Open Doors Academy January Newsletter

Issue: # 6

January, 2009

Happy New Year!

I hope that 2009 presents the start of a great year filled with opportunities and growth! The past year has been challenging, with the struggling economic environment, and the many changes we have seen society endure. In this time we have seen many non-profit organizations close their doors, or have to make significant sacrifices that have compromised their programs. We are extremely grateful for the continuing support of our donors and stakeholders. In a time, where we needed your support the most, you came through. Your continued support through this turbulent time has held us afloat and allowed us to continue to offer high quality programming throughout the last year, without having to cut staff and/ or major programming components. We are grateful to you for your support!

As we move into 2009, we are excited about the many prospects that lie ahead. As you read the article on "What Makes Open Doors Unique", I hope you will consider the opportunity to come in and see our program in action. Our doors are open to you! Also, be sure to catch up on our students of the month! Stay warm!

Sincerest Regards,

Annemarie M. Grassi, M.S.Ed.
Executive Director

Open Doors Academy News

6th Grader Julian Willis brings math to life under the instruction of volunteer, Evelyn Sallee

What Makes Open Doors Academy Unique?

We are often asked the question, "what makes Open Doors unique?", and "what separates you from other organizations?" These question can be answered in many different ways. We could point to our metrics which demonstrate significant growth across the board, both short -term growth and long-term growth. We could point out that 14 of our graduating seniors are preparing for college in the fall. We could show that our small staff to child ratio, allows for greater opportunities to build relationships between staff and youth as well as maintain a more structured and engaging environment. We could also point to our curriculum and the emphasis we place on building community, or as our youth reference it "family". These are all critical components that make our program unique. However, independently, they are only a piece of the puzzle. Together, they make up the Open Doors Model, a model that is both unique and holistic in nature.

If you have ever had or been a teenager you are likely to recall those often treacherous years that often involve a roller coaster of emotions, hormones, and endless need to be accepted by one's peers while still developing a sense of independence and uniqueness in one's own self. These years are often presented as the most difficult years an individual endures. They are also the most lonely years, as teens tend to turn inward to deal with these changes. In response to these needs, Open Doors developed a model that embraces those challenges that youth face.

jaylaandhalle

Jayla Meyers, 6th grader, and Halle Sallam (6th grader) test their ability to defy gravity with the egg parachute drop (left). Kate Miller, 8th grader, makes it to the third level as she prepares to launch her egg from the ladder (right).

The Open Doors Program Model is designed to support the resiliency model which incorporates positive social interactions with teens and adults, setting and communicating high expectations, providing caring and supportive relationships, teaching life skills, and setting clear and consistent boundaries. In order to best implement the programming; all staff are trained in the youth resiliency model and receive continuous professional development opportunities to ensure that programming is implemented both properly and successfully. All programming is set up to be highly interactive, engaging, and includes both community building, and opportunities for individual growth and success.

Adekoya Truitt - Obebe, 6th grader, reacts to finding a crack in her egg as Cameron Mack, 6th Grader, and Jeff Harrell, Mediation Facilitator look on to determine if it is moving on to round three in the egg drop tournament.

The most critical component of the model is the community building component. Open Doors firmly believes in the development of leadership, responsibility of civic and community engagement, and a sense of community belonging amongst adolescents. One of the organization's strongest areas is its ability to create a safe and welcoming community where youth can "remove their masks" and be themselves. In this environment, students are able to express themselves, challenge each other, and begin developing their sense of self, their commitment to themselves and to others, and their responsibility to the community as a whole. Open Doors is firmly grounded in the principal of teaching a child about their civic responsibilities and their responsibility to give back to the community. In order to address these issues, Open Doors engages its youth in a variety of programming that promotes intellectual thinking, engagement in the community, and service to others. 90% of reported Open Doors alumni stated that they believe that Open Doors helped them build a better relationship with the community as a whole.

Although each component of the model is equally important, the individual pieces together are what make Open Doors both highly successful and unique!

Our Doors are Open To You!
If you would like to schedule a visit to one of our programs, please contact Annemarie Grassi at agrassi@opendoorsacademy.org or (216) 229-1900.

Coming Soon!

Open Doors Academy

Prepares to Launch a New Website!

In March, 2009. Thanks to the generous donation of an Open Doors supporter, we will launch a brand new website. This website will serve as both an informational as well as interactive communication tool for us and our stakeholders. A few of the new features will include:

Online student registration
Student/ Parent/ Alumni Log in pages with student profiles and opportunities to interface through blogs, discussion boards, and the infamous "shout out" boards.
Interactive calendar of events
Direct on-line donation page, as well as, online registration for the Kickball/ Dodgeball Tournament and an online auction for our Spring Fundraiser!
Meet the staff page with information on our team
Enhanced photo gallery
Archived Newsletters and Media Clippings
Plus Much More... Stay Tuned...