LITTLE LIGHTS TIMES FALL ‘10.
ACT JUSTLY. LOVE MERCY. WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD.
LETTER FROM STEVE
760 7th Street SE Washington, DC 20003 202. 548. 4021 www.littlelights.org CFC# 89156
POETRY & PROSE Check out page 6 for our “poetry & prose” section, highlighting the writing of Little Lights kids!
IN THIS ISSUE LETTER FROM STEVE CCDA EMERGING LEADERS COHORT STEVE PARK EXCEL AWARD
Drawing by Shadia (age 9), who takes part in Little Lights Homework Club.
This fall, Little Lights is celebrating its 15th birthday. Starting as a small, all-volunteer tutoring program inside my parents’ Tae Kwon Do studio, Little Lights has grown over the years to a strong local non-profit urban ministry with 11 full-time staff and over 80 weekly volunteers.
Every day is a battle to teach kids about right and wrong, to not use violence or hostility to gain respect or advantage especially while they are at Little Lights. God has renewed our strength consistently so that we could have the longevity needed to truly make inroads into the community and establish a great foundaA writer once said, “As we try to tion for ministry. teach children about life, children teach us what life is about.” That “AS WE TRY TO TEACH has been true of the work here at Little Lights. Almost all the staff CHILDREN ABOUT LIFE, and volunteers would probably say that the kids have taught us more CHILDREN TEACH US meaningful lessons than we have taught them. WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT.” It is true that many of the children and youth we serve have suffered through tremendous financial hardship and have seen too much violence first-hand. And rest assured that Little Lights is as committed as the first day of its existence to helping to alleviate unnecessary suffering in children’s lives.
ANGELA SCHWINDT
Please celebrate this birthday with us, our 15th! I want to invite you to join and partner with us so that the next 15 years and beyond will impact lives even more (exponentially more) that the past 15 years. Thanks for being part of the Little Lights community, bringing Christ’s Yet, through the hardship, the chil- hope and compassion into the most dren and youth still have so much needed places in DC. love and life to give. Students still eagerly come after a long school day THANKS AGAIN to generously share their lives with Steve Park, Executive Director staff and volunteers.
FALL ACADEMIC UPDATE BETH DEWHURST THE FAMILY CENTER MARY PARK
BY THE NUMBERS At TYLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL , where the majority of our students attend, 13% of 3rd and 4th graders were proficient in reading, and 19% were proficient in math as of April 2010. At ELIOT HINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 7 and 8), 40% of students were proficient in reading, and 40% were proficient in math as of April 2010.
IGNITE THE LIGHT BANQUET JOSIE ORTEGA VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MIJIN PAIK NEW STAFF MEMBERS NEW BOARD MEMBERS DONOR SPOTLIGHT WRITING: POETRY & PROSE
CALENDAR NOVEMBER 18 ALIVE CONFERENCE
In the DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS last year, 44% of elementary students were proficient in reading; 43% were proficient in math. Likewise, 43% of secondary students were proficient in reading and in math.
DECEMBER 04
INFORMATION FROM THE DC OFFICE OF THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION.
DECEMBER 20 - JANUARY 02
CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 15 LAST DAY OF FALL PROGRAMS DECEMBER 16 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION OFFICES CLOSED
2 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010
FALL ACADEMIC UPDATE
Josie Ortega helps Mehki during Homework Club.
On an unseasonably warm September afternoon in a room in the 1212 Units, a student sits at a table while his peers’ voices ebb and flow in their writing activity room just beyond a closed door. On every wall surrounding 12 year old “Marcus” there are inspiring posters and famous quotes on the importance of character and serving others. Long-armed and legged, though not taller than my shoulder, Marcus’ demeanor most of the time is gentle and quiet, and a bit melancholy. Almost always, his eyes look
EMERGING LEADERS
STEVE PARK
This spring, Steve Park and part-time LLUM staff member Vince Campbell were accepted into the Christian Community Development Association’s Emerging Leaders Cohort. CCDA is a respected national urban ministry association that supports grass-roots Christian community transformation. Steve and Vince join 21 other leaders nationwide in this two-year cohort to develop more effective leaders doing Christian community development. The first retreat took place in Mendocino, CA in July and training was provided by the President of CCDA Wayne Gordon and Executive Director Noel Castellanos. The next trip for Steve and Vince will be in January to Jackson, MS to meet and learn from John Perkins, one of the primary founders of CCDA. CCDA Restoring Under-Resourced communities: http://www.ccda.org
BETH DEWHURST
right into mine for a split second need and meet them where they are whenever I greet him, and he smiles in far more specific and useful ways. behind his hand that usually moves to quickly cover his face. Marcus and I talk about how reading is a really, really complicated process On the table in front of him is an and that I know he is intelligent-assessment that I’ve just finished his reading level at the moment has apologetically explaining may nothing to do with how smart I know sound somewhat “little kid-like” know he is. But no matter how I try because I will have to ask him things to ease into finding out what we can like the names and sounds of let- do to support his time in Reading ters. We’ve talked about how he and Math Heroes with his tutor, the feels when peers around him read mere mention of where he’s really at and he can’t. Middle school is hard academically brings up a lot of pain enough, with any “difference” as for Marcus. In these few moments, possible grounds for teasing and Marcus has a big choice--wade into social exclusion--how much more the discomfort and allow me to do so for someone like Marcus? He the assessment or avoid it altogethknows at the start of the year we er. Thankfully, he cooperates with test to see where each student is so the assessment, with me encouragthat we can build an individualized ing him letter sound by letter sound learning plan, and continue to track at some points. By the end, he’s in their progress. The difference this a pretty bad mood and ultimately year? New assessments designed needs to head home early. Soon to more deeply and thoroughly after he left, I called home and let diagnose what students like Marcus his grandfather know what led to
EXCEL AWARD
his emotions, and his grandfather agrees to talk with Marcus and his mom. Later, going over the results and comparing them to Marcus’ special needs plan from his school, I see that there are lots of ways we can help Marcus move forward this fall and throughout the year. His tutor has also become his mentor. It’s in the context of their trusting relationship that Marcus stands the best chance of risking enough of himself to try, to make mistakes, and to keep trying. I believe he will learn to read this year, and that it will be a critical turning point in his life--especially in how he feels about himself and what may be possible. How amazing that God has brought so many factors together in this one place and time to intervene in exactly the way Marcus needs. How amazing that we get to be a part of it.
JOSIE ORTEGA
Little Lights Executive Director Steve Park has been named a winner of the The Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s sixth annual Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman EXCEL Award. This award recognizes outstanding leadership among Washington-area nonprofit chief executives, whose organizations have an annual budget under $10 million. STEVE SHARES THIS HONOR WITH THE FOUR OTHER FINALISTS FOR THE 2010 AWARD:
• • • •
SCOTT BEALE ATLAS SERVICE CORPS (WINNER) MICHAEL CURTIN DC CENTRAL KITCHEN (WINNER) ANDREA POWELL (HONORABLE FAIR FUND (HONORABLE MENTION) KRISTINE THOMPSON CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES (HONORABLE MENTION)
LLUM at The Center for Nonprofit Advancment’s Annual Celebration.
cess. The Award selection committee evaluated candidates on their leadership excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, inclusiveness/diversity and ethical integrity. The recipients of the 2010 Award were announced at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s Annual Celebration & Meeting on November 9. The three award winners will each receive a $5,000 professional development account to be used for the individual’s continued professional development. In addition, each recipient’s organization will also receive a $2,000 grant to support the professional development of the organization’s staff.
Steve is honored to be in such excellent company! Little Lights Board Members Laura Ingalls and Michael Oh nominated Steve. The five finalists, and ultimately three winners, were selected from a record 41 nominations through a Way to go, Steve! The Little Lights competitive three-step judging pro- family is proud of you!!
SINCE 1979, THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT HAS STRENGTHENED, PROMOTED AND REPRESENTED ITS MEMBER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. WE CONNECT OUR MEMBERS TO THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MEET THEIR MISSIONS.
OUR FAMILY CENTER
FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 3
IGNITE THE LIGHT
MARY PARK
mobilize resources to provide job training, micro-enterprise, parent classes and workshops, as well as an informational clearinghouse and community-building space.
Little Lights is very excited to announce the opening of the new Family Center at 714 12th Street SE #11. DC Housing Authority donated a third unit for Little Lights to use to reach out to families and adults. The apartment had been sitting empty for several years and had gone into disrepair. Work groups from churches (First Baptist of Juniata County, Chinese Christian Church of Somerset), volunteers, and staff have helped renovate the space from a hazard to a beautiful new center. We are starting to hold meetings and provide classes for adults. We have installed a computer lab with broadband internet access to provide adult residents access to computers, job searches, and basic computer training. We envision a Family Center where caring people inside and outside of Potomac Gardens collaborate and
We thank all those who have helped to make the space a reality, and we are looking for partners and volunteers who want to help plan and make the vision of the Family Center a reality. Little Lights has been selected as a 2011 Parent Center Program grantee in the ENCOURAGING INNOVATION (EI) Category from DC CHILDREN AND YOUTH INVESTMENT TRUST CORPORATION for $25,000.
On October 22, the Little Lights family--old and new--gathered to celebrate 15 years of ministry at the Ignite the Light Banquet and Auction. Former Little Lights student Frankie Wright welcomed guests and opened the evening in prayer. An entertaining and heartwarming program followed, including an exciting live auction conducted by Pat Haggerty and his assistant, Little Lights student Nate Parks, testimonies from parent Shirley Ford and student Bryant Wheeler, and a message from LLUM Executive Director Steve Park.
JOSIE ORTEGA
fulness was visible at the Ignite the Light banquet, which raised over $30,000! We want to thank everyone who helped out with the event. . . whether donating auction items, volunteering your time, sponsoring, attending, bidding, or giving to support the work of Little Lights for the past 15 years. . . we appreciate you!
Guests also enjoyed a silent auction and several musical performances: jazz from the Brothers Handsome Trio (featuring our own Jason Edwards), a gospel quartet led by Allyn Lloyd, and a rousing performance of “This Is The Day” by the Little Lights Gospel Choir, directed by Linda Rice and Mijin Paik.
DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation will support Little Lights in providing services to parents to help them become more effective parents and caregivers. The ultimate goal is the creation of wrap-around support services for It was amazing to have old and new family members. WWW.CYITC.ORG volunteers, students, and supporters all together to commemorate what’s happened at Little Lights since 1995 when Steve Park began a small tutoring program in his parents’ business. God has been faithful in providing for Little Lights through the years, and that faith-
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
MIJIN PAIK ELIZABETH COURTMAN PARKS
The newly-wed Elizabeth Parks has been a cheerful and wonderful “chameleon” volunteer-adapting to any of our needs with a smile! She’s helped out with Homework Club as a guest World Cultures speaker, a gift sponsor and volunteer for our annual Christmas Party, a oneto-one tutor at Reading Heroes, and is now involved with Girls’ Night on Wednesday nights. Her enthusiasm and passion for Little Lights encourages us and the families she is closest to. Thank you, Ms. Elizabeth! FRANCIS LIRA
Francis has been working with our Reading Heroes program for almost four years now. The impact that he’s made is significant, as his relationship with his student, Bryant, continues to grow and blossom. Thanks to Mr. Francis and his hard work and willingness to work together with Bryant on his reading, Bryant has been able to improve significantly not only in reading, but also in his confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for your dedication, Mr. Francis! Volunteers are the backbone of our after-school programs. We could not provide the same quality after-school and summer programs without the help of caring and compassionate individuals such as yourself! Consider joining our fun and supportive Little Lights’ family in helping out with any of the programs that we offer, and make a difference in the life of a child, a community, and a city. INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact us at 202.548.4021 or email volunteer@littlelights.org.
4 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Jason Edwards Peace, I’m Jason Edwards, a new addition to part-time staff this year. I help run middle school programs at the Potomac Gardens units, focusing especially on activities. I also will be working on Boys’ Night programming along with Vince. I am originally from DC, but after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008 (earning my Bachelor’s in Africana Studies), I worked as a middle school English teacher in North Philadelphia for two years. I am glad to have the opportunity to continue to work with middle school students, and for the wonderful opportunity to return to DC! I love to listen to, compose, and perform music; play and watch sports; read; and cook! I’m so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to serve God through working with Little Lights!
Martha McNeely Hey everyone! My name is Martha McNeely and I am the newest full-time staff member here at Little Lights. I work with middle school students, helping out with Homework Club and Reading/Math Heroes. I am also the Girls’ Night Coordinator and Mentoring Coordinator. I am originally from North Carolina and graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill in 2008 with a degree in Psychology. I spent the last two years overseas in East Asia serving the Lord with Campus Crusade for Christ. I love playing sports, drinking coffee, eating cheeseburgers, and watching Carolina basketball (GO HEELS!). I’m excited to be working at Little Lights and play a role in what God is doing in the lives of the students we are working with!
Nathan Gibson Greetings, I’m Nathan Gibson. My wife, Tiffany, and I moved to DC for me to attend graduate studies at Catholic University of America. We’re really excited that God has also placed us at Little Lights to be able to invest in the kids here. I spent most of my growing up years in Southern Illinois, but also spent five years with my family in Ukraine. My parents were teachers at a university there. After marriage, Tiffany and I spent two years in Israel, while I studied Biblical History and Geography. Now we’re excited to see what God has in store for us in DC and eager to see Him work in the lives of these kids.
Shirley Ford Hello! I’m Shirley Ford. I’m so glad I can be involved with Little Lights as a part-time staff member. My daughter Cierra Peterson has grown up through Little Lights Urban Ministries and is currently working as a teen intern. I also work for Faithworks and am the Secretary of the Resident Council of Potomac Gardens. I am a long-standing resident of Washington, DC. I will miss my daughter Cierra at college next year but I’m looking forward to the day when I can call her Senator Peterson or Doctor Peterson!
Eric Courts Hello, my name is Eric Courts. I have been a resident of Washington, DC all my life. I’ve been married to my wife Carolyn for six years. We have four children and one grandchild on the way. I have already ordered his first Redskin outfit. For three months I have been involved with Little Lights Urban Ministries in several projects such as helping to create the vision of the LLUM Family Center and mentoring in the Boys’ Night program. Little Lights Urban Ministries has helped me grow spiritually.
FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 5
NEW STAFF MEMBERS Tiffany Gibson Hi! I’m Tiffany Gibson, married to Nathan Gibson. I’m a graphic designer and photographer having gotten my B.A. from Covenant College, GA. While growing up in the wilds of Montana God put a passion in my heart to combine my artistic skills with ministry, using design and photography to further the kingdom. I’m really exicted to be joining the Little Lights staff and to not only be able to live out that passion but invest in the young lives at Potomac Gardens. My prayer is to be able to help the kids see and experience God in real and tangible ways as they see Him in my life.
Debbie Robinson Hello, my name is Debbie Robinson. I am the Manager of the Family Center. I have lived in Virginia, Maryland and DC. The Lord has been and still is my ultimate Teacher. I have stirred up the gift that God has given me in ministering to teen moms, children, and seniors. I have been married to Antonio for 17 years, no children, but I have been the spiritual grandmother/aunt to many. I so enjoy a good book and sharing a meal and conversation with an old or new friend.
Allyn Lloyd-Powell Hello! I am a medical doctor who practiced pediatric medicine for over twenty years before yielding to the Lord’s calling to teach music. At Little Lights, I teach music to elementary children during Homework Club on Fridays. I have always had a deep love of music and a desire to impart that love to as many people as possible. For several years before making teaching my full-time commitment, I served as choir director at Kettering Baptist Church and First Christian Church at Brock Hall, where I am currently a member. I teach piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, alto saxophone, and drums. I have been married to my husband, Darryl Powell for almost 30 years, and we have two adult daughters, both of whom are very involved with music.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS Tim Bosson I first started working with Little Lights in the winter of 2009 as a tutor. I was immediately struck by how great the need was but, even more so, by how caring, organized, and effective the ministry’s tutoring program was. It didn’t take long before I was blessed to be able to work in areas other than tutoring and to get to know the children and families of Potomac Gardens in a much deeper way. By training I am an attorney who works with non-profit organizations, so I’m excited to bring any know-how I might have with me to the Board. As a quick bio, I grew up in Savannah, Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Business degree, then attended law school at Campbell University in Raleigh, NC. I currently work at the law firm Simms Showers in Leesburg, VA, which makes for quite the commute for tutoring!
David Montanari My first exposure to Little Lights occurred as a volunteer at the Christmas Party in 2009. What first struck me as a unique feature of LLUM was just how well organized this Christmas Party was. Any large event hosted by an organization directly reflects that organization, and I realized that day that LLUM was something I wanted to be a part of because of what they had accomplished and where they were going. I became a tutor in Reading Heroes as soon as the spring semester started and haven’t looked back. Working with the grade schoolers, particularly Ashanti, has been a wonderful experience that demonstrates that Christ’s love is at work in DC through the many volunteers and leadership that make up LLUM. Being a part of an active urban ministry that is Christ - centered, that looks out for the long term spiritual, social and educational wellbeing of its flock, is a true blessing in my life for which I am most thankful.
6 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010
DONOR SPOTLIGHT Name: Michael Protas Occupation: One Acre Farm Michael Protas and members of One Acre Farm Community Supported Agriculture have donated many pounds of fresh produce for us to distribute to Little Lights families each week this summer and fall. Kids especially love the sweet potatoes! Thanks for your delicious generosity! One Acre Farm has pickup locations in Potomac and Capitol Hill during the growing season-- check them out at WWW.1ACREFARM.COM!
IGNITE THE LIGHT is Little Lights Urban Ministries’ monthly partner-
ship program, made up of committed supporters who understand the value of investing in the future of the children we serve. Without these committed supporters, our work would not be possible. To learn more, visit www.littlelights.org and click DONATE!
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON! Our annual Christmas Party will be held December 4 at Chinese Bible Church of Maryland from 3:30 to 6pm. Chinese Bible Church of Maryland 4414 Muncaster Mill Road Rockville, MD 20853 Contact Mijin for details: mijin@littlelights.org or 202.548.4021
WRITINGS FROM HOMEWORK CLUB.
WHAT DID YOU DO THIS SUMMER? I was home playing with me and Angel’s new toys. She has a pink car, two dolls, and she has clothes and shoes for the dolls. Angel dressed her doll all blue. Her doll had on a blue shirt, blue shorts, and blue heels. I dressed my doll in pink. She wore a pink dress and pink sunglasses. She had a pink purse and pink heels with fur around them on the top.
Lashawn Wood, 8 I went swimming 3 times. I went Six Flags. I had a cook out over at my Grandpa’s house and I went to a camp called the Boys and Girls Club.
Navin Ranjit, 9 What I did over the summer is I went to Ocean City and then we went to the pool at Six flags. Then me and my sisters and my dad went home. My sisters went outside with me and we went to the playground until 10:00 then we ate dinner and got in the tub. We watched a movie and went to sleep.
Amari Watson, 8
FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 7
“WHERE I’M FROM” POETRY, INSPIRED BY GEORGE ELLA LYON I am from streetlights, from G-Gardens and “Torch!” I am from nail polish. I am from the double dutch ropes and the favorite pillows. I’m from singing camp and computers and TV. I’m from family vacations and soda and sleep till noon. I am from my favorite teddy bear and my favorite bike. I am from reading, math, social studies, science and English textbooks. I am from birthday parties and Nintendo Wiis. If you ask me where I’m from, I will tell you that I’m from the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Sa’Niya Smith I am from basketball, from football and my white XBox 360.
I am from a cold funny place and bright.
I am from McDonald’s.
I am from rapping “torch,”
I am from the double cheeseburger.
I am from a sad colorful place
I’m from carry-out chicken and Froot Loops,
the money.
I’m from chicken nuggets
I am from soda water and soap.
From hot dogs with ketchup
I am from delightful screams and skating.
I am from pancakes and syrup
I am of laughter.
From the drums.
I am from the star in the sky shining.
I am from playing tag.
I am from a moneyless world.
Marquelle Wheeler
I am from the block.
Makalia Vines I am from home, from cheerleading and chicken. I am from beans. I am from the teddy bears and the playground. I’m from hot dogs and happiness, From sadness, madness and screams. I’m from trees and money, From honey and money. I am from gummy bears.
Monae Williams
760 7th Street SE • Washington DC, 20003
TEEN INTERN REFLECTIONS CIERRA
My experience at Little Lights has been a very pleasant and meaningful one. I have grown up through them and excelled through them. Being able to show my skills through working with kids has been a privilege. I know I can use this in finding a school for college. I am honored to have this opportunity.
TYRONE
My experience as a teen intern is great because working with kids makes me feel like someone special. To be helping kids makes me and people feel a little special.
RAPHAEL
My experience as a Little Lights Teen Intern is going well so far. I enjoy working with kids and helping them stay positive in life. Also, it helps me be prepared about what life brings you. I love the fact of being able to be a positive role model for the kids that attend the program. I learn something new from the kids each and every day. I hope I can work for Little Lights for more years to come.
LAQUINTE
My experience at Little Lights as an intern is heartwarming and mindboggling because you would never know how smart a kid is. Plus, to see how this program really works behind the scenes.