Shoppers visiting select Washington, DC, area Michaels craft stores this holiday season will get a taste of creative ways to engage children in reading, thanks to an unusual partnership spearheaded by VPP investment partner Heads Up. Beginning in November, Read and Create Craft Packs, inspired by Heads Up’s innovative after-school literacy programming, will be on store shelves. The packages consist of a book, craft materials, and ideas for creating projects based on the characters and story in the book. The craft packs offer parents a fun way to encourage their children to develop reading skills, are expected to generate increased awareness of Heads Up among new audiences, and allow the three corporate partners—Michaels Stores, Inc., Scholastic, Inc., and Binney & Smith—to make a contribution to the community as they test a new way of bundling and marketing their products.

The story of how this partnership evolved demonstrates Heads Up’s underlying philosophy that relationships matter.

“Relationships have always been at the heart of our programs and our theory of change,” explains Darin McKeever, co-founder and Executive Director of Heads Up. “Through our after-school and summer programs, we bring together people of different backgrounds to improve communities, and in the process everyone learns and grows. And that is exactly what happened in this partnership.”

Darin credits his strong relationships with Heads Up supporter Richard Hanlon and Heads Up board member Jack Davies, both VPP investors and former AOL executives, for making this corporate collaboration possible.

The partnership had its roots in 2001 when Jack, who also serves on the board of Scholastic, Inc., encouraged the company to help stock Heads Up’s on-site libraries with thousands of donated books. Scholastic’s generous donation not only put print material in Heads Up students’ hands, but also transformed the daily curriculum and would come to provide a model for the involvement of Michaels Stores, Inc.

In early 2003, Darin contacted Richard, who sits on Michaels’ Board of Directors, for help in securing product donations to support Heads Up after-school and summer programming. Inspired by a visit to a Heads Up school site where he witnessed the scores of donated Scholastic books, Richard independently had been thinking of ways that Michaels stores could be more involved in their communities. Richard approached Michaels, who generously agreed to donate a wide range of products, from glitter to construction paper. In addition, the company offered training at two local stores to Heads Up’s AmeriCorps members—college students who serve as after-school and summer instructors—about ways to use the products with children. The training sessions were a hit, especially with store managers and employees. Over the years, as the company has automated many of its systems, employees have been freed up to spend more time interacting with customers and were looking for new ideas to engage customers with their products.

Darin and Richard continued to talk about ways to expand the partnership along with Jack. After Scholastic’s recent acquisition of Klutz Books, marketers of craft and book combos, the company was looking to expand its distribution networks and liked the idea of a partnership with Michaels stores. Three of the four pieces were in place—Heads Up offered a methodology for how to use crafts with reading, Michaels offered a distribution network and a group of enthusiastic employees, and Scholastic offered high quality books. What was missing was someone who could package the components. For that, the group turned to Binney & Smith, parent company of Crayola, which had already been in discussions with Scholastic about working together. And so the Read and Create Craft Package was born.

While the craft packets originally were going to include actual Heads Up lesson plans, the content had to be changed, in part, because the books used in the Heads Up program were too big to fit in the craft packs.

“Heads Up was the muse for the creation of the packets. The important thing for us is increasing awareness of our work and our brand, creating a new revenue stream, and being part of a collaboration with our three corporate partners, who, like us, are committed to excellence,” Darin says. He notes that the corporate partners have agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale of each craft pack to Heads Up.

While the partnership offers Heads Up financial and marketing benefits, the corporations involved are also finding great value because it provides a vehicle for three like-minded companies to collaborate on achieving business objectives and also enables them to engage in an important community where they do business.

Heads Up began its work in Washington in 1996, helping thousands of children in some of the District’s most economically impoverished neighborhoods improve their reading and math skills as well as exposing them to a world of new opportunities. The program enlists area college students to provide tutoring and mentoring after school and during the summer. The power of the program is the strong bonds that develop between children, their families, and the college student mentors, changing each of them. They inspire each other to discover their talents, reach for their dreams, and harness their own strengths to make their communities better places.

The young students not only improve their reading and study skills but also have strong role models who encourage them to think about college and careers. Many of the college student tutors are so moved by their experience that they often change their career plans, becoming teachers or finding other ways to devote their lives to service. Three alumni are now teaching in Heads Up’s partner schools.

It was a similar kind of experience during his own college days that led Darin to start Heads Up. At Harvard College in his sophomore year, he joined the Phillips Brooks House Association, a service organization. He saw it as a way to “give back” while also meeting new people on campus. One of the people he met there was Vin Pan. Darin and Vin were both involved in tutoring inner-city youth in between their own load of classes, an experience that profoundly changed their lives.

During their senior year, both Darin and Vin independently had decided that they wanted to find a way to continue to work with young people in low-income communities. Both started talking to their own mentors who suggested that the two team up to work together.

Darin and Vin selected Washington as a place to start their effort because the city has a large college student population from which to draw tutors and there was great need for quality after-school and summer programming for low-income children.

They began with one school and one university partner, growing to offer services at ten DC public elementary schools, with seven college partners. From the beginning, the duo felt it was important to partner with the District of Columbia Public School system (DCPS), though they didn’t realize just how important that partnership would be.

“At the beginning we saw schools as a place to house our program, but over time we began to see that we were really partners in education with the schools,” Darin says.

Heads Up curriculum is aligned with DCPS reading and math curriculum and serves to reinforce what the students do during the school day.

Heads Up became VPP’s first investment partner in 2001. VPP’s investment and strategic assistance has been invaluable to the organization as it charts its plans to grow. Especially valuable, says Darin, is that VPP provides funding over multiple years that can be directed to infrastructure and other costs that other funders won’t cover. VPP funding enabled the organization to go through a strategic planning process that “helped us clarify our vision and deepen our understanding of the risks ahead and the barriers to implementing our vision,” Darin says.

VPP was also helpful in connecting Heads Up to people and institutions that could help. “We might have found board member Jack Davies and supporter Richard Hanlon on our own, but it would have taken a lot longer and been a lot more difficult. Jack and Richard’s support and advice have been incredible.”

As he looks ahead at the future, Darin feels confident. Although Vin Pan left Heads Up late last year, the organization has made some critical new hires over the summer—including a Chief Operating Officer, new Director of Development, and a Program Consultant, Yvonne Morse, who joined Heads Up after a successful 30-year career as an educator in the DC Public Schools including a stint as principal at Heads Up’s first partner school. In addition, Heads Up was just selected as the 2005 partner of CharityWorks (see related article). And finally, the collaboration with Michaels, Scholastic, Inc., and Binney & Smith offers new possibilities.

Says Darin: “We do make a difference and see results for all of our stakeholders. We’re an organization on the move with great momentum. The bedrock of our efforts is our relationships. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is that relationships lead to results for our kids as well as for our organization.”

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News from BGCGW, CMHS, CentroNía, Heads Up, LAYC, Mary's Center, and See Forever

BGCGW Tweens Participate in Leadership Activity

Development Director Walter Wood shares BGCGW survey results.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) tweens (youth ages 11 to 13) participated in a Staples/Boys & Girls Clubs of America "survey on leadership" which revealed that more than half of youth ages 11 to 13 would not want to be President of the United States. The survey includes insights from more than 850 tweens. Those surveyed were members of Boys & Girls Clubs Torch Clubs, small-group leadership and service clubs for tweens, located in BGCGW clubs as well as in nearly 1,000 clubs nationwide. Staples Foundation for Learning is the national supporter of the Torch Club program, which serves more than 10,000 youth across the United States and on military bases overseas. Additional survey results include:

• Tweens surveyed chose "keeping us safe from terrorists" as the #1 issue facing the US. The second most popular answer was "making sure our people are well-educated."


• Forty-five (45) percent of respondents also felt that "keeping Americans safe" is the best part of the President's job.
• Sixty-six (66) percent want to be entrepreneurs versus 34 percent who want to work for someone else.
• More than three-fourths of youth surveyed (77 percent) responded that "good character, strong ethics, honesty, and trustworthiness" are the most important attributes for a leader. BGCGW tweens note that "leadership is important in seeing that goals are accomplished."

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The Center for Multicultural Human Services (CMHS) announces the publication of its seventh annual "America Now" calendar entitled "I Am America Now."

"It is our most beautiful, most important calendar yet," says Development Director Ricarda Dowling. "The calendar concept has evolved over the years into today's very poignant piece that highlights our staff and gives people a better idea of what many immigrants and refugees go through in their countries of origin and once they arrive here."

The original calendar was designed to be a visual reminder of the extent to which the face of America has changed. Over the years, it has had themes such as "Children in America Now," "Shaping the Future in America Now," and "Children of War in America Now."

This year's calendar features photographs by volunteer photographer Robert Denniston of 12 CMHS staff members—all former refugees or immigrants—along with short, first-person narratives that reveal their struggles and triumphs. Selecting the participants was easy, since more than 80% of CMHS's staff of close to 100 come from other countries and cultures. "Many have fascinating stories that are not very different from those of our clients," Ricarda said, "and this was a way to open a window onto the lives of our clients without breaching confidentiality."

On October 28, Zyng Asian Grill, an Asian restaurant in Falls Church, hosted a kick-off event for "I Am America Now," which was attended by many friends and donors of CMHS who had a chance to meet and talk to the staff featured in the calendar in person. Reaction to the calendar was strong and characterized by many emotions. As a staff member described how, during his flight from Vietnam through Cambodia on foot, he lost his wife and children in the jungle for several weeks before he found them again in a refugee camp, a guest shared a similar experience: "I remember the panic in my husband when he couldn't reach me and my newborn daughter for several hours and didn't know where we were. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to be separated for weeks and not know if you would ever see one another again."

“I Am America Now” is on sale for $15 and makes a dramatic, unusual holiday gift. Click here for a sneak audio-visual preview.

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CentroNía's Third International Arts and Craft Sale

Development Associate Isabel Barranzuela shares event information.

More than 80 artists from across the globe will showcase their work at CentroNía’s 3rd International Arts and Crafts Sale at 1420 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC on Friday, November 5, from 6:30 to 10:30pm. Featured artwork will include fine art, jewelry, textiles, photography, hand-painted clothing and cards, and unique children’s gifts with 25% of sales donated to CentroNía (formerly Calvary Bilingual Multicultural Learning Center).

Journey through artistic riches from Mongolia to Russia, China and Europe, immerse yourself in textures and images from the Middle East and Africa, and come back to the vibrant cultural expressions of the Americas. Moses Munene, a well-known local artist, says “This show is very important because it is going to bring people of different nationalities and backgrounds together and it will be of great benefit to CentroNía and all the participants.”

CentroNía’s International Arts and Crafts Sale tradition began in 2001 as a celebration of the organization’s successful completion of its $5.6 million capital campaign. The event has now become CentroNía’s largest fundraising event. “Sales from previous art shows not only enabled us to survive difficult times brought on by government budget cuts, but made it possible for us to get where we are today,” Executive Director Beatriz “BB” Otero commented.

This year CentroNía hopes to raise $75,000 from the International Arts and Crafts Sale. The generosity of donors, attendees, and artists will help sustain CentroNía’s dynamic youth and family service programs, including its vital integrated Multidisciplinary Arts Program. "CentroNía deserves congratulations and applause for this extraordinary fundraiser and for its distinguished work with children and families over the past 18 years," said Michael Jack, President and General Manager of NBC4. He added, "We are pleased to support such an excellent model of community service."

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Heads Up Partners With CharityWorks in 2005

Thanks to Executive Director Darin McKeever for sharing this update.

On October 2, Heads Up was selected from over 50 nonprofits to be the 2005 partner of CharityWorks, a group whose volunteer members contribute their time and financial support to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits addressing the region’s most urgent societal and educational needs. Next year, with support from CharityWorks, Heads Up will expand to at least two new partner schools in DC and increase enrollment at its current schools to children who are currently on the waiting list.

Leah Gansler, founding chair of CharityWorks said, “Through the talents and unselfish philanthropy of our many volunteers, CharityWorks is able to personally touch and change the lives of hundreds of children and families in our community. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with Heads Up." See the story below about CharityWorks’ 2004 partner, See Forever Foundation.

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Executive Director Lori Kaplan reports on the Art & Media House at LAYC.

“This place is incredible, and it’s ours!” was the reaction of Dereje Solomon, a Youth Radio participant, after touring the new Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) Art & Media House (AMH) for the first time. The arts program, always an integral part of the LAYC, now has a home. The journey to opening the AMH began with a small core of artistic staff who wanted a dedicated space for arts, media and humanities programs, and activities. Several years later, during the AMH ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September 2004, Executive Director Lori Kaplan noted that the new site represents the LAYC’s thirty-year history of successfully using the arts and media as a vehicle to support youth as they transition to successful young adulthood. The AMH idea also gained momentum through support from alumni who have participated in arts and humanities programs at the LAYC over the years. Construction began and the AMH, located at 3035 15th Street, NW, soon started to show its colors in purple, orange, and green, adding vibrancy to the neighborhood.

The AMH is a space for youth to develop their creative abilities through hands-on training in photography, ceramics, radio, video, creative writing, fine art, and museum studies. The programs encourage youth to experience the power of their art not only as a means of self-expression but also as a tool for exploring issues facing the community.

Each medium has its own place in the AMH facility. Photography courses take place in the darkroom outfitted with 10 enlargers. A ceramics studio is housed in the basement and has been made possible through a recent donation of a kiln. The AMH includes gallery space where exhibitions of student artwork are mounted as well as a reception area and kitchen. A Macintosh computer lab is outfitted with workstations used by students in radio and video production programs. Radio and video classrooms are fully equipped. An open studio classroom utilized by students in drawing, mural painting, and creative writing is also available. An outside urban garden was designed, built, and landscaped by LAYC Youthbuild students and community volunteers. Ronald Chacon, AMH Arts Coordinator said, “The program now has the space to grow and offer a sequence of introductory and advanced studio-based courses to progress youth’s skills.” Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 160 youth will be served through AMH classes during each of the fall, winter, and spring sessions.

The AMH humanities component helps young people to deepen their understanding of the community in which they live. Tehani Collazo, AMH Humanities Coordinator, said, “This is a dynamic time in the blocks surrounding the AMH, and we hope that as students develop community-based exhibitions that they will be moved to become active in shaping the changes occurring in this area. We’re excited to use the AMH space to inspire youth to express themselves and imagine new possibilities for their own lives.”

As part of the LAYC Creative Enterprise division, the AMH will offer courses, events, and facility rental to provide a community resource and assist in supporting AMH youth programming. “The AMH will teach creative skills, offer opportunities for youth leadership, and provide forums for self-expression and dialogue. The neighborhood surrounding the AMH is evolving and the AMH serves as a rare common ground. Youth at the AMH are a part of creating a community built on a shared passion for the arts—a place where they come together with artists, volunteers, and community members to cultivate their creative potential,” describes Marie Moll, AMH Director.

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Mary’s Center Named Federally Qualified Health Center

Thanks to David Bender, Director of Development, for this update.

Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care was one of 76 organizations awarded Community Health Center status through the US Department of Health and Human Services in mid-October. HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced his intention to grant a total of $49 million that will help an estimated 488,000 Americans, including many without health insurance, to obtain comprehensive primary health care services. Awards will be made to grantees in December contingent upon the availability of fiscal year 2005 funds. Mary’s Center is slated to receive $650,000.

These grants continue a five-year plan to help communities across the country create comprehensive health centers. According to a press release, Secretary Thompson said, "Nearly half a million Americans, who otherwise would have gone without health care, will soon have access to health care services in their community. These grants are all about bringing health care to the people who need it most, in the areas where it's needed most."

Health centers deliver preventive and primary care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. HHS's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) manages the Consolidated Health Center Program, which funds a national network of more than 3,600 clinics comprised of community health centers, migrant health centers, health care for the homeless centers, and public housing primary care centers.

Executive Director Maria Gomez said, "These funds will help Mary's Center assist more than 7,000 families next year and expand access to dental care and pharmacy services for our patients. And, this support will allow us to open a new site in Ward 4's Georgia Avenue corridor, an area where there are no health centers or primary care providers."

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Cause for Celebration: See Forever Foundation's New Campus and
Fairy Tale Evening

Thanks to Executive Director David Domenici and Development Associate Adriana Rodriguez for sharing this update.

October was a busy month for the staff and students at See Forever/Maya Angelou Public Charter School. On October 2, more than 800 guests attended “A Fairy Tale Evening,” the CharityWorks 2004 Gala at the National Building Museum. See Forever was the recipient of the 2004 CharityWorks’ partnership. MAPCS alumni Samantha Crandall addressed the audience on behalf of the school: “I started at the school the same time James [Forman] and David [Domenici] did, in the fall of 1997. See Forever was just 20 students and six staff all crammed in a townhouse. What a difference now….two campuses and almost 200 students. Your support means that See Forever will be able to grow and serve and enhance more students’ lives at the Evans Campus just as it once helped me.”

The Evans Campus was then officially dedicated on October 20. More than 200 people attended, including three District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) board members and other long-time SFF supporters. The MAPCS-Evans Campus is the first partnership between a public charter school and DCPS and is housed in the former W. Bruce Evans Middle School building at 5600 East Capitol Street, NE.

VPP Partner Fred Bollerer said, “The Evans Campus dedication was indeed rewarding since it allowed us to visit with some of the children whose lives will be enriched by attending Maya Angelou, to hear members of the school board saying that the school would be the template for the future of charter schools and DCPS, and to see a school transformed from an empty, abandoned building with no soul to one where children are laughing and learning.”

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“Is the Social Entrepreneur a New Type of Leader?,” from the Fall 2004 Leader to Leader, explores the characteristics and attributes of social entrepreneurs. Lynn Barendsen and Howard Gardner posit that social entrepreneurs are not new, but they are unusual: in terms of their compelling personal histories, their distinctive profile of beliefs, and their impressive accomplishments in the face of odds.

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