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Category: NEWSLETTERS
December Newsletter 2019
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November Newsletter 2019
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January Newsletter 2020
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October Newsletter 2019
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August 2019 Newsletter
Firewall Opens Two Centers!
We are so excited to announce that we have successfully opened two new centers at Horizon and Flamingo Elementary. As Firewall continues to grow, so does the impact on our local community. We couldn’t have reached this point without the love and support from our Firewall Family, and we thank you!
Our work doesn’t stop here! As we continue developing our future doctors, lawyers, engineers, and servant leaders, we want you to be a part of the process. Firewall has open volunteer opportunities for anyone that is interested in making a difference. For more information, visit FirewallCenters.org/volunteer
We need your help!
Ms. Janeth has been nominated for the Local 10 Life Changer Award. This award recognizes a hometown hero who entered a person’s life at a pivotal point and made a significant impact.
Janeth is the Chief Program Director of Firewall and is responsible for managing and training more than 80 staff members. Through Janeth’s leadership, Firewall has grown from serving 40 students to more than 500 every day across nine public schools.
Help her win by voting every day until August 31st! You can vote here!
Thank you, Broward College!
We recently received a $2,500 sponsorship from Broward College for our High School Program. Firewall wishes to recognize their generous contribution and thank them for their continued support in helping us transform students into servant leaders.We are excited to continue to partner with them as they make a positive impact preparing students for successful futures.
We’re still hiring!
We’re still recruiting college students and recent college grads to become AmeriCorps Firewall Mentors for the 2019-2020 school year!
Perks include an education award to help pay for college and/or student loans, a bi-weekly living stipend, and leadership development!
Visit FirewallCenters.org/apply
Firewall Centers
13451 SW 7th PL | Davie, Florida 33325
9545301871 | info@
July 2019 Newsletter
Though school is officially out for summer, Firewall’s work continues. This summer, we offered a six-week program in a mobile home park community in Davie. Our program focuses on preparing students for the upcoming school year and consists of leadership training, English-language exercises, and math review.
At Firewall, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic organization that tailors our approach to meet the individual needs of our students. For Juan and Miguel, two 7th graders that just moved here from Venezuela, learning English is a priority.
Instead of putting Juan and Miguel through our regular program, our mentors primarily focus on improving their English language skills. The boys take turns reading aloud and underlining words they don’t know. Later, they write the words on flashcards to practice with their Firewall Mentors.
Firewall Mentor, Raevin, Juan, and Miguel
“By reading with my mentor, I’ve learned new vocabulary words and how to pronounce them. It’s good for me to learn English so I can meet new friends and feel more connected.” – Miguel
Children from lower-income homes can fall 2 to 3 months behind in their reading during the summer months, but Firewall students will enter the school year avoiding the learning loss that typically accompanies summer break.
Because of your support, Juan and Miguel now have foundational English Language skills, which are critical for academic learning and social integration. Thank you for helping us make a difference in transforming lives.
School Supply Drive
Throughout the summer, we are collecting supplies for the upcoming school year!
Here’s a list of the most needed supplies for our students. We appreciate any support you can give. Simply purchase items and drop them by our office in Davie!
Looking for Firewall AmeriCorps Members
Do you know any college students or recent college graduates that would be great role models?
We are in need of Firewall AmeriCorps Members to work with our students from August 2019 to June 2020. Members receive a bi-weekly living stipend, a scholarship for college/student loans, and leadership experience.
Please help us spread the word! If know anyone that is interested, they can apply at firewallcenters.org/apply
Firewall Centers provides daily, school-based tutoring and mentoring services designed to help students achieve academic success, build character, and transform into servant leaders. You can help support this transformation and give at firewallcenters.org/give
June 2019 Newsletter
Meet John, an AmeriCorps Firewall Mentor that worked daily with our Western High School students this past school year.
John graduated from Princeton University in 2018 and will attend Duke Law School in the fall to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.
He has always had a passion for helping others and serving the community, but it was Firewall’s mission that inspired John to apply and serve as a mentor.
“I was ecstatic about the opportunity to work with young people. High school students should be filled with hopefulness and optimism about the future. Unfortunately, many at-risk youth are shackled by low expectations and have a low opinion of their abilities. At Firewall, I saw firsthand the life-changing power of mentoring. We help students visualize themselves as the next doctors, lawyers, police officers, and mechanics by working with students to develop a concrete plan that make their dreams a realistic achievement,’ said John.
‘This made all the difference for Louie, a student who always dreamed of becoming a firefighter, but didn’t know how to actually make it happen. After we reviewed the basic requirements and charted a plan of action, Louie returned to school with a newfound commitment to his academics, now understanding that his GPA would affect his chances of becoming a firefighter.’
This summer, John will help update our High School program to ensure our students are best prepared to enter the workforce.
“Andy and the Firewall team are constantly looking to improve the program and the services we offer and I’m honored that he’s involved me in this process. I am confident that our evidence-based reforms will make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives.”
May 2019 Newsletter
Our Servant Leader Celebration hosted by Eric Yutzy was amazing!
Our keynote speaker, Anita Fain Taylor, shared with the students that “regardless of what job you are given, as small as it may seem, give it your all.”
We also recognized our graduating High School seniors, including Arnold, a Firewall student that has been with us since 6th grade!
Arnold received a four-year full ride scholarship to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school. He will also be graduating in the top 10 of his class of over 700 students at Western High School!
He shared with tears in his eyes how grateful he was for his Firewall Mentors that supported him throughout Middle and High School.
“I won’t ever forget the times that my Firewall mentor, Taylor Grippo, spent talking with me about my goals and my grades. She has remained committed to my success since the instant that we met. During my ACT and SAT prep, during my college applications; She was always there.”
Arnold’s mother, Arnold, and Taylor Grippo, his previous Firewall Mentor
Thank you for your continued support during the school year and the years to come!
April 2019 Newsletter
Meet De’Andre, a Firewall student. De’Andre didn’t think he’d be able to graduate, but now he’s graduating a year early!
De’Andre started attending Firewall in 6th grade. Throughout Middle School and into 9th grade, he was unmotivated to do work and struggled in most of his classes. But Firewall’s long term mentoring and tutoring developed his confidence and maturity.
For De’Andre it all came together in 10th grade when he decided to become a firefighter. He started to work harder at his school work and began taking extra online classes.
Now in his junior year, because of his own determination and Firewall’s help, De’Andre will graduate this May, a year early!
“He is so polite and mature now. We wish him the best! He is a true example of the long term impact Firewall can have on students,” said Janeth Fernandez, Program Director.
Consider giving towards Firewall can continue to support students like De’Andre!
