September 2015

We are a volunteer based organization. Without the dedication and commitment of thousands of volunteers annually, we would not be able to reach out and help homeless children and youth in our community. The following excerpts are quotes from a few of our Star Volunteers for this month. You can find their full stories on our website!

Tutor Katrina Jiang:

Since tutoring with School on Wheels, I found that as the children I worked with were growing into well-rounded individuals, I grew with them, developing greater compassion and patience not only for the students, but also for myself. My students and I, we're not that different; we can still learn so much, together.

Tutor

Tahiti Arsulowicz about her student Lele:

One of my favorite days was when we visited a college campus, and she asked questions about college and told me she was considering it for the first time. Go Lele!

Tutor Mary Silver:

It's an honor to be in Bonnie's life and to see the light come on for her time and time again. She has such strong comprehension of what's going on in the world around her; seeing her grow this year has been a privilege.

Tutor Ben Philpott-Matson:

Even though I know I am a good tutor, I am convinced that Antonio's work ethic and positive attitude are the real reasons for his success. It's been such a pleasure working with him. I look forward to the days we meet so I can see him progress and develop into a caring, hard-working, intelligent young man.

Want to read more from our awesome volunteer tutors? Click here and be inspired by their stories!

In the News

NBC - NBC4's "I Am a Volunteer" highlighted School on Wheels during their lunchtime news, News at Noon, on channel 4 on Thurs., 10/1 and Fri., 10/2

Click here to see our listing!

CBS launches "Volunteering with the Stars" initiative
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-launches-volunteering-with-the-stars-initiative/
This new digital initiative connects viewers to stars and some of the country's leading nonprofits (School on Wheels being one!) -- all with the shared goal of giving back.

Viewers to Volunteers™ is a fun, free, and easy way to support the causes you care about.

School on Wheels has been chosen as one of the nonprofits that benefits from this new initiative by CBS and you can find out more here - https://www.viewerstovolunteers.com

Donor of the Month

Kaitlyn Li - Girl Scout

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Kaitlyn Li decided that she would put together a video for our students about the Los Angeles Zoo. Through her Girl Scout cookie sale profits, she has paid for twenty of our students to visit the zoo annually for the next five years! Kaitlyn is hoping through her efforts to inspire our students to take an interest in learning about zoology and environmental science.

Thank you so much Kaitlyn for supporting School on Wheels in this way. We look forward to inviting you to join us on our first field trip to the zoo!

Star Student

Lele, 12th grade

"Lele is 18, a senior in high school and a multi-talented young woman. She has the rare combination of being naturally talented in both the arts and the sciences. I love how she is a deep thinker as well. She likes to talk about big social issues like racism and poverty, and it is an honor to discuss these things with her. We all have to overcome challenges at some point in our lives, but the strength and resilience she has demonstrated in overcoming her challenges is nothing short of inspiring."

Tahiti Arsulowicz, Tutor

Each of our students inspire us every day. Click here to see why!

Social Media News

Yom Kippur - Joyful Thanks

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish Calendar. We thought it would be fitting to give special thanks to all our donors, supporters, volunteers, staff, and friends that observe this special day...read more

Upcoming Events

Registration is now OPEN - HomeWalk 2015

On Saturday, November 21, School on Wheels will participate in the United Way HomeWalk 2015, a 5K walk to end homelessness in LA County, in Exposition Park. Join our team and let's advocate for our homeless children and youth - All Ages Welcome

"We Heart Art" Show & Sale!

On Oct. 17, the Santa Monica Bay Women's Club will be hosting a special art & craft show & sale which will feature craft items created by artists who face the challenges of mental illness, physical disabilities and homelessness. Funds raised through this event will benefit our Skid Row Learning Center. The event will be held in the ballroom Clubhouse of the SMBWC at 1210 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. For more information call (310) 395-1308 or click here!

Tutor Resources

Ask a Tutor Tuesdays - Are you a current tutor looking for support and/or advice? Are you a potential tutor hoping to find out what tutoring at School on Wheels is like?

School on Wheels runs a weekly advice feature every Tuesday called Ask a Tutor Tuesday!

This blog feature serves as the perfect opportunity to ask veteran School on Wheels tutors questions regarding their experiences and to get advice for tutoring tips and techniques. To find out more, read our blog here.

Thank You, Donors!

School on Wheels would like to thank the following generous donors for providing gift certificates for the Refer a Friend raffle prizes:

Blue Plate Restaurant Group
Frosted Cupcakery

Gladstone's Long Beach

Lure Fish House
Musso and Frank Grill

Red Brick Pizza

We appreciate your support!