Author: C&I

Broward College and Firewall Centers collaborate to improve local community on MLK Day of Service

DAVIE, Fla. (Jan. 20th, 2015) – On Monday, Jan. 19th, Firewall Centers’ new modular was renovated thanks to the generous $3,377.04 awarded by Broward College in honor of MLK Day of Service.  This modular, donated by Bergeron Properties, will allow Firewall Centers to increase their capacity by 20 students in the surrounding Broward County community.

Around 30 volunteers from around the south Florida area came and gave of their time and talents. In attendance were numerous families, Town of Davie staff, Calvary Chapel Plantation attendees, Broward College and Nova Southeastern University students, and Firewall Centers’ students, staff, and Board members.

“I chose to volunteer for Firewall Centers because I can. You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow and I might not be able to pick up a paintbrush or a shovel anymore, so I’ll do everything I can to help and serve today,” said Broward College student, Daniela Jahncke.

Volunteers arrived at 8:00 a.m. and soon after began working hard by painting the outside of the modular, the roof, four rooms, and surrounding decks. Other volunteers caulked the inside rooms, pulled weeds, put cabinets and counters in place, cleaned, and planted a garden around the stairwell entrance. The trees, shrubs, mulch, and other supplies for the garden were donated by the Town of Davie.

“When I heard about the opportunity to help Firewall on MLK weekend, I knew I had to be part of it. It feels so good to accomplish what we did for the Firewall students and staff. I can’t wait for the next one!” said Justin Taylor, local Davie resident and event volunteer.

Firewall Centers received funds for this community project based on the criteria that included recruiting a diverse cross-section of the community as volunteers, supporting the legacy of Dr. King, and providing opportunities for sustained service and ongoing community involvement. This inaugural “Day On” of service, not a “Day Off” for Firewall Centers allowed for the nonprofit to continue to deepen its impact in this undeserved Broward County community.

 

 

January 2015 Newsletter

From award nominations to community events, Firewall Centers is starting 2015 with a bang!

Firewall Centers was nominated as one of three finalists for the Children’s Services Council (CSC) ‘Collective Impact for Youth‘ Award! This award is presented by 2-1-1 Broward, a resource that provides Broward County residents with health and human services in their community.

 

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We have been a part of the Community Foundation of  Broward’s ‘School is Cool‘ initiative, along with CSC, that  strives to increase the high school graduation rates to 90%  by 2020. The focus of this community-wide initiative is  attendance, behavior, and course performance, three areas  that our staff monitors daily.

Last year at the Academy Awards, we received the ‘Non- Profit Organization of the Year Rising  Star’ Award displaying that although we are “young and  small,” our “potential for growth and impact is high.”

Awards will be given out at the PNC Bank Non-Profit  Academy Awards on Friday, February 13th at the Seminole  Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at 11:00 a.m. Regardless of the  outcome, we feel privileged to be a part of this great event for the second year in a row!

 

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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19th, we participated in our first annual  Day of Service! Thanks to a generous gift from Broward College, we were able to renovate our donated modular and overall increase our Western High Firewall Center by 20 students.

With the help of over 30 volunteers, we painted inside and outside, installed hurricane shutters, put in doors, planted a garden, and more!

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘what are you doing for others?’” 

 – Martin Luther King Jr. 

We are grateful for the numerous families, Town of Davie Staff, Calvary Chapel Plantation attendees, Broward College and Nova Southeastern University students, and Firewall Centers’ student and Board members that showed up willing to do all they were capable of.

“I chose to volunteer for Firewall Centers because…You never know what’s going to happen tomorrow and I might not be able to pick up a paintbrush or a shovel anymore, so I’ll do everything I can to help and serve today,” said Broward College student, Daniela Jahncke. 

If you would like to see photos from the MLK Day of Service, feel free to take a look at our Facebook Page.

December 2014 Newsletter

As 2014 comes to a close, we first want to express our thankfulness for your support and for the dedication of our mentors and volunteers. Without it, we would not have been able to achieve these milestones:

  • 400 students mentored, tutored, and developed as leaders throughout our seven centers
  • Hosted our very first Serve-A-Thon in May that connected our students to their community through service
  • Named ‘Nonprofit of the Year Rising Star’ by 2-1-1 Broward – displaying that although we are “young and small,” our “potential for growth and impact is high”
  • Awarded ‘Citizens of the Year’ by Broward County Schools’ Social Workers for our dedication in building a support system for our students that goes far beyond academics

 

 

“FIREWALL CENTERS EXIST TO TRANSFORM STUDENTS INTO SERVANT LEADERS…”

 

We also want to reflect on the many students whose lives we have impacted this year, as they are the reason why Firewall exists. We are proud to share two of their stories with you, from their own perspective and from their mentors’.

These students have excellent academic performance, great behavior, and an overall positive attitude. This is why they were awarded the title of “Servant Leader” at their Centers.

 

ZION BENNETT
PLANTATION MIDDLE SCHOOL

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“Firewall helped me to become a better student and better person because I’ve gotten to help people with things like their homework. It taught me to work hard with anything I want to achieve. Think Fire has helped me to become a servant leader by teaching me to have leadership, do what’s right, and be nice to other people. ‘Give Back’ means to give somebody your kindness, knowledge, and wisdom. Being a servant leader will help me by continuing to do the right thing and being nice to others, showing leadership, integrity, have a plan, take charge, and never quit.”

 

 

DAVID ANDUJAR
INDIAN RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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“My first year as David’s mentor, I never heard David talk much and he kept to himself. This year, I noticed David is on top of everything. He is the first one to come up to me and tell me about his homework and he makes sure he gets everything done. Whenever he gets the chance, he will help us clean or assist another student with their homework. David is always happy to be at Firewall and puts a smile on our faces. Even though he is busy with homework, he makes sure to find the time to help others and is always trying his best at everything.”

-Annalyse Defrank, David’s mentor

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

Student-To-Leader Luncheon 2014

 

luncheon logoOur Annual Luncheon took place on Thursday, November 6th at the Signature Grand. We have witnessed first-hand our student’s grades, relationships, and outlook on life improve during their time at Firewall. This event was an opportunity for our staff to Spread the Fire to others and get more positive people involved in the lives of these children.

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Attendees interacted with both familiar and new faces before they heard exactly how much Firewall Centers is impacting the lives of its students. Guest speaker Betsy Roberts, a Western High School Social Worker, described the “family approach” of Firewall, as the staff unconditionally gives back to ensure each student receives the academic and social support they need to succeed in school and in life.

Vikki Colucci of Regent Bank also spoke on Firewall’s behalf. Vikki took part in our first Serve-A-Thon community service event in May alongside of our Firewall students. In her speech, she quoted Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Attendees got to taste this change that happens daily at Firewall when they heard from its graduates and current students. The audience was all smiles as three students from Pompano Beach Middle school shared their thankfulness for Firewall and even their dreams for the future.

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Towards the end of the luncheon, attendees fell quiet as they watched the lives of two graduated Firewall students, Kenneth and Kathia, be completely transformed by this program. Kenneth’s mother said in the video, tears forming in her eyes, that “Firewall is a family. A family that got together to help him, but not only to help Kenneth, but all of their students. At Firewall, there is no distinction. Everyone gets treated the same … These people are angels in the path of each one of these kids. ”

Various members of the community also attended and supported Firewall’s Student-to-Leader Luncheon including Broward College, representatives from the United Way of Broward County, Regent Bank, PNC Bank, the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund, the Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation, our school partners, as well as a Broward County School Board member, Laurie Rich Levinson, and a group from Leadership Broward’s Class XXXIII.

November 2014 Newsletter

Thank You All!

This Thanksgiving, we will sit down to  eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but first pause to think of all we are thankful for. We are thankful for our Firewall students, our mentors, and our faithful supporters. Without your help, Firewall Centers would not be capable of impacting the lives of students the way it has. You are helping to create servant leaders that are learning to take charge and have a plan for their future. Because of your support, these students have healthy relationships and continually are striving to overcome obstacles. Because of you, now they have a chance

 2014  Student-To-Leader Luncheon

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Our Annual Student-To-Leader Fundraising Luncheon took place on Thursday, November 6th at the Signature Grand. We have witnessed first-hand our student’s grades, relationships, and outlook on life improve during their time at Firewall. This event was an opportunity for our staff to Spread the Fire to others and get more positive people involved in the lives of these children.

Towards the end of the luncheon, attendees fell quiet as they watched the lives of two graduated Firewall students, Kenneth and Kathia, be completely transformed by this program. Kenneth’s mother said in the video, tears forming in her eyes, that “Firewall is a family. A family that got together to help him, but not only to help Kenneth, but all of their students. At Firewall, there is no distinction. Everyone gets treated the same … These people are angels in the path of each one of these kids. ”

 

CENTER SPOTLIGHT

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Bair Middle School

Firewall’s Bair Middle School Center in Sunrise is in its second year. As one of our top academically performing centers, it would not be the same without our six mentors and Area Director that have developed a strong support system and family environment for the students.This family begins with the mentors, who have created a weekly tradition amongst themselves, bringing in a dish that is representative of their culture to share with each other. Empanadas were most recently brought in to embrace the Colombian culture.The family atmosphere also carries over to our students who attend this Firewall center located inside of Bair’s cafeteria. The students also have access to a computer room to complete homework assignments. When homework is completed, students can go outside to play with Keith, one of the mentors, or play games inside.“Every once in a while, a student will pull out their instrument and serenade us,” said Esther, the Area Director of Blair and Plantation Middle School. Last year, 40 students attended this center, and this year, the capacity of 60 students has been reached. This center is only continuing to grow, and other students wanting to enter the program are currently on a waiting list.

 

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One of our students, Jephte, is in 7th grade at Bair Middle School. Jephte came to us struggling with his work. “He worked very hard to bring them up and completed most of the goals he set,” said his mentor, Alex . Now he can be found helping around the center without being asked by one of the mentors, or even helping other students with their homework. “You have to work to be a leader and you have to serve to be a leader,” said Jephte. We are proud of the hard work Jephte has shown, and we are even happier he has developed these skills at Firewall!

Mentor Sharron

Sharon

Say hello to one of our second year mentors at Bair Middle School, Sharon! When meeting Sharon, she will most likely be wearing a red Firewall t-shirt and a smile on her face. Her dedication to the success of the children she mentors is evident in the time she spends assisting with homework, helping supervise the computer room, or remaining in contact with parents. Sharon describes a mentor as “being a leader that is there for the kids. Someone who shows excellence in their lifestyle, someone who leads with kindness and as a servant. Just helping these kids achieve success.” We believe that Sharon is just that at our Bair Middle School Center. She is able to use her ability to focus on details to help Firewall students reach their educational goals.

 

October 2014 Newsletter

Thank You Gap!

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Firewall studentLast month, Firewall’s Pompano Beach Middle School Center was pleased to host a group of Gap clothing stores’ District Managers. In town for a regional meeting, these managers took time out of their busy schedules to spend the afternoon inspiring our students. They brought snacks as well as blank t-shirts, paint, glitter, stencils, fabric markers, and more and encouraged our kids to create their own masterpieces! The kids had such a great time expressing themselves, as their artwork reflected their favorite school subjects, hobbies, and interests. We are grateful that the Gap came out to support us, and we are excited for a continued community partnership that helps give our kids a chance to succeed!

 

 

 

Leadership Broward to make our

2015 Serve-A-Thon a huge success!

Leadership Broward

Leadership Broward is a leadership development program designed for adults who are currently in leadership positions and are involved in their communities. Every year, Leadership Broward specially selects several community projects developed by local nonprofit organizations – And we are honored to announce that Firewall Centers has been chosen by this year’s leadership class! Group participants have committed their time, skills, experience, and resources to help make our 2015 Serve-A-Thon a huge success! (Click here to learn more about our Serve-A-Thon). Our Leadership Broward Team is amazing, dedicated, and already hard at work planning, organizing, and scouting out community partners. With almost 400 Firewall students and mentors ready to serve our community on May 2nd, we have a big task ahead of us, but are confident in Leadership Broward’s ability to make our Serve-A-Thon a staple event in Broward County for many years to come.

 

 

 

 

 CENTER SPOTLIGHT

Indian Ridge Middle School

Indian Ridge Middle School Center

This month, we would like to introduce you to our Indian Ridge Middle School Center. This site is unique as it is housed within the Town of Davie’s Orange Park Community Center in the middle of over 2,000 mobile homes, and students are bused to the Center every day after school. This, our first Firewall site, is now in its fifth year and is run almost solely by Firewall graduates. The students at the Center keep us challenged with their strong academics and recognize Firewall as an important part of their community.

IRMS Firewall Student

Juan-Diego

Meet Juan-Diego. He is in 6th grade and just moved here 10 months ago from Venezuela.  Despite just starting middle school in a brand new country and being an ESOL student learning English as a second language, he is doing an extraordinary job!  We are so proud of Juan-Diego for being committed, never quitting, and always smiling even when circumstances get difficult. “He is so sweet and asks lots of questions. He is persistent until he gets the right answer, which proves how much he really wants to learn,” said one of his mentors, Kathy. Juan Diego is now an A/B student, and we look forward to having him in our Firewall family for a long time!

AlexaFirewall Mentor

We would like to introduce you to Alexa, the newest Mentor on our Indian Ridge Team!  She is currently a nursing major at Broward College.  Being the only Mentor at the Center who is not a Firewall graduate, Alexa had some big shoes to fill, but she fit right in and is making a notable difference in the lives of our students.  She is a hard worker and even comes in early to help tutor at our nearby High School Center. To Alexa, being a mentor means “being a friend to these kids, always encouraging them and never giving up on them.  I had a goal to just see myself impacting one life, and working at Firewall has already shown me that I have impacted a lot more than one, and that is so rewarding!”

 

Gap Store Managers Serve Firewall Center Students

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September 30th, 2014

On Tuesday, Firewall’s Pompano Beach Middle School Center was pleased to host a group of Gap clothing stores’ District Managers. In town for a regional meeting, these managers took time out of their busy schedules to spend the afternoon inspiring our students. They brought blank t-shirts, paint, glitter, stencils, fabric markers, and more and encouraged our kids to create their own masterpieces! The kids had such a great time expressing themselves, as their artwork reflected their favorite school subjects, hobbies, and interests. We are grateful that the Gap came out to support us, and we are excited for a continued community partnership that helps give our kids a chance to succeed!

 

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FOR MORE PICTURES CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK ALBUM!

September 2014 Newsletter

FIREWALL IS AT FULL SPEED!

Bair Mentor Saron

It’s our biggest year yet with 7 centers up and running and serving almost 400 students!
This year has been a big leap forward for our organization, and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s been a month since school started, and we are already so proud of all of our mentors and students. With more students on our waiting list than actually in our program, the FIRE is spreading fast!
Center Spotlight:

Plantation Middle School
Plantation Middle School

We want to introduce one of our Firewall Centers to you each month, and we are kicking it off with Plantation Middle. This center is on its second year running strong with 63 students currently being served each and every day!

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Lindy

Meet Lindy. She is in 7th grade and is a second year Firewall Student. Lindy lives with her grandma and just joined the band at school. She is excited to learn the trombone.  Her lead mentor, Jen, says that “She is super sweet, kind, respectful, does all of her work at Firewall, follows directions and enjoyshelping others.” We are proud of Lindy and all her hard work and improvements over the past year!

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Jonathan
Let us introduce you to Jonathan, one of our new mentors at Plantation Middle. He loves writing screenplays, directing, and acting in movies. One of his favorite parts about working at Firewall “is hearing and seeing the kids learn to do what’s right. I enjoy being a mentor and knowing that everything I do is reflecting good character to these kids. I am really excited to see my kids grow in their classes and in their faith.”
Job Openings

Area Director
We are looking for an additional Area Director to support our Centers.
Click here for more info:
http://2zm.dbb.myftpupload.com/area-director-position-2/

Mentor
We are looking for an additional mentor at our Davie High School Center.
Click here for more info:
http://2zm.dbb.myftpupload.com/mentor-position/

new staff pics
Wish List
With our growing centers and lots of kids we could use some additional electronics:
  • Laptops
  • Play Station
    • Console, games, and controllers

 

Are you connected with us?
We have great pictures & inspiring stories to share!

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August 2014 Newsletter

MEET THE FIREWALL TEAM!

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We want to take a second to welcome backall of our returning staff and give a big
“welcome to the family”to all of our new team members! 

We can’t describe how excited we are for this new school year! There is so much excitement in the air and so many new mentors and team members who are full of energy, passion, and experience to help our kids succeed!

 

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banner

  • Copy, Notebook, & Graph Paper
  • Pens, Pencils, & Highlighters Markers & Colored Pencils
  • Rulers, Protractors & Compasses
  • $5 & $10 Wal-Mart Gift Cards
  • Full-Size Candy Bars & Rice Krispie Treats
  • Small Bags of Potato Chips
  • Desktop Computers Calculators/ Scientific Calculators Xbox /PlayStation 3 Console & Games

 

We want to give a huge thanks to Watch U Want- for joining our supply drive! They were able to collect over 200 snacks and a large variety of school supplies! See more here!

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SERVE-A-THON IMPACT STILL BEING FELT IN OUR COMMUNITY

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It’s been three months since our First Annual Serve-A-Thon – yet our kids are still so proud of it and the press continues to buzz about it!

CHECK OUT THESE RECENT MAGAZINE ARTICLES
ABOUT FIREWALL’S EVENT:

DAVIE TOWN TIMES

SUNRISE TOWN TIMES

 

Kathy

Kathy has been a part of the Firewall program since she was in the 6th grade. Janeth Fernandez says “I still remember Kathy when she started Firewall. She would work so hard on her academics. She didn’t even speak English at the time, but had such a great desire to better herself that it didn’t hold her back. My favorite part about Kathy is her heart to serve. She loves to help people and always has a smile on her face!”

She learned from a young age that hard work and perseverance produce great results. We knew her potential so as soon as she became a junior in high school, we offered her an internship opportunity to mentor our middle school students. Of course, Kathy was happy to give back and did an excellent job. We were happy to see her grow, mature, and become a great role mole to her students. In her senior year, we were pleased to hire her as a mentor, but this time as part-time staff member.

Kathy believes that there is no excuse for not doing your best. Growing up, she overcame many obstacles and therefore she pushed her own group of Firewall students to excel and had faith that they could do the same.” Kathy graduated from Western High School this year with a 3.57 GPA and over 400 community service hours. She is great with our students and building relationships and wants to be an HR professional in the future.  We are so proud of her and know that she will continue to do great things in her community.

 

 

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