June 2024 Newsletter
Celebrating Achievements, Honoring Tradition, and Looking Ahead
SpringForward Ventures Secures $307,000 in Federal Funding for Workforce Development
SpringForward Ventures has been awarded $307,000 of FY 2024 Appropriations funds to create training and onboarding curricula for its non-traditional workforce. The funding was requested and secured by U.S. Maryland Senators Cardin and Van Hollen as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation.
Established in 2022, SpringForward Ventures is building companies differently. SpringForward Ventures presents a radically innovative employment model to solve the under-and-unemployment crisis for individuals with behavioral health wellness needs. Our human-centered approach will transform employee-ownership and worker-run cooperative concepts into pathways for community wealth building and improve inadequate workforce strategies for our target population.
“Agriculture is at the center of Maryland’s diverse economy. SpringForward Ventures is not only providing workforce development opportunities to Marylanders who need it most, but also strengthening our local food systems,” said Senator Cardin. “Federal support for this community-driven project is an investment in a stronger workforce, in stronger communities and a stronger economy.”
Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, remarked, “We are working to invest in the success of every Marylander, including through our support for job training and education initiatives and behavioral health programs. This direct federal investment will help SpringForward Ventures continue its vital work to help ensure all Marylanders have access to meaningful work opportunities and to propel their economic empowerment – providing inclusive pathways for success.”
PHILLIPS Graduation Ceremony: Honoring Our Student’s Success!
Earlier this month, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 30 students across our PHILLIPS campuses. This significant milestone marks the culmination of their hard work and perseverance. The ceremony was truly inspirational, featuring a speech from a former student at our Fairfax campus who shared their journey and successes post-PHILLIPS. Their story served as a powerful reminder of the potential and resilience within each of our students. We were honored to have Delegate Pam Guzzone join us for the Laurel campus ceremony, and Delegate Vivian Watts in attendance at the Annandale ceremony.
These graduations not only celebrated academic achievements but also the personal growth and determination of our students. Congratulations to all our graduates— we are incredibly proud of you and excited for what the future holds!
June Fest & Field Day: A Celebration of Community & Fun at PHILLIPS Annandale and Fairfax
June Fest at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale was a day full of excitement! The highlight of the event was the ever-popular Pie in the Face activity, where both PHILLIPS staff and Metro Transit Police volunteers gamely took whipped cream pies to the face, much to the delight of the students! We’d like to extend a special thanks to Chef Ben, who provided a delicious burger cookout and ensured everyone was well-fed and happy.
PHILLIPS School ~ Fairfax had an exciting Field Day as they wrapped up the school year. It was a day filled with spirited games, friendly competition, and lots of laughter. Students and staff alike enjoyed participating in various outdoor activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration as they concluded another successful academic year.
The success of June Fest and Field Day was a reflection of the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff volunteers, whose flexibility and good cheer made the event possible. Their efforts created a memorable experience for everyone involved, showcasing the strong community bonds and positive environment at PHILLIPS Programs. Thank you to all who participated and made these events possible!
Deloitte's Impact Day: Making a Difference at PHILLIPS Laurel
PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel had the privilege of partnering with Deloitte's Impact Day volunteers, and what a productive day it was! Together, we accomplished a myriad of projects that greatly benefited our school and students. The volunteers helped harvest hydroponically grown leafy greens and microgreens, which were then used to make fresh, healthy salads. It was a fantastic hands-on learning experience for our students! The volunteers also painted a stunning mural, revitalized our outdoor classroom by cleaning and mulching, and even demonstrated 3D printing technology.
These activities not only enhanced our facilities but also provided valuable learning opportunities for our students. We are immensely grateful for the time and effort the Deloitte volunteers dedicated to improving our school. Their impact will be felt for a long time, and we look forward to future collaborations that support our mission!
Laurel's Family Day: Fun, Games, & Community Connections
Laurel's Family Day was a beautiful celebration of community and togetherness. Families, staff, and students came together for a day filled with games, prizes, and delicious food. The event was a testament to the strong bonds within the PHILLIPS community. A special thank you goes to the Howard County Police Youth Division for joining us and delighting everyone with freshly popped popcorn! We also extend our gratitude to our neighbor Dreyer's Ice Cream for their generous donation of cold, refreshing ice cream, which was a hit on the hot day.
The success of Family Day was made possible by the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff, who ensured that everyone had a fantastic time. It was a day of joy, laughter, and connection, reinforcing the sense of family that defines our school.
Celebrating Community Spirit: PHILLIPS Annandale's Kickball Bonanza
Last month, PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale hosted an exciting fourth-quarter kickball bonanza, joined by Metro Transit Police officers who regularly play basketball with our students. It was a blast of teamwork and fun, showcasing strong community spirit and positive interactions between students and officers.
These events not only promote physical activity but also build lasting connections and a sense of belonging. We're grateful to the Metro Transit Police for their continued support in making our community stronger and more inclusive.
Summer Grocery Gift Card Campaign: Nourishing Our Students Together
Join us in making a difference this summer! With the school year over, many of our students face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. With your support, we can ensure they have access to nutritious food during the break.
We launched our Summer Grocery Gift Card Campaign with a goal to raise $12,000 to provide grocery gift cards for 120 students within the PHILLIPS Programs community. This initiative builds on the success of our Spring Grocery Card Campaign, which provided essential support for children during spring break.
Your donation, no matter the size, can alleviate food insecurity and promote the well-being of our students and their families. Let's come together to nourish our community and support our students in every way possible. Click here to donate!
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!