MPLI To Host  Charlie Appelstein, MSW 

 

 
MPLI has invited Charlie Appelstein to run a comprehensive two-day  seminar on August 18th and 19th which will highlight many of the key principles and techniques of this transforming (strength-based) modality.

 

Areas to be covered include are described in detail in the seminar registration materials. 

 
This seminar will present a myriad of strength-based orientation and training strategies that will help participants bring back the material to their settings and teach and model it in a sustained, systemic manner. Participants will be given training exercises, learning games, visual cues, quizzes, feedback forms, original orientation material and much more to enhance their role as trainers. 

 

Numerous schools and programs throughout North America have used Charlie's strength-based material to reshape their environments. 
 
You can access registration materials by clicking on the highlighted link or by contacting Franca Floro, Director of Programs & Training: 631-761-7800 or email ffloro@mentorkids.org 

 

The application for the federal Department of Education's $10 million Promise Neighborhoods initiative has been posted, and programs have until May 21 to file their intent to apply for funds.

The Promise Neighborhoods effort aims to improve academic achievement and life outcomes for young people living in high-poverty areas. It is modeled after the highly-successful Harlem Children's Zone in New York, which works to improve college-going rates by combining a rigorous K-12 education with a full network of supportive services for families in what has grown to be a 97-block area.

Mentoring is specifically noted as an eligible entity for Promise Neighborhoods awards within the application. "Being part of a community collaborative to win Promise Neighborhood funding would be a natural move for mentoring organizations," said MENTOR President and CEO Dr. Larry Wright. "We know from research that mentoring improves a child's self-esteem, contributes to higher academic performance and helps young people avoid dangerous behaviors, such as drug use. These outcomes are what Promise Neighborhoods are all about, and mentoring can help achieve them."

The deadline for applications is June 25. Approximately 20 one-year grants will be given this year to nonprofit, community-based organizations to support the development of plans for comprehensive neighborhood programs. The maximum award will be $500,000. Those with promising plans and partnerships will be eligible to receive implementation grants in fiscal year 2011.

 

The core idea behind Promise Neighborhoods is that providing effective schools for children and youth in poverty along with support that meets their health, social services and educational needs, gives them the best hope for a better life. In addition to collaborating with nonprofit, community-based organizations, grantees will be encouraged to coordinate their efforts with programs and services provided by federal agencies, including the departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

To download the application, go to www.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/index.html.

 

To find the Notice of Intent to Apply form, go to www.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/applicant.html.

 

For more information about mentoring, visit www.mentoring.org.