Brrrrr...it is cold, but we are HOT!

New partners, new weekly food distribution! High School Intern Raven Reports.

Welcome to 2021! Link to construction photos updated daily.

Tutoring Begins Next Week!
Your student has been matched with a tutor based on their academic needs, and will work with tutors one-on-one twice a week for 30 minutes during program hours.

This week's newsletter includes:
Upcoming Family Night - Thurs 10/22
Civic Works! Get an energy audit
Clean up SATURDAY - get volunteer credit!
Mental Health Corner
Additional Resources

The Power Project starts on Monday, October 5th. The program runs from 3:45pm-6:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Individual tutoring will be offered between 4pm-6pm, and can also be scheduled between 3pm-4pm if students are available.

Volunteers Needed Saturday September 12!
We need two shifts (rain or shine) this Saturday, September 12 to prepare for our capital project to expand our building--dress to get dirty! Masks required.

Volunteers Needed Saturday September 12!

We need two shifts (rain or shine) to prepare for our capital project to expand our building--dress to get dirty! Masks required.

Meet Your New Program Manager Jen Burt

I have worked in Baltimore City Schools over the past five years as both a teacher and program manager. Throughout this time, I became passionate about developing equitable enrichment opportunities for young people throughout the city. This passion drove me to the position of Program Manager at St. Francis Center, where I hope to continue the great work already being done at the organization. Through exploring enrichment options that highlight the strengths and interests of our youth, I hope to continue providing these enriching experiences that help young people learn and grow.

To ensure the safety and health of our students and staff, we will continue to host a virtual afterschool program until schools reopen.

For 4 days a week, students will log on to Google Meet with their instructor from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
-All parents will have the option to sign their child up for a 1-on-1 tutor to help their child with packets/homework from school.
-Students who are registered for the Power Project will be able to keep the laptops they currently have at home. New enrollees will receive a laptop to use at home.
-The afternoon hour with their teacher will be devoted to FUN, engaging, hands-on enrichment activities including Art With a Heart, Little Medical School, cooking/nutrition, fitness, karate, French lessons, Nitro Type, and more!
-Kits with activity materials will be delivered to your home
-This is a 100% scholarship program and students and families from low-income households are encouraged to apply.

News for the Week...

Please keep a line of communication open with us. Contact us if we leave a text or voice message. We miss you! If you attend any of the events in this newsletter. Please text EVENT (and which event) at 443-377-3387

Communication is Key
Legal Help for Utilities
Energy Audit
Health Corner
Additional Resources
Emergency Assistance

Please keep a line of communication open with us. Contact us if we leave a text or voice message. We miss you! If you attend any of the events in this newsletter. Please text EVENT (and which event) at 443-377-3387

Sign up for Summer Session!
Power of the Mind by Lydia Rugh
Black-2-Basic: Our Healing & Transformation During COVID-19
Food Distribution/ Volunteer Opportunity at Beth Am and SFNC

Last Friday, when President Trump called protesters “thugs” and tweeted, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts,” he was quoting widely-denounced former Miami police chief Walter E. Headly. The civil unrest of 1967 and 1968 took place against a backdrop of police brutality, institutionalized, systemic racism, and entrenched poverty in the black community. When white authorities blamed the violence on black radical groups intent on fomenting violent dissent, a commission appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson flatly rejected this claim. They concluded that racism was the root of the problem.

I know many of you have been waiting for news on our summer program, The Summer of Service Excursion (SOSE). To ensure the safety and health of our students and staff, we have decided to host a virtual summer program. We are committed, now more than ever, to combating summer learning loss. Continuing our youth programs during this difficult time is essential.

This is our last week of afterschool programming. Power Project After School activities will end on Thursday, May 28th. It has been a pleasure to serve your family this school year. Though the after-school program is coming to a close, we are still able to provide tutoring and groceries/resources. Please reach out if you have any pressing needs!

Weekly Food Distributions.. Come to 2405 Linden Avenue to receive free FRESH PRODUCE! Tell your neighbors!
First come first serve. Food Distributions are weekly on Tuesday and Thursday 10am until we run out.

We want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers, grandmothers and caretakers! You truly have the hardest job in the world, and we couldn't be more proud and thankful for the sacrifices you make.

To our supporters, please consider making a donation to our Emergency Fund to support families in need this #mothersday.

Hear Inge's testimony. She has been a parent with youth in the SFNC programs for 9 years.

Events happening tomorrow and next week:
- TOMORROW April 28! 10am-2pm Free Food & Essentials at SFNC
- Take a “Front Porch Photo Session" with Mollye Miller
- Support Positive Households and New Heroes Today!
- Mobile Hotspots for Sprint Customers
- BCPS Meals for Youth & Families March 28 - May 15
We are still operating and are thankful for your continued participation!

If you need anything during this time, let a staff member know during your check-in or contact our Parent Liaison Coordinator Everel Watson at everel@stfranciscenter.org. Please regard the CDC and Baltimore City Health Department guidelines to ensure health and safety of your family.

We hope you are all doing well during this time. We ask that you please keep a line of communication open with us. Contact us if we leave a text or voice message... We miss you! Here are some upcoming opportunities to stay involved with St. Francis Center, with your kids and with your community! If any of these opportunities interest you, see detailed information below.

Virtual Tutors NEEDED! Give a child the individual attention they deserve by tutoring at St. Francis Neighborhood Center! Given the challenges that COVID-19 has placed in front of us, tutoring will now be virtual! Taking an hour out of your week to help cement a child's academic future is a great experience for you and for the child.

We are writing to let you know that tomorrow, April 1st, SFNC will be on site at 2405 Linden Ave with emergency supplies from 10am-2pm. We will have baby formula (simliac) and food, bottled water, toiletries, sanitation supplies and more. Please bring your own bag!

Thank you to all our Power Project parents and families, for having patience during the past couple of weeks and assisting your children with their homework packets and their iReady tasks. We truly appreciate you investing in your child's future.

During this time, it is important to us that you and your child(ren) receive ongoing support, academically and otherwise. Our staff has been meeting daily to discuss ways to better support you and your family. As you may know, we have made all of our laptop computers available to be checked out by parents.

As we continue into uncharted territory with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at SFNC are deeply committed to our community. As you know, our after school program is closed but we are taking the following steps, below.

The Power Project after-school program runs Monday-Thursday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM beginning: September 30, 2019. If you want to start volunteering or just want some more information, email: dorlene@stfranciscenter.org and we can get you started! Also, all volunteers who will be in the program will need to be fingerprinted. Please email the above contact to get more information about fingerprinting.