In our February Newsletter:

  • Message from Brooklynn
  • Meet Jenessa
  • Upcoming Trauma Workshop
  • LM News & Updates
  • Literacy Mentor Spotlight: Virginia Castro
  • LM Strategy
Message from Brooklynn
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work and serve our communities alongside you.  As most of you know, my husband and I are moving to Portland, Oregon next week to spend time with his family. Although I am sad to leave, I am encouraged by the incredible growth we've seen as we continue to increase our partnerships and spread God's love throughout our city. It has been an absolute blessing getting to know you and being a part of the ENP family. Fresno will always be my home.  Should you need to reach me, feel free to contact me at  [email protected] .

I would also like to introduce Jenessa Hefler, ENP's Literacy Mentor Director!  
Meet Jenessa Hefler
ENP's Literacy Mentor Director
We asked Jenessa a few questions to help you to get to know her a little better:

How did you hear about ENP?
Through my dad, who is a current Literacy Mentor at Powers-Ginsburg. He loves meeting with his students every week and giving lots of "high five- down low- too slow's."

What were you doing before ENP?
"I was a first grade teacher at a public charter school in Memphis, Tennessee, so I know firsthand how hard our teachers work and how much they value any support! I wish a Literacy Mentoring Program had been in my school."

What is your favorite book?
"I don't like picking favorites, but here are a few that come to mind:"
"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
"A Praying Life" by Paul Miller
"11/22/63" by Stephen King

What are you passionate about?
"Jesus. I know, that sounds cliche . . . but really, His love is what anchors me and leads me to care about people - to want to see them lead confident, secure, abundant lives and be reconciled to those around them. On a less serious note, I'm also passionate about frozen yogurt. Like really! Love me some froyo." 

What are your hobbies?
"In no particular order: being active (jogging, gym, walking), baking, yard sales, coffee/froyo dates with friends, and learning foreign languages (I know some Mandarin, Spanish, and Punjabi - and hopefully someday I'll settle down and pick one to fully learn!)"

"I've heard about all the great things you are doing and look forward to meeting you if I haven't done so already!"
Upcoming Trauma Workshop
This will be a very informative morning workshop.  The purpose:  to educating the Christian community on the generational effects of trauma that families and kids face in our neighborhoods.

This conference will share what scripture has taught us about trauma and we'll dive into a discussion of how it affects our community in the areas of Education, Health Care, Public Safety and other areas. 

This conference is sponsored by Every Neighborhood Partnership and the Trauma/ACES Workgroup.

Literacy Mentor News & Updates
READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Friday, March 2nd
Talk to your kids about how much you LOVE books! Find an opportunity to read to them! You presence in their lives is impacting their future! THANK YOU!

SPRING TESTING DATES
Reminder to check with your teacher to find out what days they are doing testing so you don't show up and have NO kids to spend time with.

LOOKING AHEAD
Spring Break Week: March 26-April 2nd
Season of Service/Serve Fresno Week: April 21-29

LOVE OF LITERACY UPDATE

During our Love of Literacy campaign this month we have sponsors for 27 of the 30 new kits needed for volunteers who are working in new classrooms this semester. 

There is still time to donate and share this opportunity with your friends who have a heart for literacy but may not the availability during the day to volunteer.

Literacy Mentor Spotlight
Meet Virginia Castro
This is Virginia's 2nd year serving as a Literacy Mentor.  She is also a faithful volunteer at her children's school in Sanger.  Dedicated?  YES! 

We wanted you to meet her not only because she is a GREAT Literacy Mentor, but also because she is now volunteering as a school chaplain and if you don't already know about this program, you should be aware of it.
. . .
Why did you decide to become a Literacy Mentor?
"Working with children in a classroom is something that I've always loved to do, whether volunteering in my children's classes or working as a preschool teacher aid and tutor. I've always had a soft spot for children who struggle with literacy and it's become a passion of mine to help kids learn how to read and write." 

Can you identify the impact Literacy Mentoring is having on kids?
"Not only are the children reaching their academic goals but I've seen an increase of their self-efficacy - a more positive attitude and belief that they can do it!"

What impact has volunteering had on you personally?
"The children continue to make an impact on me on a weekly basis. I love the quote by Nicolas Ferroni, 'Students who are loved at home, come to school to learn, and students who aren't, come to school to be loved.'  I've found a lot of the time I'm there, a majority of the kiddos really don't want to sit and "work", but really just want to talk and play a little game. It's been a humbling experience hearing some of the 'trauma' stories, some very heart wrenching. There's nothing that gives me a greater desire, after hearing some of these stories, to keep coming back to be just a little light in their life." 

What made you decide to become a School Chaplain?
"Growing up, I experienced a lot of chronic trauma. Trauma that affected my ability to learn and focus, it affected my health and I grew up basically having no self worth. When I look back at my life and childhood, I think of those who had the greatest impact of me. Those I remember the most are teachers, my friends parents, who also volunteered in the classroom and my caring neighbors. When I heard about the School Chaplaincy Program and what it was about (Resiliency In Student Education) I immediately started praying about it. Several months later he answered that prayer and I began the process. It's been a great blessing for me to help the 1st graders discover "bounce back" strategies from sadness, fear, helplessness and hopelessness caused from trauma, so much of what I had experienced at their age."

THANKS VIRGINIA!
If you would like to know more about becoming a School Chaplain or if there is a need for one at your partnership school, please contact  He will be happy to answer your questions.

The following link will take you to a great report from ABC30. 

Literacy Mentor Strategy

This month's strategy was shared with us by Bill Johnson, Literacy Mentor at Wolters Elementary.  In an email he shared with the other Literacy Mentors at Wolters, and said that he started seating kids on his left side and it worked well.

You may want to read the article and give it a try!  We would also love to invite YOU to share a strategy that works for you so we can share it with everyone!

Click the article for the full size pdf that you can actually read! 

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Be Blessed and Encouraged,

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