|
Holiday Toy Drive 2009
|
|
December 16th, 17th and 18th, 2009
 East End House needs your help more than ever to make the holidays festive for all in our community.Last Year, East End House served over 700 kids whose family could not otherwise purchase toys for the holidays. Donations of new toys and clothes for kids 0-14 are most welcome (board games, sports equipments, blocks, books, etc.) You can help make the winter holidays a truly warm and joyful moment for a child. A group of happy children in the gym.For more information on donating or filling out an application to receive holiday assistance, you may check out our flyer or contact Chrissy at chrissy@eastendhouse.org or Camille at camille@eastendhouse.org or (617) 876-4444. |
|
Adopt-a-Family in 2009!
|
|
The Adopt-a-Family program gives donors a wish list from each family member so the entire family can have a good holiday. Families who apply to be adopted are relieved of the costly burden of providing gifts for their families and are often able to receive additional items such as winter coats, boots, or clothing. Last year, more than 38 neighborhood families, 67 children and 46 adults received holiday gifts, making winter time a little brighter. We'd like to have all items at East End House by Dec 18th so that we can distribute to the families in time for the holiday.
|
|
East End House Receives National Family
Strengthening Award |
|
 EEH honored by the Anne E. Casey Foundation and the United Neighborhood Centers of America
East
End House was recently recognized as the top recipient of the national
organizational Families Count: Family Strengthening Award given for
excellence in economic development and family support at the UNCA Family Strengthening
Conference in Houston, Texas recently. President and CEO, Michael Delia
and Director of Development and Evaluation, Rebecca Gallo presented best
practices in organizational family support to conference attendees who
represented non-profit agencies from around the country.
"We
are thrilled to be recognized again by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and
the United Neighborhood Centers of America with this award. East End
House has created a culture of supporting staff at all levels and providing
opportunity for growth and leadership. Our staff are the backbone of the
agency and investing in them, not only strengthens their families but also
increases their ability to provide high quality services to the
community," said Michael Delia, East End House President and CEO.
|
Child Care Program earns well-deserved reaccreditation!
|
|
Great news: the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC), the nation's leading organization of childhood professional reaccredited East End House's Child Care Program
East End House is
proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for its commitment to reaching the highest professional standards. NAEYC Accreditation lets families know that children in the program are getting the best care and early
learning experiences possible.
To
earn NAEYC Accreditation, the Child Care Program went through an extensive
Self-Study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 NAEYC
Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation
Criteria. The program received NAEYC
Accreditation after a site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program
meets each of the ten program standards. Accreditation will be valid until
2014.
|
GENASAS Update: science clear as crystal
|
|
The participants in Generating and Evaluating New Adventure in Science After School (GENASAS) work hard, have great fun, and learn a lot
Middle School Students learning about salt crystallization
In "Sugar and Salt", the children grew their own salt crystals using salt, black construction paper, string paper clips and hot water. The young scientists let the salt sit for a few weeks and watched it as it formed into larger crystals. As the crystals grew, the children noticed that as the water and salt sit, the salt dissolves into the water to form a saturated solution: the salt crystals. This experiment allowed the budding chemists to realize that the salt did not disappear but was in fact still present in the water. Later, after recovering the new crystals, they learned that chemical reactions also happen at a microscopic level.
GENASAS is a highly innovative program that enhances our current STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) curriculum in a way that will help young people from preschool to high school see science come to life through hands-on activities and experiments. The goal is to frame science in a new and more exciting way for youth
and to open their mind to the possibility of careers in the field.
|
|
2009 Thanksgiving Drive |
|
Tuesday, November 24th
Fortunately, the rain stopped early in the day, because over 700 people waited in line outside East End House to receive a Thanksgiving basket containing a turkey or a voucher to buy one, stuffing, cranberry jelly, fresh produce, potatoes, gravy, dessert and more. This year, we distributed 836 baskets and served 2,333 individuals who otherwise could not afford a Thanksgiving meal.
Volunteers helping fill up the baskets
The weekend before Thanksgiving, children and parents came to East End House to volunteer and help prepare the baskets. In addition, families
spent a pleasant time with East End House's staff, who organized seasonal
activities for the occasion.
This high number of baskets distributed is a reminder of the growing need in our community, and we would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and donors without whom this drive would not have been possible.
Corporate Donors included:
Equity Office, Genzyme, Food for Free, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), Transatlantic Management, Ironwood Pharmaceutical, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Amgen, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, Elsevier, Forrester Research, Twining Properties, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Harvard University, Broad Institute, Sanofi Aventis, AMAG Pharmaceutical, Living Proof, Kennedy Longfellow School, Cambridge Technology, Tolerx, Biogen Idec, Mirant, Cushman and Wakefield, General Electric, Johnny's Foodmaster, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's.
Thanks also to the following organizations for their volunteer support:
East Cambridge Savings Bank, Biogen Idec, Living Proof, City Year, Elsevier, Equity Office, Sanofi-Aventis, Boston Cares, Cambridge Savings Bank, Beacon High School, Bunker Hill Community College, The Amundsen Group, Northeastern University,
and Lasalle College.
|
Santa at East End House!
|
|
 East End House had the pleasure to receive a very prestigious guest from the North Pole (via Novartis)
This Thursday, the children's lunches were enilvened by the visit of Santa Claus and his little helpers! Novartis volunteers stopped their sleigh at East End House and went around the classrooms, gave out candy canes and told Santa their winter wishes.
In addition, Novartis employees dropped off gifts for the children. East End House would like to
thank Novartis for their generosity, which makes
an immediate difference in the lives of those we serve.
|
Cooking For A Cause 2010
|
|
|
Young at Heart gets a boost from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation
|
|
Thanks to Tufts Health Plan Foundation for sponsoring Health and Nutrition activities for seniors!
Thanks to this important grant, East End House will be able to enhance its senior programming, in the area of Health and Wellness. Seniors who wish to remain active, socialize with peers, and stay informed about health issues, will benefit greatly from these programs. For instance, the Walking Club (which meets every Wednesday at 9:30am for energizing walks), allowed one of our new seniors, whose health did not allow her to walk alone for fear of losing her balance and falling, to walk in good and safe company every week! For more information about senior programming, come to our Focus Group on December 8th or contact Emily by phone at (617) 876-4444 or by email at emily@eastendhouse.org. |
|
Openings in School Age Program |
|
 Join the School Age Program for afternoons of learning and fun!
There are a number of openings in our School Age Program for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The schedule is designed to be choice-based, so youth can pick
the classes and activities that most excite them. Classes include sports, art, science, literacy, field trips and more!
|
|
Volunteer/Mentor news
|
|
Mentoring 101 Training - December 16th from 6pm to 8pm
Are you looking for a way to make a strong impact in your community? *** MENTOR A MIDDLE-SCHOOLER ***
The East End House Mentoring Program is looking for volunteers to serve as mentors for youth in our Middle School After School Program. Contact Emily at (617) 876-4444 or emily@eastendhouse.org for more information. The School Age Program is looking for Friday Guest Speaker for new unit on Media and Technology
The School Age Program will be starting a unit
on Media and Technology in January. We
are looking for volunteer Friday afternoon guest speakers to talk about careers
in science and how you use Media and Technology in your work. Please contact Chrissy at chrissy@eastendhouse.org or (617)
876-4444 if you are interested.
|
East End House Child Care and Afterschool in images
|
|
Here are some highlights of these past two months:
|
|
Community Programs
|
|
East End House Community Ice Skating Party - Experience Kendall Square Ice Skating Ring for free with East End House and the East Cambridge community. Join us at the Kendall Square Community Ice Skating Rink on Tuesday, January 26th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. The entrance and the ice skate rentals will be free and you will enjoy chili and hot cocoa! This event is sponsored by the Kendall Square Association, the Cambridge Police Department, the East Cambridge Planning Team. For information, pleast contact Emily (emily@eastendhouse.org) or at (617) 876-4444.
East
End House Family Playgroups - For every family with kids ages 0-5: get
together, share stories and ideas, play games and enjoy light and
healthy refreshments. The next playgroups will be held on Tuesdays, December 22nd, January 5th and 19th from 10am - 11:30am. No sign-up required, just drop
by East End House!! For more information, contact Camille at 617-876-4444 or
camille@eastendhouse.org. Walking Club - Enjoy
moderately-paced strolls around the neighborhood!!! Every Wednesday at 9:30am. A great way to stay healthy and socialize with your neighbors for
everyone above the age of 50. No need to sign up, just come to East
End House on Wednesdays. Feel more energized while meeting great
people!! Emily will give you more information at 617-876-4444 or at
emily@eastendhouse.org. Free Benefit Eligibility Screening -
If you are struggling to pay your monthly bills or meet your basic
needs, the Community Programs office may be able to help. You may be
eligible for government benefits or for other local social services.
Stop by the Community Programs offices or contact Emily at 617-876-4444
or emily@eastendhouse.org.
|
|
Job Openings
|
|
 East End House is looking for dedicated, energetic and talented staff
We are looking for new staff dedicated to our mission of providing quality programs and services to the community. If you feel you have the skills and passion, send us a cover letter with your résumé. We are currently recruiting for the following job openings:
Business Office Manager
School Age Program Director
Middle School Leaders
Inclusion Specialist
|
Let us know what services and programs you would like to see at East End House. Please e-mail your suggestions to rebecca@eastendhouse.org. Thank you in advance for your input and feedback.
For more information about East End House, please visit our web site at www.eastendhouse.org.
|
|
