May 2024 Newsletter
Celebrating Achievements, Honoring Dedication, and Looking Ahead
Growing Futures at Laurel: Snip, Snap, Sauté!
Our culinary students are whipping up excitement in the kitchen with the Snip, Snap, Sauté program! This innovative initiative teaches valuable life skills and promotes healthy eating habits. Students harvest fresh ingredients from our school garden and transform them into delicious, nutritious meals. It's a fantastic way to learn about food preparation, teamwork, and the importance of nutrition. We're incredibly proud of our budding chefs and can't wait to see their next culinary creations!
Staff Appreciation Month at PHILLIPS Programs
May is Staff Appreciation Month, and at PHILLIPS Programs, we are elated to dedicate this time to honoring the remarkable dedication of our exceptional team. Our staff members are the heart and soul of our organization, and their unwavering commitment to the growth and well-being of our students is truly commendable.
We planned a series of events and gestures throughout this special month to express our gratitude and appreciation for their tireless efforts. From special luncheons to heartfelt notes of thanks, we celebrated our staff in meaningful ways that reflect their profound impact on our community.
In addition to organized events, we've been touched by our students' kind words and sentiments about our staff. Their heartfelt messages serve as a special reminder of the profound relationships and positive influence our staff members have on those they serve.
To all our incredible staff members: Thank you for your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Your hard work and compassion make a difference every day, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do!
Nourishing Hope: Our Summer Grocery Gift Card Campaign Begins!
We're launching our Summer Grocery Gift Card Campaign to raise $12,000! Our goal is to provide grocery gift cards for 120 students within the PHILLIPS Programs community, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer break.
Reflecting on Past Success, our Spring Grocery Card Campaign provided essential support for children during spring break, addressing food insecurity and offering hope to families in need.
With over 50% of PHILLIPS Programs youth relying on school-provided meals, your contributions have been crucial. Together, we can ensure no child goes hungry this summer.
Every donation counts. Join us in our mission to provide grocery gift cards for 120 students this summer and make a tangible difference in our community. Together, let's nourish hope and create lasting change. Thank you for your support in building a brighter future for our community.
Press Release for Earmark Award for SpringForward
We are excited to announce that SpringForward Farms has been awarded FY 2024 Appropriations funds to support our mission of creating high-quality jobs for young adults with behavioral health wellness needs! This funding will provide bridge support to train eight full-time positions within the rapidly growing industry of indoor urban agriculture.
SpringForward Ventures (SFV) focuses on restoring social, economic, and disability justice in America’s workplace by building inclusive companies. This grant will allow us to create comprehensive training programs, including instructional video tutorials, visual aids, and hands-on activities. The training will cover operational and technical support, fostering a participatory culture, and providing essential employee support.
This initiative will ensure our workers are well-equipped for success, reducing barriers to the workforce and promoting an inclusive employment environment. The earmark award marks a significant milestone for SpringForward Farms, enabling us to continue transforming lives through innovative workforce development solutions. We are grateful for this support and excited about the positive impact it will have on our community!
Mark Your Calendars for Our Annual Gala!
Our annual gala is set for April 5, 2025, and we’re already buzzing with excitement! This event is the highlight of our year, and we need your creative input to make it unforgettable. Do you have a fantastic theme idea? Whether it’s a whimsical wonderland, a glamorous masquerade, or a nostalgic throwback, we want to hear from you! Your suggestions will help us create a magical evening that not only celebrates our community but also supports our vital programs. Share your ideas and join us in making this gala an extraordinary night to remember!
VAISEF Conference
Our team had an enriching experience at the recent VAISEF Conference, highlighted by a special recognition for one of our dedicated educators. We are thrilled to congratulate Hannah Muskett, who was awarded The Margaret Shepherd Teaching Award at the conference. This prestigious award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates a high level of excellence and commitment in teaching. Hannah, who teaches our Building Futures Fairfax class, exemplifies these qualities and more. Her dedication and innovative teaching methods have made a significant impact on her students, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements.
In addition to celebrating Hannah's success, we were honored to present on critical topics such as logic models and Everyday ABA. Dr. Rose Ann Renteria captivated attendees with her presentation on logic models, offering insightful frameworks to improve program planning and evaluation. Lindsay Randolph, MS, MA, BCBA, LBA, shared her expertise on Everyday ABA, providing practical strategies for incorporating Applied Behavior Analysis into daily educational practices.
The VAISEF Conference was more than just a platform for sharing our knowledge; it was a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and exchanging best practices with fellow educators and professionals. We engaged in thought-provoking discussions, attended workshops, and participated in sessions that broadened our understanding of the latest trends and innovations in the field of special education.
We're bringing back fresh insights and innovative strategies to enhance our programs and better serve our students. The knowledge gained and the connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the continuous improvement of our services. We are excited to implement these new ideas and approaches in our classrooms and programs, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of educational excellence.
Community Services Act Symposium
PHILLIPS Programs proudly participated in the Community Services Act Symposium, joining forces with other organizations to advocate for improved services and support for our youth. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and community engagement in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Through insightful panels and discussions, we explored strategies for integrating education, mental health support, and social services. This experience reinforced our commitment to advocacy and community involvement. We're dedicated to continuing these vital conversations and working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all!
Advocating for Services on Capitol Hill
Our team recently took to Capitol Hill to advocate for enhanced services and support for our students. Alongside Jerry Baldwin, VAISEF Executive Director, and Walker Swain from Senator Kaine’s office, we engaged with policymakers to discuss the critical needs of our community and the profound impact of our programs. This empowering experience allowed us to showcase the importance of resources for children with behavioral health and educational needs.
Advocacy is a cornerstone of our mission, and we are committed to raising awareness and securing the necessary support to ensure our students thrive. By sharing success stories and presenting compelling data, we aimed to underscore the urgency of increased funding and policy support. Our efforts on Capitol Hill are part of a larger initiative to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children. We remain dedicated to championing the services our students deserve and look forward to continued advocacy work.