Parent Newsletter Fall 2013
REACHing OUT Academics, Independence, Socialization, Career Development
A Moment with our Inaugural Students
2013 Gala Recap
We are immensely proud and honored to announce that our inaugural students will be completing the REACH program in the spring. Brian Porterfield and Will Farrior have not only inspired us, but have become a model to new students that are just embarking on their own journey into the college experience. We recently asked them to take a look back, and their reflections on their time here is truly awe-inspiring…
This year’s annual Scholarship Gala was held at the Daniel Island Club on September 27th. The event was a huge success and we would like to sincerely thank all of the sponsors, parents, volunteers and students that were involved.
Brian: It is great to be included in a 4-year program at a college program. People on campus see us as typical students and they see us as normal. The REACH team did everything possible for me… they help me to be organized; they help us with financial lessons, and help us break down information so we can understand it. I will miss the staff that helps us out everyday. I will miss Edie the most. Her vision is amazing and I will constantly stick by it and support it. My advice (for new students) would be to move forward and be financially ready… go for scholarships. Fight on. To people who say you can’t, tell them you can. Have the time of your life. Don’t feel like you have to conform to anyone, but don’t be afraid of change.
As most of you know, the gala is our sole resource for raising scholarship money for students in need and this year we are happy to report that we raised over $54,000! Reminder: scholarship applications are due December 5th.
Will: The networking is the best part about being a student at the College of Charleston… the friendships you build within your network. They start off as friendships but turn into family. (The REACH Staff) help me with interpersonal communication. This has helped me be a voice for other students and their families, to be more independent, and more focused toward the future. For example, the last two years I have been able to be a prime example of what students can do by being an orientation intern. I would tell new students to recharge and regroup when looking at what direction they want to go in life. Goals. Always have a physical goal, academic goal and a spiritual one. Having goals allows you to stay focused while enjoying all 4 years of college. Both students plan to take their success at REACH and use it to launch their careers. Brian would like to start a career in Hotel Management and to travel to cities around the country, and Will would like to have a government job while working part time for an after school ministry program. Page 1
Over 200 people came out to support REACH this year, including College of Charleston President and Mrs. Benson. Some of the big items we had up for auction where; tickets to Disney World, a private dinner harbor cruise, and earrings from Crogan’s Jewelry.
The R.E.A.C.H program could not do what it does without the generous support of a caring community. We hope we can count on your continued patronage and that we see you at the Gala next year… where we will continue to REACH for the Stars!
Meet the R.E.A.C.H. Team! Here at the REACH program of the College of Charleston, we like to describe our staff with one word: Dedication. We are dedicated to providing an effective inclusive educational experience. In doing this we have the opportunity to watch our students achieve tremendous goals and gain respect, independence, and pride along the way. We strive every day to better the lives of our students. We do this by working together and listening to what our students have to say. Recently we reflected on some of our favorite moments from the semester and this is what our team members had to say…
It is comments like these that motivate us to continue our mission. Allen Coleman, Freshman Support Coordinators, says, “I know I am part of building a program that is changing the lives of our students.” Sophomore Support Coordinator, Lindsey Pogar agrees, “…the REACH program has not only changed the student’s lives, but it has also changed mine.” During the next 10 years, we foresee growth, independence, and success. We see ourselves as the model for other programs across the country and we hope to continue Edie’s ideal that the independent…completely
program be “strong and independent…completely inclusive and student centered,” We will accomplish this goal and continue to provide a unique learning opportunity for our students using 3 important values: student centered planning; self-determination and providing the opportunity for an equal education. We do this not because it’s our job, but because we truly love seeing our students succeed!
Upcoming Events
Hannah Lund, Mentor Coordinator, reported that a student told her “I don’t consider my social mentor, a mentor but I consider her a best friend”. Executive Director, Edie Cusack, said one student explained to her that he had never been treated with respect or like a real person with value before joining the REACH program.
Thanksgiving Break Wednesday, November 27thSunday, December 1st Winter Break After students last examWednesday, January 8th Open House
Travel Plans for students Before making any travel arrangements please verify with your student their class schedule. Students should not miss class in order to leave for their break early or to return late. If you or your student are uncertain of exam schedules, please contact us directly at 843-953-4849.
*Winter Break begins immediately after student’s last scheduled exam. *Residence halls close on December 12th. *Classes begin on January 8th. Students may return after noon on January 6th. Page 2
January 24, 2014 & April 4, 2014 Register online at: www.reach.cofc.edu
Parent Session with Meghan Trowbridge
In September, parents and students sat down with Meghan Trowbridge from the Center of Disability Resources to talk about self-determination. Meghan used her 20+ years in the field of intellectual disabilities, and her experience as a parent to a son with Asperger’s Syndrome, to relate to parents on how to empower their children, and how… to let go. Meghan described that parents tend to overprotect, wanting their children with intellectual disabilities to fit in, or look ‘normal’, especially in a new atmosphere like college.
However, in wanting them not to look different, they overly support them, singling them out and taking away their chance to learn. She explains that one of the hardest parts of being a parent is allowing children room to fail, but it is the only way that “we can help adult children, be adults.” In the session there were some enthusiastic conversations between students and parents, and new realizations were made about what the students needed and wanted. Parents where also able to walk away with hope, as Meghan took on her storyteller role and related many true-life success stories that she had witnessed over the years.
DID YOU KNOW? George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy all had disabilities.
Meghan says that she considers the REACH program a national standout, and if parents of students in the program can let go, “they will witness an incredible life-changing transformation in their child.” A transformation that includes growth and maturity beyond what they can imagine. Page 3
Weekend Works One of the best things about living in downtown Charleston is the abundance of things to do. Each week, the REACH Mentor Coordinator compiles a list of “Weekend Activities” for the students, their mentors and other friends on campus to participate in. The Weekend Activity options are usually free or inexpensive activities on campus or within walking distance. The Farmer’s Market is always a popular choice among the students and their mentors. Every Saturday, they can walk a few blocks from campus to Marion Square to enjoy live music, healthy snacks, and fresh air. Other popular destinations downtown include the Market, the Battery, and King Street, especially on Second Sunday when vehicle traffic is suspended for most of the day. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get out of downtown. Recently, the students and their mentors have hopped on the CARTA bus and ridden to Mt. Pleasant to catch a movie or West Ashley to visit one of the many beautiful plantations or to do a little shopping. Overall, it’s all about getting students out to experience new things, when it’s often easier to sit at home alone.
REACHing OUT The Photo Booth
Words of Wisdom Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other. -Walter Elliot To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved. -George MacDonald Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. -Benjamin Franklin Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/page s/REACHProgram/120114831335944
REACHing OUT is brought to you by: The R.E.A.C.H. Program 66 George St. Charleston, SC 29424 843-953-4811 reachprogram@cofc.edu http://reach.cofc.edu Newsletter created by Erin Starck
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