August 2024 Newsletter
SAVE THE DATES!
Kicking Off the School Year: Meet the PHILLIPS Team
As we start our new school year at PHILLIPS Programs, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible team that makes our mission possible. Our staff is the heart and soul of everything we do, and their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and their families make all the difference in creating a supportive and nurturing environment. This month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible team members who make our mission possible.
From our teachers and counselors to our support staff and administrators, each individual plays a vital role in helping our students succeed both academically and personally. Their collective efforts ensure that every student receives the personalized attention and care they need to thrive. Thank you to our entire staff for their hard work and dedication! Your contributions are truly the foundation of our success and we look forward to a year filled with continued achievements and growth.
Nourishing Minds and Bodies: Grocery Gift Card Campaign
At PHILLIPS Programs, we understand that academic success starts with meeting the basic needs of our students. Over the past school year, including the extended school year (ESY), PHILLIPS distributed almost $20,000 in grocery gift cards to our student families who may be struggling to put food on the table. The initiative was more than just a distribution of resources; it was a lifeline for many families, ensuring that our students could come to school nourished and ready to learn.
Thank you Donors!
Carmen P. Alvarado
Jennifer Andrew
Christina Beach
Zenobia Bingham
Dorothy Boothby
Deirdre Brown
Lisa Cherkasky
Dwayne Cherry
Kevin Conley
Cheryl Coughlin
Tina Cross
Juliana Duffy
Alice Egan
Amy Findley
Cameron Fraser
Courtney Gaskins
Raymond Gazelle
Roselin Gbadegesin
Lamont & Esther Green
Artha L. Groves
Brenda Harvey Moore
Daralyn W. Hassan
Janice Hayes
Scott & Juliet Heimberg
Marbeth Ingle Levy
Russell & Elena James
Sheila Jones
Francis Kargbo
Melissa Knutson
Jon Kozesky
Cheryl Lewis
Amy Louviere
Allie Martin
Stephen J. Masten
Jerry Partlow
David Perry
Charles W. Phillips
Piper Phillips Caswell
RoseAnn Renteria
Chris Ridgway
Carol Skiba
Lillian St. Laurent
Sharon Stenmark
Kim Sullivan
Stacie Thompson
Sharon K. Weiss
Bill & Carol Weld King
William Whitman
Marie Withrow
One of our students' parents shared a powerful story that underscores the impact of this campaign. Just as their family ran out of food, they received one of our gift cards in the mail. The timing couldn't have been more crucial, and the parent called us in tears, expressing immense gratitude. This simple act of sending a gift card provided immediate relief and affirmed that PHILLIPS Programs is there to support our students and their families in every possible way.
In another instance, a long-time family in our community faced significant challenges. A grandmother, who is raising her two grandchildren after the loss of their mother, struggled with limited income and the emotional weight of their situation. The grocery gift cards we provided offered much-needed relief during a particularly tough time, helping to ease some of the burden she was carrying.
We recently had the opportunity to assist a student facing extraordinary challenges. When we provided him with a gift card, it was clear just how much this support meant to him. Together, we sat down to create a grocery list, focusing on nutritious and budget-friendly options. The experience was more than just about buying food—it was about giving him a sense of stability and empowerment in a difficult time. His appreciation was evident, and the support helped him make better choices for his health.
We know that many of our students face food insecurity, and the stress that comes with it can be overwhelming. The gift cards are not just a means to buy groceries; they are a statement that we care about our students' well-being on every level— academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and nutritional. By addressing these fundamental needs, we help give our students the chance to focus on learning and growing, without the distraction of hunger.
As we continue this initiative, we are reminded of the importance of community and the critical role that support plays in the lives of our students. We are grateful to be able to provide this aid and are committed to ensuring that our students are equipped to succeed, starting with a healthy meal. Thank you to everyone who contributes to these efforts—your support helps ensure that families in need receive the assistance they deserve.
Swing into Action: Join Us for the 1st Annual Disc Golf Fall Fling!
Get ready to tee off for a great cause at our 1st Annual Disc Golf Fall Fling! This exciting event is more than just a day of friendly competition— it's an opportunity to support PHILLIPS Programs and Spring Forward Ventures while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The Disc Golf Fall Fling will take place at Clark’s Run Disc Golf Course, located near our Building Futures Loudoun Campus. What makes this event even more special is the involvement of our PHILLIPS students in the Building Futures program, who volunteer their time and effort to help maintain the course. Their hard work not only contributes to the success of the event but also reflects their dedication to giving back to the community.
Whether you're a seasoned disc golf player or a newcomer to the sport, we invite you to join us for a day of fun, camaraderie, and meaningful impact. Your participation will help support our ongoing efforts to empower individuals through education, vocational training, and social enterprises.
>> Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
>> Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
>> Location: Clark’s Run Disc Golf Course, 13951 Freedom Center Drive in Leesburg, VA 20176
We look forward to seeing you on the course!
Empowering Futures: Truist Foundation Grant
We are thrilled to share that SpringForward has received a substantial grant from the Truist Foundation! This grant marks a significant commitment to our mission of developing employment social enterprises, including our initiative, SpringForward Feeds, which now provides scratch-cooked breakfast and lunch for several PHILLIPS campuses.
With this support, we will be able to expand our career and technical education (CTE) training initiatives, integrate new technologies into our curriculum, and provide additional resources for behavioral health and wellness. We are immensely grateful to the Truist Foundation for their support and are eager to put these funds to work to create more opportunities for our students!
Building Futures: ESY Students Make Progress on House Construction
This summer, our Extended School Year (ESY) program has been a hive of activity, with students making significant strides in constructing a house as part of our Building Futures initiative. This hands-on experience not only provides our students with valuable skills in the building trades but also reinforces the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance.
Under the guidance of our dedicated instructors, students have been working diligently on various aspects of the construction process. From framing and roofing to installing windows and doors, they are gaining practical experience that will serve them well in future careers. The project also provides an excellent opportunity for students to apply the academic lessons they've learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
The progress made this summer showcases our students' hard work and determination. As the house takes shape, it symbolizes the growth and development of each student involved in the project. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing the completed house stand as a lasting reminder of their efforts and potential.
Turning Up the Volume on Learning: Enhancing Education with New Assistive Technology
This summer, PHILLIPS Programs took a significant step forward in enhancing the learning experience for our students by investing in cutting-edge assistive technology. Our new equipment is designed to address the diverse needs of students, particularly those with hearing loss, inattention, or auditory processing challenges.
We introduced Assistive Listening Devices that improve focus by transmitting the teacher’s voice directly to students’ receivers, reducing background noise. Our new setup also includes a sound field system for even voice distribution, a multimedia hub for integrating technology, and pass-around microphones for student interactions.
During orientation, staff received hands-on training from local audiologists and Phonak representatives. Since implementing the equipment, teachers have noticed increased student engagement. After just one use, one student eagerly asked to use the “speech thing” again the next day.
We aim to create a more inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. We’re excited to see the positive impact on academic success and look forward to sharing more success stories.
PHILLIPS Programs Annual Report
As we continue our journey of empowering students and fostering strong communities, we are proud to share our Annual Report with you. This report highlights the incredible progress we've made over the past year, thanks to the unwavering support of our community, partners, and dedicated staff.
Inside, you'll find stories of student success, updates on our innovative programs, and a detailed overview of our financials and accomplishments. From expanding our vocational training initiatives to enhancing our behavioral support services, the Annual Report showcases how we are making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Your support has been instrumental in helping us reach new heights, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.
Read the PHILLIPS Programs Annual Report and join us in celebrating another year of growth, innovation, and dedication to our mission.
PHILLIPS Programs Earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
We are thrilled to share a significant milestone for PHILLIPS Programs—our recent achievement of the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency! This prestigious recognition from GuideStar highlights our unwavering commitment to transparency and excellence in our operations.
What It Means
The Candid Platinum Seal is awarded to organizations that demonstrate exceptional transparency in their operations, financials, and impact. It signifies our dedication to open communication and accountability.
Why It Matters
Transparency builds trust with our donors, partners, and community. By sharing detailed information about our programs, financials, and impact, we ensure that our supporters feel confident in our work and their contributions.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. From our staff and volunteers to our board members and supporters, everyone plays a crucial role in ensuring that we operate with integrity and transparency.
Explore our GuideStar profile to see our Platinum Seal and learn more about how we’re making an impact!