Introducing the new 
Ballweg Gallery... "Thank You, Diane!"
 
The Goodman Community Center's gallery wall recently received a much needed face-lift thanks to the generosity of GCC supporter Diane Endres Ballweg. 
Local artists can now display their work over the beautiful wooden slats. Please stop into the center and check out the new gallery wall. Currently, the works of Jane Lasse are being featured. You can check out her work here online too. In February, another local artist Joel Wish will be the featured artist of the month
 
Interested in showing your work on the gallery wall? Find out how here.
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Greetings!

 

From time to time, we come across little gems... stories that make us pause and remind us why we do the important work we do together to strengthen lives of children and families. 

 

Ryan Behling, a Merrill Lynch employee and one of the founding organizers of the annual Merrill Lynch Gala, sent this gem of a story our way a few weeks ago. 

We thought you would appreciate getting it in your inbox too. 

 
Finding Gratitude at the Doctor's Office

 

I was at my doctor appointment today when one of the nurses, that I did not know, approached me.  She said she had heard from my doctor that I was very involved in Goodman Community Center.  I confirmed and she proceeded to emphatically thank me, then followed by an outpouring of emotions. 

 

She said that she is a single mother with a 12 year old daughter that is influenced daily by the incredible work at Goodman Community Center.  She said that they provide the resources and safety that her daughter needs to be successful in school and in life.  They provide her an after school shelter, mentoring, tutoring and encourage focus on her school work.  

 

The nurse knew that one of Merrill Lynch's past Galas benefited the capital campaign for Goodman and repeatedly thanked me and our office for the importance of giving back.  She was so appreciative that I can hardly express her gratitude.

 

This is something to really be proud of, a personal story of how the Goodman Community Center has touched a family that needs it. 

 

Thank you Ryan for sharing this wonderful gem of a story with us.

They Have a Dream: Goodman Preschoolers Honor Martin Luther King Jr. 
 
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his "I Have a Dream" speech, some of our Goodman 
preschoolers
participated in a "Silent March." 
 
Prior to the march, the children spent time talking about how we treat each other, how to care for our friends, and what we need to feel good and be happy. 

From that discussion the teachers and children discussed what we think all people need to feel good and be happy. Everyone in the classroom made "I have a dream..." posters to show what we want for all people. Then, the classroom silently walked throughout the Goodman Community Center to share their messages.
Thank you for your support and confidence in the mission of the Goodman Community Center. 

 

With thanks, 

Rohan Barrett
The Goodman Community Center
Where helping people isn't charity. It's humanity!