The week of May 14th was officially AmeriCorps Week, and Children First celebrated Project POWER/AmeriCorps' ninth year of service to the Asheville community. AmeriCorps was created by Congress and began in 1994 as a domestic Peace Corps. Individuals volunteer for a year of service and receive an education award upon completion.

Project POWER Team 9 members (pictured here) serve in local elementary schools as classroom assistants, in after-school programs like the Reid Center, YWCA, and Children First's Project MARCH homework clubs. Full-time AmeriCorps members provide over 1,700 hours of service to the community.

To celebrate the week, Project POWER Team 9 members accepted a proclamation from the mayor, threw the opening pitch at the Tourists' ballgame, and toured the Biltmore Estate. To learn more about Project POWER/AmeriCorps visit our website.

Also, read Angele Meinhart's personal reflection on her time as an AmeriCorps:

"Ms. Angele, why is your nose so long?"
"Why is yours so short?"
"Ms. Angele, why are your feet so big?"
"Why are yours so little?"
"Ms. Angele, why are your hands white and mine black?"

This wasn't a question I was ready to field as I held up my fingers for him to count out his math problem. In one simple question, a 9-year-old child had summed up an entire year of AmeriCorps service for me. Click here to read her full account (and other AmeriCorps stories).

The 11th Annual Child Watch Tour "I am watching and I matter: a child's journey to permanence," took place on Friday, May 18. This year's tour highlighted the complexities, challenges, and successes of our local foster care system and the vulnerability of the children that depend upon the community to promote their best interests.

About 50 attendees, including elected officials, social service providers, and other community leaders and volunteers spent a day in a child's shoes through experiential activities, tour stops, and talks.

The tour is a partnership between Children First of Buncombe County and the Junior League of Asheville, Inc. If you are interested in attending a follow-up meeting on Wednesday, May 30, 3-4:30 PM, please contact Greg Borom at 828-259-9717. For more information visit our Child Watch webpage.
 

This informative session will discuss the signs, symbols, and solutions to the current street gang problem. Participants will learn about the impact that street gangs have in schools and communities. Discussion will also focus on the historical constructs of gangs and their increased proliferation in the U.S. Prevention and intervention strategies for youth at-risk of gang involvement will be included.

No registration fee is required, but you must register. Space is limited.
To register, call (919) 832-2700 and ask for Katie Carrington or email
kcarrington@cisnc.org with your name and contact information. Please
place GANG SYMPOSIUM in the subject line. Lunch will NOT be provided. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2007
 

 

Mothers were honored with a day of food, gifts, and fun at the Children First Family Resource Center at Emma on Saturday, May 12. About 40 women and children attended. There were games and recreation for the kids at this community building event.

The Family Resource Center at Emma provides a variety of services and supports to the Emma Community including a food pantry, clothes closet, emergency assistance, a community garden, and educational workshops.
 

May's Champion for Children is Brenda Logan.

Brenda is leaving her role as Chief Juvenile Court Counselor (a position she has held for the past 7 years) to become a part-time supervisor so that she will have more time to stay home with daughter.  Brenda is a former Children First Board Member; member of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; and member of the Children's Collaborative. Her dedication and passion for our community's children is evident in her work and volunteering.

 

Every month, Children First's Board of Directors recognizes a community member for their exceptional dedication to children. To see past Champions for Children click here.
 

 

 

You've still got time to relax! Sensibilities Day Spa has chosen Children First for their matching contributions during the month of May. Here's how it works:
 

This is valid through the month of May, so hurry up and relax while supporting a great organization!