NEWSLETTERS Archives - Page 6 of 10

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

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!

September 2015 Newsletter

The 2015-2016 school year is officially in full swing, and we are off to a great start! Our mentors have had a chance to get to know the kids they will be working with for the year. They are thrilled to see how enthusiastic their kids have been to excel in school, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to improve. What makes these changes take root in their lives is the way our mentors form long-lasting relationships with their students.

Center Spotlight: Crystal Lake Middle School

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Our first featured center for this school year is Crystal Lake. The center serves 52 students with 17 returning from last year. It’s incredible to see how each center develops its own unique personality during the school year. Crystal Lake’s area director, Wolkenzye, said “the Crystal Lake center is a really awesome group of kids.” The kids are not only respectful, but they are highly motivated to do their homework and often end up competing against each other to see who finishes first.

Aaliyah

This is Aaliyah. She just started her second year at Firewalland is in seventh grade. She is a shining example through her academics and her respect for her mentors. When she started t Firewall, her grades tended to go up and down, but now her grades are consistently high. Her site supervisor, Whitney, said “she is always willing to listen and help out the mentors and other students with their work.”

Youseline

Meet Youseline. She is a first-year mentor at our Crystal Lake center, and she is studying human development and family studies at Nova in hopes of becoming a teacher. The thing she loves most about being a mentor is that it allows her to counteract the negativity that her students are exposed to on a daily basis. Being a mentor lets her be a positive role model for her students and give them hope for the future.

Firewall Upgrades Technology

For this school year, we now provide each of our mentors with a tablet equipped with our very own app that allows the mentors to streamline the process of tracking student grades and progress. This allows our mentors to spend more time focusing on their students, rather than on filling out paperwork. Another improvement is the addition of fingerprint technology at each of our centers, which allows us to speed up the check-in and check-out process and better ensure the students’ safety.

August 2015 Newsletter

With August winding down, we hope that you and your family have enjoyed a wonderful summer together. We are eagerly awaiting the start of the new school year and cannot wait to start working with our wonderful Firewall students again!

Our mentors are trained and ready for action!

Our training for our mentors took place on August 17-18. We are overjoyed to welcome back nine mentors from last year, and we loved meeting all of the new members joining the Firewall family. The mentors learned about the history ofFirewall and the ins and outs of day-to-day mentor tasks. They also learned which centers they are assigned to and participated in team-building activities to get to know each other. We can’t wait to see the many ways they will impact their students’ lives this school year! Check out our Facebook album here to see more pictures from training.

We have a new $10,000 grant from PNC Bank!

This past month, Firewall received a generous grant of $10,000 from PNC Bank. This grant is a continuation of the incredible support we have received from PNC in the last year, and we are excited to continue our relationship during the new school year.

Support like PNC’s is vital for us to keep our centers running and allows us to continue changing the lives of at-risk students in our community.

This grant allows us to provide Firewall students with resources they need to succeed throughout the school year. From basic school supplies like notebooks and pens to the computer access that we provide, we do our best to prepare our students for anything that school throws their way.

Our Lauderhill 6-12 STEM MED center is open!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new center at Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED Magnet School. The Lauderhill center will be our eighth center to open, and we are eagerly looking forward to working with a new group of students and serving the Lauderhill community. The center will start of with a group of 40-45 middle school students. We will continue working with the students as they progress into high school over the next few years, which will transition Lauderhill into a center that serves both middle and high school students. We can’t wait to see the transformations that will take place.

July 2015 Newsletter

We hope you had an amazing Fourth of July weekend with your family and friends! This year, Firewall will be in eight schools and we couldn’t be more excited to see more and more lives changed as we grow!

WE HAVE RECEIVED A $25,000 GRANT FROM AT&T!

We are so excited to announce that we have received a generous $25,000 grant from AT&T to expand our T.H.I.N.K. LeadershipHigh School program!

This grant will give us the opportunity to serve about 80 students every day at Blanche Ely and Western High Schools. They will receive mentoring, tutoring and “success plans” that individualize each student’s future track as they transition from middle school into high school, and eventually college/career. The students in this program are provided with the support system they need to move out of poverty and on to a successful future.

Students are even provided with in-house internship opportunities and scholarships, interactive job readiness classes, and college/career guidance.

Read more about this grant and the future impact it will have online.

FROM NOW UNTIL AUGUST 10TH, WE ARE COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR FIREWALL STUDENTS!

Supplies that are donated support the students not just for the first couple weeks of school, but for the ENTIRE school year.

GET INVOLVED WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY TODAY!

FOUR EASY STEPS TO SUPPLY FIREWALL STUDENTS:

Supplies that are donated support the students not just for the first couple weeks of school, but for the ENTIRE school year.

Step 1) Read how to organize your supply drive

Step 2) Print supply lists here

Step 3) Grab a friend and go shopping

Step 4) Drop off collected supplies at:

Firewall Centers Main Office

Monday–Friday 9-5 p.m

13451 SW 7th Pl. Davie, Fl 33325

We’re still hiring mentors for this school year!

We hope you are enjoying your summer and any vacations you may get!

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

June 2015 Newsletter

Everyone from our firewall family, mentors, volunteers and donors made this year a successful one!

One of our volunteers expressed to their Center how much this year meant to them: “I’ve loved working with you all every Tuesday. It always made my week and kept me going… knowing that I had you guys to look forward to.”

We would like to take a moment to truly thank each Firewall mentor that dedicated their time to the 350 Firewall students.

From the moment the students come after school to sign in at the Center, they are greeted with a smile or hug from their mentor. Not only are they role models to the 10 students they are oversee, but these Firewall mentors also push these students to make the best grades they are capable of.

“Firewall is a place of love, healing and transformation not only for the students, but for everyone who walks through its doors. I am so grateful for the time I spent here. The most important lesson I learned is to never quit, no matter the situation, because anything is possible if you believe,” said Jen, Firewall mentor pictured below.

Firewall mentor, Jen, checking Firewall student assignments

Monday through Thursday, mentors are check the students’ homework assignments and helping them with any difficult subject areas. The bonds the students form with their mentors made it hard to say goodbye at the end of this year.

If you or anyone you know is interested in making an impact in students’ lives during the 2015-2016 school year, don’t hesitate tovisit our website and apply.

On Tuesday, May 19th, we had our annual awards ceremony! It was incredible to see all of our students, parents, staff, supporters, and volunteers gathered together to celebrate at Firewall’s annual award’s ceremony.

At the event hosted by Eric Yutzy of Channel 10 News, students graduating from Middle and High School were recognized for their amazing accomplishment!

Guest speaker, Ginger Martin, talked about her climb to the top ofMount Kilimanjaro and shared with the audience of the difficulty in reaching her goal. The students were silent as Ginger told them that no matter how slow they feel that they are going, they are taking steps towards their goals and will get there.

Several raffles were done during the night and lucky students won prizes if their name was drawn. All seven Centers were recognized and took the stage, receiving their certificate along the way.

The Firewall parents that were in attendance were recognized for all the effort they put into the lives of their children. Without their support, Firewall would not be successful. We would like to thank these parents again for the important role they play in the lives of these students.

Thank you to all our supporters that have helped grow Firewall this year and for next year. Stay tuned this summer for more updates on what the Firewall staff is up to!

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

May 2015 Newsletter

Lots of exciting things have been taking place within Firewall and this community we serve! Our students were able to serve and give back on May 2 at our second annual SERVE-A-THON.

“I will always remember seeing the smiling faces on the children that live at Broward Children’s Center. It made me want to serve others more to see them happy,” said Laila, Pompano Beach Middle School Center student.

Firewall students from Pompano Beach Middle, Blanche Ely High, and Crystal Lake Middle served at Broward Children’s Center where they landscaped, mulched, and beautified the grounds including the playground. Students had fun serving, but after receiving a tour of the facility, they realized how much they have to be thankful forrelative to the children at the Center who have extreme and fragile physical conditions.

Firewall’s Indian Ridge Middle Center went to ARC Broward’s Recycling Center, where they also serve children with disabilities and other life challenges. Our students cleaned up used monitors, took apart and separated computer parts, and sorted through large bins of technology.

At Hope South Florida’s God’s Little Lambs Daycare Center, students from Plantation Middle and Bair Middle Centers planted trees and shrubs around the property and replaced old mulch in the playground area to be used for children of homeless families.

Western High Center students served at Davie Pine Island Park, repainting the parking lots and landscaping around the office space.

After the students finished serving, we all met at Davie Pine Island Park for food, fun, and dance contests! Pictured above is the Firewall staff and the Leadership Broward team that organized and facilitated Serve-A-Thon.

Serve-A-Thon 2015 was only a success because of you. Thank you for all your support! A special thank you to our headlining sponsor,Regent Bank.

Doyle Award for Nonprofit Excellence

We are delighted to announce that we received the Doyle Award for Nonprofit Excellence that spotlights local nonprofits and the people behind them that make South Florida a great place to live. You can read the article at Sun Sentinel.

Firewall Awards Ceremony 2015

You are invited to join us on Tuesday, May 19^th at 6:00 p.m. as we celebrate the end of a successful school year! We will be having our annual awards ceremony at Calvary Plantation, featuring our host Eric Yutzy of Channel 10.

It will be an evening of raffles, special student awards, and even a time for students

to receive their gift card incentives for good performance during the school year.

Bring a friend and come ready to see all of our Firewall students, mentors, staff, and volunteers gathered in one space! Our guest speaker, Ginger Martin of American National Bank, recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and will be talking to us a bit about her experience in helping to raise awareness and funds for women and children who are victims of human trafficking. You don’t want to miss this!

We look forward to seeing you at the awards ceremony and hope you have a great rest of your week!

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

April 2015 Newsletter

Meet Christopher,

A sixth grader from the Crystal Lake Middle School center. The transformation he has experienced is the reason why Firewall exists today.

Christopher joined Firewall Centers with all F’s and showed no interest in school. He was very angry and would never communicate with the staff no matter how hard they tried. “Before he would just shrug his shoulders when we would ask about his work. Now he cares about his assignments,” said his mentor. The patient and loving support from Firewall staff, positive peer pressure from other students, and the constantencouragement he receives at the Center have helped Christopher alter his attitude over time. Christopher’s grades have gradually improvedand he now keeps track of his daily assignments.

Serve-A-Thon 2015

Our 350 students will give back to their community THIS SATURDAY at:

We are so excited that our students have an opportunity to experience serving others through Serve-A-Thon.

There is still an opportunity to help support these students as they grow in their attendance, behavior, and course performance through the Firewall mentoring program.

AT OUR SEVEN CENTERS, WE HAVE HAD VARIOUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS COME AND SPEAK WITH OUR STUDENTS INCLUDING JOSE FLORES, A BUSINESS OWNER THAT HAS LOST HIS ABILITY TO WALK OVER TIME.

“You’ll never get where you want to go if you don’t know where you want to go… you have to have a plan.”

After he spoke to the students about his life story and realizing that his life has worth, the students at Pompano Beach Middle asked him about issues they are struggling with, like being bullied, how to become motivated and stay disciplined.

Jose told the students, among other things, that they are “indispensable” and to have confidence in yourself because they have potential.

He also reminded the students how important events that help others, like Serve-A-Thon, are to the community.

“When you’re a leader, it’s important to give back.”

Thank you for supporting Firewall and it’s vision to change the lives of students.

Sincerely,

Firewall Centers

March 2015 Newsletter

With Spring Break just around the corner, students are already making plans to hit up the beach, sleep in, and hang out with friends. But before they go, they are working hard to make good grades and finish the 3rd quarter strong!

As you hear from a couple of our students, keep in mind that Firewall’s impact goes far beyond grades. Students are mentored every day by great role models, given opportunities to learn and grow, and taught the importance of being servant leaders in every area of their lives. Enjoy these stories!

MEET DYLAN.

Dylan attends our Plantation Middle School Center and is a shining example of a Servant Leader. Here is what Dylan’s Mentor, Jon, says about him:

“He is always kind and respectful towards other kids in Firewall. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I see him do this daily. Dylan has a sacrificial heart and spends time with other kids helping them with their homework. Dylan had finished studying for a math quiz when he heard that another student also studying for the quiz didn’t understand a problem.

Dylan said ‘I’m here to help.’

This shows his willingness to put others before himself. Dylan also leads by example with not only his great behavior, but with his school work. He has all A’s and one B+.”

MEET KESHIA.

Keshia is a sixth grader at Plantation Middle also, and here’s what she has to say:

“Firewall is important to me because it gives me pointers on life, besides the fact that the Firewall mentors help me with homework. I have learned that I should make the right choices, like a good education, have good character, and live as an unselfish person.My plans are to finish middle school, high school, and then college. I want to have a family and probably go back to get a higher degree.”

BROWARD COLLEGE HELPS GROW FIREWALL’S REACH

On February 25th, we met with the Broward College President, J. David Armstrong, to celebrate the Broward College MLK Day of Service that took place in mid-January. We are thankful for the community support we have received from Broward College and look forward to collaborating with them in the future!

THE ANNUAL SERVE-A-THON

We are ecstatic to be planning for our second annual Serve-a-Thon!

On May 2nd, our 350 Firewall students will have the opportunity to make an impact in their community as they give back through various service projects.

Stay tuned over the next two months as we share our journey about this exciting event! If you’re interested in volunteering of your time, resources, or ideas for this year’s Serve-a-Thon, feel free to visit our website and contact us.

February 2015 Newsletter

Firewall wins Children’s Services Council Collective Impact for Youth Award at Academy Awards!

On Friday, February 13th, our founder, Andy Fernandez, and his wife Janeth, attended the Fifth Annual Broward 2-1-1 Academy Awards for non-profits. Firewall Centers is honored to be chosen to receive this award and would like to give a special thanks to the Children’s Services Council and Community Foundation of Broward for their support and collaboration as we impact students’ lives every day!

FIREWALL EXISTS TO TRANSFORM STUDENTS INTO SERVANT LEADERS

Meet Elizabeth (front right), a sixth grader and one of Pompano Middle’s Servant Leaders. When she first started Firewall, her mentor, Jemimah, thought she was shy.

“She proved me wrong; her witty personality and her ability to help others around her was something she excelled at,” said Jemimah.

Elizabeth helps the Pompano Middle Firewall Center staff get supplies ready and clean up at the end of the day.

“Jemimah helps me with my homework every day…and every day she has to clean everything, so I help her. When I give back, it makes me happy to know I can always be there when they need my help,” said Elizabeth.

DAILY TEST PREPARATION BEGAN THIS JANUARY AT OUR 5 MIDDLE SCHOOL CENTERS

After the bell rings, our students at Pompano Beach Middle School race to the cafeteria to begin their Firewall activities. Upon signing in, students receive a snack and take a seat as they wait for the daily announcements.

Once announcements are completed, the Center becomes quiet as the students receive their Daily Warm-Up question, a math problem that could appear on a future standardized test. When the allotted time is up, a mentor goes over the problem step by step. Those who had difficulty completing the problem or answered incorrectly, receive additional one-on-one help during homework time.

Warm-Ups not only serve to better prepare Firewall students for tests, but they further improve their overall academic performance in the classroom.

SUN-SENTINEL CHILDREN’S FUND GIVES 10,000

Recently, Firewall Centers was awarded $10,000 through the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund, a McCormick Foundation fund, to expand its reach in the Pompano Beach area. You can read more about thepartnership her e .