Volume 10      

       Happy New Year! 

In December of each year as I prepare to write my annual reports summarizing our programming accomplishments, I stare at a blank screen wondering what I can say that might be new or different from the previous year. The staring soon turns into revelation once I review the photos taken throughout the year. The photographs really do tell the story of Jeremiah's work to bring the creative arts to underserved youth. I'm struck by the sweet faces reflecting determination and persistence, pride of accomplishment, or even surprise at newly discovered talents. To be able to see more of these photos than I am able to include in this newsletter, please visit our 
  
We are truly grateful for the moral and financial support the Jeremiah Project enjoys from our Friends of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 2018 In the Rearview Mirror

2018 was a jam-packed year for The Jeremiah Project (We also jammed at the Jeremiah Jamboree fundraiser in February of 2018, raising $25,000.)
 
The kiln in the pottery studio was in a perpetual firing mode while the shelves were filled with bowls, mugs, lidded jars, woven platters and geodes created by the 200+ students we served during 2018.  
 
The Jeremiah Project worked with students from Boys & Girls Clubs in Eatonville, Pine Hills, Winter Garden, East Altamonte Springs, Bithlo, downtown Orlando, and the City of Winter Park. Middle school aged students, especially those in under served communities, often find a lack of creative resources available to them. It is gratifying to be able to help bridge this gap and inspire kids to imagine something bigger for themselves.  To read more about our 2018 activities  click here.  

Jeremiah Meets STEM

Pottery represents a good break from the digital realm and even subliminally sneaks in a dose of physics and geometry. The Jeremiah Project's goal for 2019 is introducing a STEM component (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum to our programming. There are many opportunities to introduce STEM concepts in the pottery studio from the physics of throwing on the wheel to the chemistry of how the heat of firing produces the color in the glazes and strength of the finished pieces. Further, the engineering required to create a hand-built piece that will stand tall without collapsing is another teachable moment. Clay is a non-threatening vehicle for introducing such concepts and helps kids actually apply the concepts they learn.  Stay tuned for updates.

Tickets to Ride 

Help! 18 FPAs (Future Potters of America) from the East Altamonte Springs Boys & Girls Cub are eager to participate in Jeremiah programming this winter and spring. The problem, however, is transportation. This club does not have access to the kind of van many of the other branches have.  The good news is the Altamonte Springs Sun Rail station is located a block from the club. It takes less than ten minutes to arrive at the Winter Park station (a block away from our studio). This is a marriage made in heaven but, like any kind of wedding, it requires funds. 
We believe this money is a good investment in the futures of these kids. The cost is $444 for 18 kids and one staff member for eight weeks of programming. We believe it's a bargain considering how much creative enrichment these students will experience.   Anyone interested in contributing to this cause please let Mary Joe Searl in our church office or me know. Thank you.
 
Mission Statement

Enhanced critical and strategic thinking skills and improved self esteem among at risk middle school aged students is the mission of the Jeremiah Project creative arts program.
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