Spring 2024 Newsletter
Embracing Unity, Celebrating Contributions, and Fostering Inclusion
Autism Acceptance Month
Throughout April, PHILLIPS Programs joined the global community in commemorating Autism Acceptance Month and celebrating World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. This month-long observance is more than just raising awareness; it's about embracing a new perspective. We thoroughly align with this movement, emphasizing a neurodiversity standard that views autism as a variation in the human brain rather than a condition to be cured.
Autism Acceptance Month is also a time for us to celebrate neurodiversity— the unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that individuals on the autism spectrum bring to our community. Celebrating neurodiversity is all about recognizing the diverse abilities and contributions of neurodivergent individuals and fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.
Regardless of a student's formal diagnostic or educational assessments, PHILLIPS' specializes in understanding and transforming patterns that interfere with academic and social functioning.
For us, autism acceptance is not limited to a single month— it is a year-round commitment embedded in our philosophy and practices. We believe in accepting individuals for who they are and appreciating their unique contributions to our community.
Metro Police Basketball: Fostering Community With Hoops and Hope
We're thrilled to spotlight our partnership with the Metro Police in our basketball program. Every month, officers join us throughout our schools to shoot hoops with our students, fostering positive relationships and showing our students that officers are friendly faces in their community. This initiative is more than just about having fun and playing a game; it's about building trust and understanding within each other and our local community.
Our Metro Police Basketball initiative continues to be a beacon of community engagement, bringing together law enforcement officers and our students for friendly matches on the court. These monthly gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for our students to interact with officers in a relaxed setting, breaking down barriers and fostering mutual respect. Through the power of sports, we're strengthening bonds, promoting dialogue, and nurturing a sense of belonging within our community.
This ongoing collaboration not only enriches our students' experiences but also contributes to a safer, more connected community for all. As we continue to build upon this partnership, we look forward to fostering even deeper connections and creating lasting positive impacts within our neighborhoods.
Internship Insights: Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders
Our internship program offers invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities for aspiring professionals in social work and education. Under the guidance of our experienced staff, interns are gaining practical skills, deepening their understanding of our mission, and making meaningful contributions to our programs. Their passion and commitment shine as they embark on their journey to make a difference in the lives of our students. Coming from various backgrounds and educational institutions, they bring diverse perspectives and a shared dedication to serving our community.
Catherine Calabro, a student at Gallaudet University, shares her aspirations: "Hello! My name is Cat Calabro (she/her). I attend Gallaudet University and am expected to graduate with my MSW in May 2025! Post graduation, I plan to work as a psychotherapist treating clients with mental illnesses. My ultimate goal is to open my own treatment center that treats the entire client in mind, body, and soul." As interns immerse themselves in our community, they're not only shaping their own futures but also inspiring and empowering the next generation of changemakers.
At PHILLIPS Programs, we offer a range of teaching internships tailored to students enrolled in teacher education, speech-language, occupational therapy, and behavioral health counseling programs. These internships provide opportunities to work with youth from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., across all grade levels in special education. Whether in speech and language therapy, behavioral health counseling, or career and technical education, interns are integral to our mission of helping youth maximize their skills, interests, and hopes for the future.
We're proud to partner with esteemed universities and colleges to provide enriching internship experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers in education and allied fields.
Nourishing Hope: A Recap of the Grocery Gift Card Campaign
With immense gratitude, we're pleased to share the outstanding outcome of our Grocery Gift Card Campaign, thanks to your extraordinary generosity. Surpassing our fundraising goal of $4000, we raised a total of $4,195.24, providing grocery gift cards for 40 children within the PHILLIPS Programs community. This accomplishment ensures these children have access to nutritious meals over Spring Break, offering them sustenance, hope, and security during this critical time.
With over 50% of PHILLIPS Programs youth relying on school-provided meals for their daily nutrition, your contributions have been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity for many families. Beyond merely filling bellies, your generosity nourishes the well-being and dignity of our community members, reaffirming their value and importance.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue affecting many families in our community. It manifests as the inability to access enough food for an active, healthy life due to financial constraints. Your support through the Grocery Campaign has directly addressed this challenge, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the break. Your kindness and compassion have made a tangible difference in the lives of our students and their families, illustrating the profound impact of collective action in creating positive change.
Each meal provided through your support serves as a testament to the strength of our community and the transformative power of unity. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.
Volunteer Recognition Day!
This month, we celebrated our volunteers on Volunteer Recognition Day! Volunteers at PHILLIPS Programs play a vital role in our success by contributing in diverse ways, from mentoring students and assisting in classrooms to organizing events and providing administrative support. Each volunteer brings a unique set of talents and experiences that enrich our programs and enhance the lives of our students.
This year, we celebrate their resilience and dedication, especially during challenging times. Their selflessness and passion inspire us all to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students.
At PHILLIPS Programs, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year for individuals aged 18 and older who are interested in giving back to the community through their time and expertise. Whether you're interested in supporting special fundraising events, serving on event committees, or contributing your business expertise, there are many opportunities to make a meaningful impact!
As we continue to navigate the complexities of education and social services, we extend a heartfelt thank you to each volunteer for their invaluable contributions. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support!
Immersing in Stories: Reflecting on Read Aloud Week
Read Aloud Week was a celebration of the power of storytelling and its ability to ignite imaginations, inspire creativity, and cultivate empathy. Through shared stories and engaging activities, our students explored new worlds, discovered diverse perspectives, and developed a deeper appreciation for the written word.
Whether it was through group readings, creative writing exercises, or interactive storytelling sessions, the joy and excitement of literacy were palpable throughout our campuses. As we continue to champion the importance of literacy education, we're nurturing a lifelong love of learning and empowering our students to become confident, compassionate readers and storytellers.
Honoring Women's Voices: Highlights from International Women's Day
International Women's Day was a time to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of women across history and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and empowerment. At PHILLIPS Programs, we took pride in celebrating the strength, fortitude, and achievements of women from diverse backgrounds. Whether they are students, staff members, volunteers, or community partners, women hold pivotal roles in shaping our organization and driving positive change in our community.
As we came together to commemorate International Women's Day, we amplified the voices of women, advocated for gender parity, and inspired future generations to aspire towards greatness and shatter barriers.