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The Writing is on the Wall....
Aaron T., a 2006 graduate from North Coast Academy and outstanding YouthAbility volunteer (Aaron is pictured on the left in the newsletter header on our trip to Washington DC) is proof that our challenges are not road blocks in our path-but hurdles to be overcome on our way to the finish line. Five years ago, Aaron attended North Coast Academy, a drop-out prevention program for students at-risk of not graduating high school. Today he is president of the Black Engineers Society at Toledo University.
How did Aaron get from Point A to Point B? This winter Aaron came back to his old school and explained his journey to the current students of North Coast. Aaron began his presentation with a quote of his own, "When you take the initiative, you will have a chance at great rewards. If you pass on it, it becomes another missed opportunity." He went on to list his five tips for every student:
· Be self aware - know your own strengths and weaknesses.
· Plan for the future now - don't wait.
· Be flexible - life doesn't always go according to plan.
· Use your resources - there are people who want to help.
· Take initiative - create opportunities for yourself.
Aaron said understanding these principles helped him-and he wished he would have adopted them earlier in his life. A month after his presentation, the students at North Coast painted Aaron's words on mural in their school. Now the writing is on the wall for all to see as an inspiration to start each day. YouthAbility is pleased to be able to collaborate with great partners like North Coast Academy to help teens learn to jump life's hurdles. |
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The Gift of Giving
Hats off to YouthAbility food delivery volunteers who have generously decided to donate all of their delivery tips to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Campaign for Jewish Needs from February through May. Lindsay C., Sari G., Brian J. and Scott K. are our lunch delivery volunteers and Ben P. and Eden S. are our challah delivery volunteers. After a discussion about the importance of the campaign, Scott K said, "I think we should donate all of our tips to Federation because we are lucky that they give us a chance to volunteer and work on our job skills. There are other people who need the money." To date, collectively they have donated more than $200. Thank you all for your leadership and philanthropy! |
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Upcoming Opportunities!
Call Heidi at 216.378.3434 to sign up or for more information.
Fitness - Thursdays 6:15 - 7:15 at Mandel JCC
We are preparing to participate in another charity run/walk. We are working on our fitness and learning about a good cause we can support. Meet in the JCC lobby.
Gardening - Thursdays 3:30 - 4:30 at MAYA Garden
We will prepare the soil and plant spring crops. We will also create garden art. Meet at the garden located between Agnon School and Fuchs Mizrachi, 26500 Shaker Blvd.
Global Youth Service Day /Earth Day- Sunday, April 17th at the South Chagrin Reservation
Join JCU students in a Metroparks trail project. We will be removing invasive plants and clearing the trail. Contact Heidi to get the release forms needed for participation. We'll meet from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Come for part or all of the session.
HeARTs & Crafts - On going/various locations
We will be doing to series of art projects to promote healing. The projects will include decorating sports caps to give to cancer patients and creating art work for display at the Free Clinic. Contact Heidi for exact times and locations.
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