Sounds of Hope Concert

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Schools of Hope

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Schools of Hope and GVSU

Proud Partners

For the past 3 years, Grand Valley State University has partnered with United Way Schools of Hope program to provide GVSU faculty, staff and students an opportunity to work with 1st through 3^rd graders within GRPS.  The United Way Schools of Hope staff has been instrumental in helping GVSU recruit and train tutors.  For the 2009-2010 academic year a total of 124 GVSU students, faculty and staff participated in this program. 

Vice President for Inclusion and Equity Jeanne Arnold served as a tutor at Sibley Elementary. "It's just so rewarding to know that you can spend as little as a half hour a week and help make a significant improvements in a student's reading scores," she said.

Esther Ricco, executive secretary for Finance and Administration, also volunteered at Sibley.  "Participating in the Schools of Hope program not only allowed me to help a young child build their reading skills, but it also made me more aware of just how much this program is needed in our public schools," she said. "The students look forward to their one-on-one time with an adult that is solely focused on them and their specific reading needs. It helps build their self-confidence and provides a positive role model for them. It's a great way for Grand Valley to give back to the community and to start mentoring possible future Lakers."

Ruth Stevens, assistant professor and Legal Studies coordinator, has been a Schools of Hope tutor for the past eight years. " I am a big advocate of the program and have helped to recruit other volunteers," Stevens said. "The great thing about the program is that is very flexible. I have been able to arrange to come a different day, get a sub, or in some cases, skip a week, when I have had conflicts."

These are just a sampling of the positive feedback from GVSU faculty/staff and their experience with Schools of Hope.  GVSU values this partnership and we look forward to continuing our commitment to the Schools of Hope program in the future. 

Schools of Hope on the Morning Show

Schools of Hope is gratified to receive the excellent support from GVSU.  This month, Sabra Kinsley, a GVSU student who tutors at Sibley, was the guest with Shelley Irwin. Sabra orginally tutored as a required part of an education class, but loved the program and children so much that she continued as a volunteer. 

If you would like to hear their interview, click here.

Meijer Partners with SOH

Cheryl Hoogerhyde,  from Meijer HR Shared Services, is one of eight team members at Meijer who tutor through Schools of Hope.

"I've thought of volunteering my time in some capacity for several years. Tutoring reading seemed a very practical decision since I love to read and enjoy the complete attention a child in this age range gives. I knew I could make reading fun! I called Schools of Hope and scheduled an orientation and began tutoring! In orientation, you learn there are several ways to help improve a child's reading skills- you can take turns reading, have the child read or simply have the child listen."

"This is my third year tutoring at Harrison Park Elementary," said Cheryl. "I love it! Each child assigned to me has been a pleasure. My student this year has a great personality and engages well, but needs help in a few areas of his reading. The best aspect of tutoring is watching the child's reading skills improve from week to week. Pretty soon the books that were a challenge a month before are mastered and your student is showing more confidence. Reading grades and comprehension scores have also improved. "I am so pleased that HR has become involved with Harrison Park. Harrison is a school with an awesome staff and great students. "

The school benefits from the generosity of Meijer tutors and the tutors benefit from the experience. It has given me an opportunity to make a positive difference in a child's life," adds Cheryl.

Meet Francis Paiz

SW Community Campus Coordinator

Francis Paiz is one of six new Schools of Hope coordinators this year. 

Meet Mary Shannon - AmeriCorps Member

AmeriCorps member, Mary Shannon, is a dedicated individual serving the Schools of Hope program at Congress, South West Community Campus, and Sherwood elementary schools. Mary says she joined AmeriCorps because it was an exciting opportunity to serve children and families locally while gaining invaluable experience.

Her favorite part about serving the Schools of Hope program is working one-on-one with students.  She says, "I love watching their reading and writing skills improve, not to mention their self confidence.  It's truly the part of each day that I look forward to the most!"

After serving in AmeriCorps, Mary would love to continue to work with children and families. "I really like being able to play a positive role in my community, and hope I can continue doing it throughout my career."

United Way Welcomes New President Maureen Noe

Maureen was most recently President of Butler County United Way in  Hamilton, Ohio. "Maureen is a seasoned United Way executive who is known for her strategic leadership skills and strong fundraising background," said Kate Pew Wolters, who headed the Presidential Search Committee. "We feel she will be a tremendous asset to our community."

In her new role, Maureen looks to create a United Way that is seen as visionary with the skills to leverage resources to create sustainable change in West Michigan. "I am excited about working with United Way's staff, Board and partner agencies and getting to know other leaders in this exceptional community," she said. "United Way's work is all about connecting resources to community needs, and together we will continue to achieve successful results for West Michigan.

Did You Know?

Welcome New Coordinator

We welcome Jenny Gomez as the new SOH coordinator at Shawmut.  A special thanks goes to AmeriCorps member Dave Leins for admirably taking the reigns at Shawmut during the transition.

Tell Your Story

Our tutors are our best recruiters. If you have a story to share, please email it to us or contact Fritz Crabb.

Fritz Crabb

Director of Literacy Initiatives

fcrabb@hwmuw.org