March is in full swing, and we wanted to give you an update on our speaker series, share an awesome success story about one of our AmeriCorps Firewall Mentors, and announce an award that one of our staff received.
T.H.I.N.K. Leadership Speaker Series makes an impact
8th grade Firewall student Louie aspires to be a policeman like Captain Kevin after hearing him speak
Over the last two months, Leadership Broward’s Class of XXXV has brought many amazing individuals to our centers to speak and inspire our students.
Captain Kevin Granville from Broward Sheriff’s Office was one of the scheduled speakers, and he visited our Indian Ridge Middle and Crystal Lake Middle School Centers.
When Captain Kevin was a kid, a policeman came to speak to his class and it was through that experience that he realized his true calling. Now, speaking to youth is one of his favorite things to do.
Our students learned that Captain Kevin’s brain is his most important piece of equipment that he uses on the job. He also encouraged them to “not be afraid to be who [they] are, regardless of what people say.”
Thanks Captain Kevin for positively impacting our students, and thank you Leadership Broward Class of XXXV for connecting our students to such great role models!
Naomi and her AmeriCorps Firewall Mentor, Taylor
Meet Taylor. She is a part of our AmeriCorps Firewall Mentor team, and we wanted to share a quick story of how she’s been connecting with her students.
Recently, Western High School had a college and career fair so after the Center closed, Taylor went with Naomi and another Firewall Student. Having Taylor with her gave Naomi the confidence to approach the college reps to ask key questions. They went to each table together and Naomi asked, “Do you have a good criminology program?” Taylor was proud to support Naomi as she prepared for her future, and was even mistaken as a high school student by some of the reps!
Naomi’s Firewall middle school mentors say they remember the academic and behavior difficulties she faced, and are thrilled to see how much she has grown and matured. They can hardly believe it’s already time for her to start looking at colleges to attend! Keep up the great work Naomi; we are so proud of you!
We need more AmeriCorps Firewall Mentors like Taylor!
AmeriCorps Firewall Mentors serve from August 2017 – June 2018, every Monday through Thursday, from around 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Job duties include building lasting relationships, providing homework help/tutoring, and modeling positive behaviors to students.
AmeriCorps Firewall Mentors receive a bi-weekly living allowance and an education award to help pay for school tuition and/or loans. Plus, build up your resume by completing an AmeriCorps service year.
If you believe you or someone you know would make a great mentor, apply online at http://2zm.dbb.myftpupload.com/
Our Program Director Receives the Ruby Award from Soroptimist International of Davie
Soroptimist International of Davie recently awarded our chief program director, Janeth Fernandez, the Soroptimist Ruby Award! The award honors women who are making an extraordinary difference in young women’s lives, and we believe that Janeth truly exemplifies what it stands for. Congratulations, Janeth- we are thankful for all that you do for Firewall and the girls we serve each day.
Sincerely,
Firewall Centers
