February 2016 Newsletter

We are a FINALIST!

Our founder, Andy Fernandez, was nominated as one of the three finalists for the Non-Profit Leader of the Year Academy Award presented by 2-1-1 Broward.

As our Executive Director, Andy has established partnerships county-wide that have allowed Firewall to grow exponentially in just 5 years, expanding from serving 40 students to 400 each day. He has created a culture within Firewall where students become mentors when they graduate and developed an annual Serve-A-Thon event that teaches students to give back to our community through service projects.

In the past, we have received the Collective Impact for Youth and Non-Profit Organization of the Year Rising Star Academy Awards.

Winners will be announced on Friday, February 26th at the 6th Annual South Florida Community Care Network Non-Profit Academy Awards, hosted by Seminole Hard Rock & Casino.

We are honored that our Executive Director and Founder is nominated for this award and are excited for all that is to come for Firewall Centers!

Center Spotlight: Blanche Ely High School

We have been at Blanche Ely High for two years now and serve 30+ students each day. “Our kids feel like they are at home. There is a unique bond between mentors and students. They have an idea of what they want to do after they graduate and are very focused. They want to go to college, to do something, to be something,” said our Program Administrator, Esther.

Meet Kenny. He is a 10th grade student at Blanche Ely High. He actually started attending Firewall in the 6th grade at our Pompano Beach Middle Center. Over the last five years, we have been a part of his growth into an excellent A/B student and driven young man. After graduating High School, he wants to help people by becoming a Pharmacist.

Thank you for being a part of our Firewall family and for helping to spread the fire!

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

January 2016 Newsletter

Our motivation for the year

Right before Thanksgiving, the mom of one of our students called and shared some terrible news with us. She lost her job and car and had just 2 weeks to come up with rent money or she and her 3 children would be homeless.

Our Firewall staff was able to connect her to 211Broward, and they supplied the rent she needed to hold her over until she found a job. Still, that didn’t leave her with much food, let alone any extra money to buy Christmas presents for her children.

However, thanks to the generosity of Trader Joe’s in Pembroke Pines, we were able to give her a box filled with food! And thanks also to Keller Williams Realty Partners SW, we were able to bless this single mom with presents to give her children this Christmas.

Bank United Gives $7,500 to the Firewall Vision

We are so thankful for Bank United and their generous gift of $7,500!

Only with the help of community-focused businesses, like Bank United, are we able to further our vision to transform the lives of students. To read more, check out our article online.

Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers Executive Director and Leslie Lunak, Bank United CFO

Firewall Quarterly Staff Training

Each school year, we have a total of four training sessions for our program staff. These times of training are used to develop staff personally, to make them more effectivestaff members, and to teach them new skills and innovative ways to further Firewall’s impact on the 400+ students we serve. Just last Thursday, all Firewall staff gathered for one of these training opportunities.

Everything from Weekly Academic Reports to our value-based curriculum was discussed and brainstormed upon. We also had a special guest graciously donate her time and resources, Broward County Social Worker Betsy Roberts. Mrs. Roberts shared how our staff can become prepared for difficult situations that they may find their students in at any given time – ranging from suicide threats and depression to homelessness, and bullying.

Three of our Pompano Beach Middle School Firewall Mentors

Betsy Roberts teaching our mentors how to respond in different student crisis scenarios

Our Firewall staff celebrating recent birthdays

We hope that you continue to have a wonderful month and year! We are grateful for your support that allows us to do what we do for students every single day.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on how you can get more involved with Firewall in 2016.

Firewall Centers receives $7,500 grant from Bank United to change student lives

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (Dec. 22nd, 2015) – Bank United awarded Firewall Centers a generous $7,500 grant to further the organization’s vision to transform the lives of students into servant leaders.

Nearly all of 400 program participants are low-income and come from minority families. Every day during the critical after-school hours, these students receive mentoring, tutoring, and leadership development, which not only gives them the support system they need to succeed now, but it places them on track for future success in their college and career paths.

Together with each student, Firewall staff creates individualized Success Plans to set school attendance, behavior, and academic goals. Firewall’s top-quality Mentors work with the same students throughout the year and meet with them daily to review their progress.

Firewall also provides its unique THINK curriculum to students, which is designed to instill character values and teach them leadership principles. Additionally, Firewall provides the technology access and school supplies necessary for students to complete their homework assignments and projects effectively.

With Bank United’s support, Firewall is able to continue changing the futures of at-risk students by providing them with the practical academic help, life skills, and positive role models they need to not only survive, but thrive.

Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers Executive Director and Leslie Lunak, Bank United CFO

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-Bank United-

About Bank United

BankUnited, N.A., a national bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE: BKU), is headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida with 99 branches in 15 Florida counties and six banking centers in the New York metropolitan area at June 30, 2015. Ranked third onForbes Magazine’s list of “Best Banks in America 2015,” and one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida by assets, BankUnited provides a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services. For additional information, call (877) 779-2265 or visit www.BankUnited.com. BankUnited can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/BankUnited.official and on Twitter @BankUnited.

December 2015 Newsletter

As the holidays draw closer, we are reminded that this season is truly about “Giving Back,” which is a principle that we continually teach our Firewall students. As they learn what it means to serve others and become servant leaders each day, they realize that thankfulness, joy, and generosity are so much more valuable than any gift they can receive. And this year, our staff is especially grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve and change the lives of the 400+ students that walk through our doors.

Firewall Students receive 2 year scholarships

Nine Firewall students were awarded a two year Florida pre-paid scholarship from the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. All nominated students have been in the Firewall program for at least two years and are excelling in their character and academics.

“It’s good knowing my education is secure and that I have a better chance succeeding later in life,” said Arnold, 9th grade Firewall student.

Those participating in the Take Stock in Children program will be assigned a professional College Success Coach to help coach, teach, and provide resources on their road to college. In addition, the students will meet once a week with the TSIC adult community volunteer mentor. You can read more about this team effort here.

Pompano Beach Middle School

We serve 60+ students every single day at this Center. Principal Braziel opened her doors to Firewall Centers four years ago. Thanks to her support, and that of the parents and teachers, we are able to transform students each day throughout the school year.

Principal Braziel (left) and Firewall Program Director, Janeth Fernandez

“Another program came to me and said they wanted to help Pompano Middle, but asked for our best A/B students…Firewall came and said, “we want them all!” -Pompano Beach Middle School Principal, Sonja Braziel

Darryl

Darryl is a sixth grader at Pompano Beach Middle. When beginning at Firewall, he would not make good use of his time and neglect to write his homework assignments in his agenda. Previously, he would not listen when his mentor would talk to him about his grades and behavior.

After his mentor spoke with his mother and some of his teachers, Firewall developed a new plan to get him on track. By using the Firewall values of integrity and excellence, his mentor motivated him to become a better person and get his grades up.

Site supervisor Shanice said “Now he comes into Firewall with a plan to do his homework and he gets it done. He is a lot more receptive to us helping him

achieve his goals.”

Shanice

Shanice is a first-year mentor at Pompano Beach Middle School. She is studying to become a paramedic at Broward College. The Area Director of our Pompano Beach Middle Center, Wolkenzye, said that “Shanice is very much involved with the parents and keeps them aware of their student’s progress.”

After learning more about Firewall and the values taught to students, she thought “this is exactly where I need to be.”

Now, as she has built relationships with students each day at the Center, she has noticed that some students walk through their school day feeling down. “Firewall is there to brighten their day. It’s great to know that I help provide that atmosphere; that some students really look up to me,” said Shanice.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Firewall Centers receives $5,000 grant from the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation

POMPANO, Fla. (Dec. 14^th, 2015) – The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation provided Firewall Centers with a generous $5,000 grant to expand its Pompano Beach Middle School program. These funds will help increase the center capacity from 50 at-risk students to 60 and provide them with top-quality mentors and school essentials.

“The Firewall program helps students see that with the right help and support system together with their own hard work, they can break the cycle of poverty and reach their greatest potential,” said Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers’ Executive Director, “and we are grateful for our new partnership with The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation to make this happen for more kids at Pompano Beach Middle School (PBMS).

PBMS is a Title I, low-income classified school, as 90% of its students currently receive free or reduced lunch and come from minority families (Broward County Schools). Firewall began a partnership with PBMS by obtaining support from the school principal, Sonja Braziel. School staff refers students to the program, and once enrolled, daily communication with parents, teachers, and school staff begins to support student success.

“Another program came to me and said they wanted to help Pompano Middle, but asked me for our best A/B students. Andy from Firewall came and said, ‘we want them all,’” said Braziel, PBMS principal.

The program is operated inside the school cafeteria, which provides ideal program access to students, parents, and teachers. Firewall mentors work with their students each day after school with the goal of helping them improve their grades and overall school performance. Firewall also provides a custom curriculum that teaches students character values and leadership qualities.

Firewall Centers partners with Take Stock in Children to achieve one goal: changed lives.

DAVIE, Fla. (Nov. 12^th, 2015) – Nine Firewall students were awarded a two year Florida pre-paid scholarship from the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. All nominated students have been in the Firewall program for at least two years and are excelling in their character and academics. This new partnership with TSIC is another opportunity for Firewall students to reach their greatest potential.

According to Take Stock in Children, “The intent of obtaining the scholarship is a long-term goal that is achieved through years of hard work”. Awarded students must be eligible for free and/or reduced lunch at school, maintain a “C” or better in all classes, have no more than 3 unexcused absence per quarter, and remain crime and drug free, among other set standards.

That’s where Firewall Centers’ daily program steps in. Students attending the extended learning centers across Broward County are given the support needed to meet the expectations of this scholarship. Each student is assigned a Firewall mentor that tracks their homework assignments and communicates with them to follow through on their academic goals. Additionally, using Broward Schools’ online Pinnacle Gradebook viewer, Firewall mentors track student’s grades and overall keep the student’s parents in the know.

“It’s good knowing my education is secure and that I have a better chance succeeding later in life,” said Arnold Fuentes, 9^th grade Firewall student.

Those participating in the Take Stock in Children program will be assigned a professional College Success Coach to help coach, teach, and provide resources on their road to college. In addition, the students will meet once a week with their TSIC adult community volunteer mentor.

With the help of both organizations, these students are receiving the support they need to not only excel now, but throughout college and career as they strive to achieve their educational goals. To read more about Take Stock in Children Broward County scholarships, visit http://www.takestockbrowardfl.org/scholarships.

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-Take Stock in Children-

About Take Stock in Children

Take Stock in Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, transforming Florida one student at a time. Working in every county throughout Florida, our mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education. We offer college scholarships to students, provide caring volunteer mentors, and instill hope for a better life. Our comprehensive services begin in middle school, continue through high school, and include students’ transition into college and career.

November 2015 Newsletter

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we have a lot of new developments to be thankful for. In the last couple of weeks, we received a generous grant from the women of StrikeForce 421, hosted our annual Student-to-Leader Luncheon, were featured on Channel 10, and launched a beautifully redesigned website that you can view here.

StrikeForce gives $53,000 grant!

Firewall received an incredibly generous grant of $53,000 from the women of StrikeForce 421. We were one of three finalists selected in their annual giving circle, and we were selected as the top finalist. This grant will be used to fully fund our Lauderhill 6-12 Center by providing the mentors, technology and materials needed to help our Lauderhill students thrive. Our goal is be able to walk through life with our Lauderhill students by giving them academic support and teaching them the value of community service. Read more about the donation here.

StrikeForce check presentation

The Firewall Founders, Lauderhill 6-12 Mentors and Area Director.

Student-to-Leader Luncheon

We held our annual Student-to-Leader Luncheon on October 28, and it was wonderful to visit with our Friends of Firewall and share our progress. Event attendees heard from several Firewall students about how their mentors have helped transform their lives. Ricardo, a student at our Western High School center,shared how since joining Firewall in middle school, his grades have remained high, and he now takes honors level classes. He also serves as an intern at our Indian Ridge Middle School center where he is able to help inspire students who are starting where he did. Read more about the Luncheon here.

Firewall student, Ricardo, and Andy Fernandez

Firewall students and staff members

Firewall has a new website!

We recently launched a completely redesigned website for Firewall Centers. The new website will help us better share our mission of transforming the lives of students in our community by promoting strong educational support and principles of servant leadership.

As we review the success we experienced during the first quarter of school, we are certainly counting our blessings. We are so thankful for all of the support we have received and are especially thankful for our Friends of Firewall!

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

Firewall Centers Hosts Annual Student-to-Leader Luncheon

Firewall Centers hosted its annual Student-to-Leader Luncheon on Wednesday, October 28. The luncheon gave Firewall the opportunity to share its students’ success from the past year as well as its plans for the future.

Event attendees heard from Sonja Braziel, the principal of Pompano Beach Middle School. She discussed how Firewall has affected the lives of her students and Firewall’s willingness to accept students at all different levels of academic achievement, rather than only accepting students with already strong grades.

John Merlino, AT&T regional director, told attendees about why AT&T chose Firewall for its Aspire Grant. He elaborated on Firewall’s success at delivering measurable results for its students’ academic progress and the importance of focusing on children to build successful communities.

After hearing from the guest speakers, attendees listened to the personal testimonies of two middle school and two high school Firewall students.

Ricardo, a student at the Western High School center, shared his story about how Firewall has continued its relationship with him since he first joined the program in middle school. Firewall has stayed with him into his high school years, and he now serves as a student intern at the Indian Ridge Middle School Center.

Prominent members of the community attended the event including Mayor Judy Paul, principals from some of Firewall’s partner schools, and representatives from Firewall’s existing partners, including Regent Bank.

Firewall students and staff members

Women of StrikeForce 421 Provide Generous Gift to Firewall Centers

DAVIE, Fla. – Firewall Centers was selected as the top finalist for StrikeForce 421’s annual Giving Circle fund. As a result, Firewall received a generous $53,000 grant to be used to fully fund its Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED center.

“StrikeForce 421 is a women’s giving circle where women pool their resources for the purpose of leveraged giving,” StrikeForce member JoAnne Daudt said, “When we band together, we can really impact a ministry.”

The grant allows Firewall to provide for all 40 students at the Lauderhill center for the 2015-2016 school year. Firewall’s THINK Leadership program will equip the Lauderhill students with the necessary skills to succeed in school and rise up in their communities through the principle of servant leadership.

StrikeForce selected Firewall as an award recipient because “Firewall has a proven track record of success in the public school system,” Daudt said.

The grant gives the women of StrikeForce the opportunity to help Firewall “change the lives of over 40 at-risk students in an already at-risk school in Broward county,” Daudt said.

Firewall will utilize the donation to provide skilled mentors to work with the Lauderhill students and customized technology that the mentors use to quickly and easily track their students’ grades and progress throughout the school year.

Firewall Executive Director Andy Fernandez said, “We are so grateful for the support of the StrikeForce women, and contributions like theirs are what really secure the future of our centers and allow us to continue providing for our students.”

StrikeFore 421 Check Presentation

October 2015 Newsletter

With the changes that come with the fall season, we are also seeing incredible changes in our students. As the school year goes on, we continue to see the students improve more and more through both their academics and behavior, and we look forward to witnessing their continued growth.

Walmart donates $10,000!

A group of local Walmart stores came together to provide us with a generous $10,000 donation to benefit all of our middle school centers. We are beyond grateful for their support. To learn more about Walmart’s sponsorship of Firewall Centers, read here.

Center Spotlight: Bair Middle School

This year is the third year that our Bair Middle School center has been open, and we now serve 65 students each day. The Bair center has a wonderful sense of community both among the students and the mentors. The students love to spend time together during snack time and work together on their homework.

Sierra

Sierra is a first-year mentor at our Bair center. She is in graduate school at Nova Southeastern earning her masters degree in student counseling. She was drawn to Firewall because she “wanted to find a mentor program that works on academics as well as building character, and I liked the philosophy behind building integrity and becoming servant leaders.” She said her favorite part about being a mentor is “building the relationships by just talking to the students and seeing what their interests are and being that listening ear for each student.”

Dumani

Dumani is an eighth grader at Bair Middle School. At the start of the school year, he had a hard time staying focused on his academics and would talk when he was supposed to be working on his homework.Over the past few weeks, his behavior has made a complete 180. Now, he lets his mentors know what his assignments are and finishes all of his homework on time. His mentor Sierra said he helps his classmates with work he has already completed “not by giving answers away but by actually guiding them to find the correct answer.”

Yearbook Day at Bair

Our students at Bair Middle School got a special surprise with the first Firewall Yearbook Day of the school year! They rotated through different activity stations such as a photo booth and a drawing station. The students were able to let their creativity shine through by running the photo booth themselves, drawing pictures at the drawing station and illustrating how they apply different Firewall values. Check out some of the highlights from the day below!

We could not be more proud of how our students have been performing, and we look forward to updating you on their continued progress as we move into the second quarter!