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Volunteers...
Choreographing a dance routine; breaking down a complicated algebra problem; teaching novice chefs to make dinner for 10--these are just some of the many roles played by our talented volunteers at King Street.
April 21 - 27th is National Volunteer Week. We would like to thank all of our volunteers for their extraordinary work, both within the walls of King Street and out in the community. Your time, compassion, and commitment have made a difference in all our lives. We truly thank you for all you do to help make King Street a special place for our community.
For a snapshot of volunteering at King Street, check out our partnership with UVM's Education Department, and some of our terrific volunteers from Champlain College, highlighted below--we honor them, as the collegiate school year comes to a close!
Sincerely,
Vicky Smith
Executive Director, King Street Center
P.S. You will be receiving invitations via email, snail mail, and facebook for the Unveiling & Celebration of King Street Center's Building Plans. Please join us on May 15 at 1 p.m. in our gym to hear all about it.
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King Street and UVM's Engaged Partnership Award 
Pictured: Gabriella Tufo Strouse and Dr. Alan Tinkler
We were thrilled to learn this month that King Street Center and the Department of Education at UVM are the statewide winners of the Vermont Campus Compact Engaged Partnership Award.
This is really about a beautiful relationship between Professor Alan Tinkler, his UVM Ed students, Volunteer Coordinator Gabriella Tufo Strouse, and the hard-working kids of King Street. For three years, students from Professor Tinkler's "Reading in Secondary Schools" course have been tutoring teens at King Street from 5-6 each evening. "We knew that with consistent tutors here each night, kids would start feeling comfortable accessing their help--and it's worked," Tufo Strouse says. "It's all about building relationships." We now have 10-15 teens coming to King Street for homework help each evening, eager to sit down with Professor Tinkler's students--many of whom have returned to tutor a second year. All of us at King Street are grateful for this longtime partnership, which truly feels like a win for both King Street youth and UVM students.
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Talent Show
King Street families, friends, and volunteers crowded the gym on April 11th for our annual Talent Extravaganza. Thanks for coming to support our talented young performers!
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Wilson's going places!
We have a lot of reasons to be proud of Wilson Slader, our Social Work intern from Champlain College. "Wilson is extraordinary," says Volunteer Coordinator Gabriella Tufo Strouse. "He spends time in our Preschool, where the little ones adore him; in the Afterschool, where he is a big hit in the gym; and preparing food for our SES program, mentoring teens who are interested cooking." It's clear that Wilson is at home in all King Street programs, working with all ages--a rare talent.
So, it was no surprise to us when Wilson was honored as Outstanding Senior in Champlain's Social Work program this month. His willingness to jump in and help wherever needed has made him an invaluable resource at King Street, and we know he'll be doing a lot of good with his degree post-college. In fact, this summer Wilson will be driving more than 10,000 miles across Europe and Asia as part of an adventure trek known as the Mongol Rally, raising money for two charities. We wish him well on his next adventure!
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Volunteers of the Month
Pictured: Rosie Czech, Ayra Abdo, Kate Hennes, and Rebecca Reid (abroad this semester: Allison Bevel)The numbers speak volumes: between the 5 of them, our Champlain College Work-Study Tutors--Ayra Abdo, Allison Bevel, Rosie Czech, Kate Hennes, and Rebecca Reid--have tutored 37 students at King Street and spent approximately 500 hours tutoring at King Street over the course of this school year. Each afternoon you can find them welcoming children at snack time, carefully selecting activities to engage their individual students, and gently--but firmly--reminding them to get out those homework folders! Though experts at helping kids get down to work after a long day of school, they are absolutely beloved by the children here: "When's my tutor coming?" is a frequent refrain in the afternoons at King Street.
The Each One Reach One Tutoring Program has benefited tremendously from the expertise of these committed young women. Thanks to them, we have many new games and activities in rotation, and--best of all--many willing learners, who know how to speak up and ask for help.
A big thank you to Ayra, Allison, Rosie, Kate, and Rebecca--we'll miss you when your semester ends this month!
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Buddy Block
News for mentors...
In lieu of the May Mentoring Discussion Group, all mentors are strongly encouraged to attend the Unveiling & Celebration of King Street Center's Building Plans.
May 15, 1 p.m.
King Street Center gym
What are YOU doing with your Junior Buddy? Here are some ideas:
City Market Classes
Sweet & Savory Turnovers, Sunday, April 28
11:30-1 p.m.
The McClure Multigenerational Center
For ages 8+ with mentor
Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Sunday, May 5
11:30am - 1:00 p.m.
The McClure Multigenerational Center
For ages 8+ with mentor
Don't forget to check out FindandGoSeek and KidsVT for more activities.
Not a Senior Buddy? Intrigued? We are always looking for strong mentors and welcome a conversation to get you thinking... please contact gabriella@kingstreetcenter.org |
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Dates to Note:
Unveiling and Celebration of King Street Center's Building Plans
May 15, 1 p.m.
King Street Center gym
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon
May 26, 8 a.m.
Come cheer for King Street kids as they run the relay & half-marathon!
23rd Annual Bob Aldrich Memorial Golf Invitational
June 24, Burlington Country Club (email Kelli for more info or to secure a spot for your foursome!)
Thank you to our loyal golf sponsors:
Redstone
FairPoint
General Dynamics
Vermont Federal Credit Union
Blue Cross Blue Shield
People's United Bank
Stars & Stripes Airshow
to benefit
King Street Center
June 30, Sugarbush Airport
Warren, VT
August 9-11
Burlington Tennis Club
Hats off to new sponsors:
Dunkiel Saunders
Wind & Waves
Northfield Savings Bank
Farmhouse Group
Cloud 9
CARFAX
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Send a Kid to Camp
"Help the other fellow"... what a great message to learn at Abnaki sleepover camp. Our kids treasure the chance to enjoy the outdoors, meet new kids, and explore camps throughout the area.
Thank you for your support of the Zahniser Camp Fund.
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April Mentor Anniversaries:
Monique Fox and Nurto
6 years (WOW!)
Karen Vesosky and Dasha
5 years (COOL!)
Sarah McKelvey and Maryan
2 years
Stephanie Carrell and Latiah
2 years
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Proud partner
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