News from LEADERSHIP Philadelphia

Junto 2: Red Cross House - Children's Playroom Makeover

This group chose to focus on the Red Cross House because it is the only institution of its kind in the United States helping disaster victims get back on their feet by providing shelter, food, clothing, and case workers for families. The RCH Director identified the Children's Playroom as a high-traffic area that needed significant updating. Working on-site over weekends, the team created an inviting environment including new TV/video equipment, an expansive library and music collection, arts & crafts supplies and storage, and presented RCH with a $3000 donation.

Junto 3: Scrabble Club - Ferguson Elementary School

Working with After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP), members of Junto 3 helped the school run chess and Scrabble clubs after school. The Junto committed to meeting with the club every Wednesday afternoon and worked in teams of two or more. The games provided an opportunity for conversations about school, college, and careers that gave Junto members the chance to mentor the students as well. At the end of the year the Junto will chaperone their clubs to the annual ASAP tournaments held at various cultural institutions.

Junto 4: Children's Village - Literacy Enhancement and Support

Children's Village provides early childhood education for children and families from all economic levels and diverse backgrounds. Beginning in February, Junto 4 has provided 90 hours of after-school tutoring to CV kids, grades pre-K to 4th, and will continue through June 2010. Junto members learned about the students and Asian/American culture by helping students one-on-one with homework, sharing stories about their day, mentoring, and helping teachers administer group assignments. The group also sponsored CV's annual fundraiser by providing personal and corporate contributions.

Junto 5: Adult Literacy

Members of this group chose to address the ambitious problem of adult literacy in Philadelphia, where 60% of adults are considered "low literate". To increase access to resources, the group established a pilot program of 6 mobile adult reading centers at the Free Library of Philadelphia by collecting the necessary resources - carts, books, etc - and providing a research report to the Library on latest trends in adult literacy education. They also collected a list of materials and resources and provided research to the Community Learning Center. Their pilot program is self-sustaining as the materials, list of resources, and research can continue to be used and updated by the Free Library and CLC.

Junto 6: The Center for Grieving Children, Teens & Families

Members of Junto 6 worked with the Center by supporting its annual Golf Outing (obtaining sponsors and auction items, recruiting golfers, publicity, and attendance), working with staff on research regarding a name change and new marketing plan, expanding the organization's marketing outreach, and providing the organization with web assistance and fundraising/grant support. The Golf Outing saw a 63% increase in participation and $16,000 increase in funds raised from the previous year. Several Junto members have joined the Board or one of its Committees.

Junto 7: "Project ACE" - Achieve Choices with Education

Project ACE helped increase the awareness of how education can breed successful leaders in a group of middle school children and their parents. Junto members worked with Greater Philadelphia Cares to choose John Welsh School students and hosted a program focused on the high school selection process, next steps after high school, and the path to college. The group shared stories and information on their path through school and their current careers to show the impact of hard work and a good education.

Junto 8: Developing Future Olney High School East Leaders

In partnership with Olney High East educators, Junto members developed a curriculum for a selfsustaining life-skills workshop. The four-part program focused on providing students with a network of Olney High East alumni, demonstrating the basics of financial literacy, assisting students in workforce entry preparation, and sharing potential internship opportunities. Alumni were identified and connected with the program to provide long-term sustainability through an Alumni Mentoring Program, Alumni Day in the fall and spring of each year to discuss careers, Spirit Day each quarter to encourage school spirit with alumni, and an Honors Luncheon to celebrate successes of Olney High East students.

Junto 9: Rebuilding Together Philadelphia

Junto members raised $6000 through corporate support to sponsor homes rebuilt by RTP for low income families in April, purchase supplies, and offset future building expenses. Working over weekends, Junto members' repair projects ranged from windows to plumbing to gardens at the sponsored home.

Junto 10: Mommy Grads Project

Members of Junto 10 designed a pilot program to provide support and resources - including mentoring and financial stipends to single mothers pursuing 4-year college degrees - for eight single mothers enrolled at Temple University. The program is funded by a one-time $15,000 start-up grant from an area Giving Circle. Junto members created a roadmap to turn Mommy Grads into an organization with sustainable programs and funding that provides guidance on legal structure, financial management and fundraising, board management, mentoring, and program management.

Junto 11: PA College Advising Corps

Members of Junto 11 mentored 30 Philadelphia high school students and their advisors in partnership with PA CAC to expand knowledge of specific occupations and career paths and prepare them to take control of their own paths. Students toured the Federal Reserve, PECO, and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Seminars discussed where Junto members "started" - jobs and internships both in and outside of their chosen field; 'green careers'; efficacy and owning one's success; business culture, etiquette, and successful attitudes; and preparing for and transitioning to college. Students also shadowed mentors and met college professors.