything was. Some fun activities were hiking/backing, camping, and canoeing. Meeting new people is always fun, it might not seem like it at first.

In this writing I may have not gotten the point straight across. The point is FLOC provides valuable memories. It is hard to come across those types of organizations sometimes. Also, this is a very vague writing, in hopes of not spoiling. I know I’ll be at camp and I hope to see you there too.

(Jordan is a student in the Leaders in Action program at FLOC’s Outdoor Education Center).

Share Your FLOC Story for Do More 24

Starting at midnight tonight, for one day only FLOC will be partnering with the United Way of the National Capital Area and hundreds of other area nonprofits to inspire and encourage our community to give where we live for Do More 24.

FLOC relies on a strong network of volunteers, families, and community partners to help students succeed from first grade through college and career. The following is just a glimpse into what FLOC means to them:

“You have the ability to adapt the curriculum to each student’s needs” –FLOC Volunteer

“The instructors treat the students well and my time here has helped me meet new friends and learn how to work well with others on a team.” –FLOC Student

“When [students] pass their tests, there’s a certificate to go on the refrigerator and a sticker. A gorgeous paper with an “A” on it. The best is the pride in their accomplishment.” –FLOC Volunteer

“I really didn’t like math, but the tutor made it fun and more educational for me.  Now I understand it better.”  -FLOC Student

“I could tell that they cared about her and her education.” –FLOC Parent

“I enjoy mentoring children and want to help out kids in my community here in DC.” –FLOC Volunteer

“It was not just ‘apply to college, it was ‘apply to lots of colleges and ultimately choose the best school for me.’ FLOC helped me see that a girl like me can do anything I put my mind towards.” –FLOC Student

Do More 24 is about sharing our stories. No matter your connection to FLOC, we all believe in a common mission and that together we can teach, empower and transform. Tomorrow, share your story of FLOC with others and consider making a small donation to FLOC.

For more information, visit our Do More 24 page.

(Kate Fleischer is the Development Assistant at FLOC).

FLOC Receives Additional Two-Year Grant from The Volgenau Foundation

Last year, FLOC’s Neighborhood Tutoring Program received a first-time grant of $15,000 from The Volgenau Foundation.  FLOC was excited to begin a partnership with The Volgenau Foundation and continue NTP’s growth with their support.  This year we asked the Foundation to consider a request for a two-year grant and FLOC is thrilled to report that the Foundation has not only met our request, but has exceeded it by awarding a two-year, $50,000 grant for Neighborhood Tutoring!

The Volgenau Foundation is a grantmaking foundation supporting environment, education, and the arts, was established in 1994 in McLean, Virginia. FLOC is one of their selected grantees in their education category.  The Volgenau Foundation supports nonprofits that engage organizations, families, and children in activities that enhance academic success, promote ethical understanding, and teach leadership skills.

FLOC is grateful for the Foundation’s commitment to our students and is truly honored to have received this grant.  We look forward to expanding our partnership with The Volgenau Foundation in the coming years.

(Kate Fleischer is the Development Assistant at FLOC).

Middle School Scholars Visit James Madison University

On Saturday, May 18^th, 7 Middle School Scholars visited James Madison University. Our middle school Scholars spent their Saturday experiencing the college campus. They started the day with lunch in the cafeteria. After lunch our students explored the campus with Terrence, who was specifically assigned to enrich their experience. Terrence works in student athlete services at the university and spoke to students about the importance of balancing sports while earning a degree. FLOC students experienced athletic facilities, academic buildings, and group study rooms. The time spent touring the vast campus will be an experience these middle school students will carry with them as they matriculate through their high school and post-secondary education.

(Maryanne Hall is a Scholars Program Instructor at FLOC). 

Our Favorite Books at FLOC

The FLOC staff recently came together for a baby shower.  Since we are all lovers of literature at FLOC, many staff members brought their favorite children’s books to share with the baby.  Some are well-known, award-winning classics and others are just fondly remembered.  In no particular order, here are some FLOC staff favorites:

Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess

If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Doctor De Soto by William Steig

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

If you’re looking for more great children’s books, check out this all ages list from Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/100books/

You might also find some new and old classics at the Common Sense Media site. They have complied some of the best books for kids into different categories. If you’re looking for books about the environment, books for reluctant readers, or some tried and true favorites, you can find them here: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-lists

(Kyla Wasserman is the NTP Curriculum Coordinator at FLOC).

Imoné’s Alternative Spring Break

Imoné (third from the left) and her friends pose in front of the van on their alternative spring break.

During the first week of April, our Leaders In Action students from Charles Town Middle School and Harpers Ferry Middle School had the opportunity to participate in an Alternative Spring Break Trip to Charleston, WV. During the trip we were given a tour of The Capital Building led by Delegate Paul Espinosa. We also met with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, as well as West Virginia’s Secretary of State, Attorney General, a Chief Justice, and multiple delegates. The next day we kicked off our Health and Gardening Unit by volunteering at an urban garden through the West Virginia State University Extension Office. To thank our host, Rock Lake Community Life Center, we gardened and cleaned their beautiful facility. While offering this meaningful leadership opportunity to our students, we interviewed a Charles Town Middle School student, Imoné.

Before the trip…

Sarah (Outdoor Education Center VISTA): What are you looking forward to the most on this trip?

Imoné  (Charles Town Middle School LIA student): I am mostly excited to meet the West Virginia Governor because he is the closest thing to meeting the president and an important figure to the state I live in.

Sarah: What were your plans for spring break if you did not attend this trip?

Imoné : Well, I would probably have sat at home and babysat. I am very glad to be able to take this trip with my friends!

Later in the week…

Sarah: What were some of your favorite things during our trip to Charleston?

Imoné : Definitely gardening and painting at the urban garden. I am very excited to start our upcoming Health and Gardening Unit!

Sarah: Why was this your favorite activity?

Imoné : I did not expect gardening to be fun but I really enjoyed it. It was fun to get muddy, plant vegetables, and learn about the earth.

Sarah: Did anything we previously learned in Leaders In Action prepare you for this trip?

Imoné : Yes, mostly our Global Connections and Local Government Units. Because we talked about both topics throughout the year, I was able to understand what we were talking about while at the Capital Building. Also, our Community Service Unit introduced me to the benefits of helping others in our community.

Sarah: What are some memories that you will take away from this?

Imoné : I have a lot! Some would be painting at the community garden, meeting West Virginia Government officials, meeting students from the Harpers Ferry Middle School LIA program, and getting to know current LIA members from Charles Town Middle School. I enjoyed the open environment to volunteer, talk, and have fun. I am very excited for next year!

This is Imoné’s first year in our Leaders In Action program. Due to how much she enjoyed this trip and how comfortable she felt with the staff and students, Imoné  plans on attending two summer camps at The OEC.

(Sarah Nowicki is an AmeriCorps Vista at FLOC’s Outdoor Education Center).