Newsletter | October 2, 2023

October News

 


On October 23rd more than 8,000 communities and 1 million Americans will be celebrating afterschool programs for Lights On Afterschool! This nationwide event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance, calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open. Collective for Youth is proud to be a Lights On Afterschool partner. We encourage you to hold a Lights On Afterschool celebration to showcase the great things happening in your program, and help call attention to this important issue on October 23rd. 

In collaboration with the Kiewit Luminarium, all 42 Collective for Youth sites will have the opportunity to celebrate Lights On Afterschool with a visit to the Kiewit Luminarium in October. This opportunity, exclusive to CFY program youth, promises to be an exciting and engaging event!  Participants family will receive a free one year membership to the Luminarium in celebration of Lights On Afterschool.
 
A hearty thanks to Metro Stars Gymnastics who donated nearly $1,300 to Collective for Youth. August marked a whole year of their Give Back Program, and CFY was the lucky recipient of! We appreciate the support from those who donated.
On September 21st the Quasar Drive-In designated Collective for Youth the local non profit to receive all concession proceeds. It was an easy and fun way to highlight the work of Collective for Youth and support a good cause! Thank you Quasar Drive-In for your support!
 


Continuous Improvement Process

On August 31st, the management teams from Collective for Youth’s lead agencies and  Omaha Public School principals gathered together for an annual Continuous Improvement Planning (CIP) meeting. This once a year gathering gives Collective for Youth’s 42 afterschool sites an opportunity to review important data and feedback from the previous year. A plan is formulated and submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education. To help convey the impact of afterschool programming, a panel of principals and site directors provided advice as well as tips on best practices in managing their program jointly.   
 
With over 100 individuals in attendance this year, teams were able to enjoy lunch provided by Eddie’s Catering.  The CIP meeting is always a great way to start the year as teams are able to come together to strategize and collaborate by creating goals for the coming year.  

Staff Highlight

Marquita Williams, Kids Can Program Manager 
It was only a matter of time before Marquita Williams from Kids Can was able to unleash her leadership potential.  What a great encouragement to those around her and an excellent example for the students and families she serves to never give up hope or your dream. 
 
Click here to learn more about Ms. Williams journey in afterschool.
 

Professional Development

Collective for Youth has many new professional development offerings – In addition to our ongoing Third Thursday Youth Work Methods Series we are now offering monthly Youth Work Methods Social Emotional Learning (SEL) trainings and bi-monthly STEM trainings. Click here to view our complete calendar! As always, our trainings are free and open to the public. All CFY professional development opportunities are qualified for NDE Instructional Units.
                      
 
 

Save the Date


SEL Methods: Fostering Teamwork-October 3 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
In this workshop, we explore how and why to foster teamwork among youth. Teamwork is defined in Preparing Youth to Thrive as “abilities to collaborate and coordinate action with others.” Classroom research has shown that well-structured, intentional opportunities for collaboration benefit youth in many ways. Click HERE to Register

Third Thursday PD- Ask/Listen/Encourage-October 19 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
This workshop introduces communication techniques that help you build more supportive, youth-centered relationships. Participants learn how to ask effective questions, listen actively to youth, and offer youth encouragement rather than praise. Registration for this workshop is required. Click HERE to Register
 
SHARE