Wednesday, May 13, 2009

May 2009 Volunteer Meter

Due to the generous time and talent of our friends and supporters, we have logged more than 600 volunteer hours to date for 2009. Keep up the good work toward the mission of TEAMS.

TEAMS Institute Expanding Impact in West Tennessee

McKenzie, TN – “Achieving academic and social success through leadership development, career, employment, college and vocational training opportunities.” This is the mission and goal of the TEAMS Institute located in McKenzie, Tennessee. By offering educational and life-skill building activities to at-risk youth, the TEAMS Institute is making a difference in the lives of many. Open to children between the ages of five and eighteen, students attending the Institute participate in classes concerning Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Medicine and Science (TEAMS).

Many children attending the Institute have learned valuable life skills that help them in all aspects of their lives. They gain the confidence they need to excel socially and academically. The children who attend the Institute are performing better in the classroom and are learning how to give back to their community.

“The TEAMS Institute after school program permits students who need extra attention and assistance to keep up with their peers by having the opportunity to receive this help. The program also provides a place for students to safely remain until they are united with their working parents or guardians. I fully endorse the TEAMS Institute in McKenzie,” stated Walter Winchester, the Mayor of McKenzie and a frequent TEAMS Institute volunteer.

As a result of the successful impact the TEAMS Institute is having in Carroll County, the minds behind the Institute are in the process of starting a chapter of YouthBuild. YouthBuild is a nationwide organization that allows low-income young people to work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning job skills, which lead to a pre-apprentice certification. The skills taught will range from construction and manufacturing to teaching and tutoring. Most YouthBuild chapters participate in the construction of affordable housing for homeless or low-income people. While learning valuable skills, participants are also exposed to positive examples of leadership and service to others.

Seventy-six percent of YouthBuild participants nationwide have gone on to be placed in jobs or participate in post-secondary educational courses. Carroll County’s chapter has hopes of achieving or even exceeding that statistic through the support and commitment of area residents.

Area youth that are interested in either the TEAMS Institute or the YouthBuild program can find applications at teamsinstitute.org or by calling the center at 731.415.2588.

To help these organizations continue to make a difference, private donations and volunteers are always needed. Volunteer and donation information can be found at teamsinstitute.org. In addition to traditional fundraising activities, the sponsors of the TEAMS Institute and YouthBuild also sell collections of ethnic clip art for use in publications and advertisements and MiEssence cosmetic and bodycare products. For more details, visit twinataa.com/svpub2.html or luscious.mionegroup.com.

###

May 2009 Program Progress

Greetings Friends of the TEAMS Institute. Listed below is a summary of finance, recruitment, program, public relations, and logistic activities that have recently occurred on the project.

a. submitted four proposals for funding

b. set up new FREE conference call account.

c. began evaluation and planning of NAPAS Reunion host

d. forwarded blog link to Minister P. Cooper

e. attended 3 ONE Group product sale teleconferences

f. attended one YouthBuild teleconference

g. compiled and distributed meeting minutes

h. forwarded attendance software information to D. Williams

i. updated Collaboration Group on submission of grants

j. recruited new board member Kenneth Williams, Kenneth Williams and Associates, Mr. Williams (no relation to S. Williams) expertise Federal, State, Local Government Funding, Grants and Contracts

k. circulated press release announcing student registration on-line

l. discussed audit strategy with accountant at Vanderbilt University

m. replied to IRS employee question

n. provided updates via phone to board members

o. recommended TEAMS Institute as non-profit to be sponsored by ONE Group

p. attended NIA Meeting

q. met with A. James to discuss non-profit planning assistance

r. met with R. Johnson to discuss non-profit planning assistance

s. met with potential ONE Group Representative

Also view the recent blog additions for History of Collaborators and Affiliations with the TEAMS Institute.