May 2020 Issue V

Fiscally Sponsored Programs

Perseverance & Positivity

The Finding Me Foundation , established in 2018, by Darnerien McCants and his advisory board, Richard Mason and Donald Wallace, strives to combat juvenile delinquency by empowering disadvantaged youth through the introduction of an engaging and fun reading program. Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the program has had to shift its focus from launching an after-school reading program in Howard County, Maryland's, Running Brook Elementary School, to creating an Online Story Time program. Online Story Time goes LIVE on the Finding Me Foundation Facebook page every Thursday at 12:00 pm EST. Darnerien McCants welcomes children and their families, LIVE, who are tuning in all over the country from the safety of their own homes, to hear him read the book of the week. This way children can stay engaged in reading while schools are not in session. This shift is a clear demonstration of Finding Me maintaining its perseverance and positivity! A star athlete at Delaware State University, Darnerien was named D1-AA All- American for breaking several DSU and MEAC records, earning him the opportunity to be the 5th round draft choice to the Washington Redskins. While in the National Football League, he was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and Washingtonian of the year by Washingtonian Magazine. As a Philadelphia Eagle, he hosted a coat drive for the Salvation Army receiving over 3,000 coats for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Darnerien McCants has consistently demonstrated his passion, vision, dedication, and diligence toward reaching his goals. As a result of his successful athletic and compassionate coaching careers, Mr. McCants has earned the respect and love from his fellow community members. Through this relationship with his community, Mr. McCants felt a calling to do more for those who have less, thus the Finding Me Foundation . We encourage you to check out their program and the efforts Darnerien McCants is putting toward building a young readers program! Below is last week's Online Story Time video , the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein ! Be sure to check it out!

Online Story Time with Darnerien McCants Reads- The Giving Tree authored and illustrated by Shel Silverstein

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The Finding Me Foundation knows that times like these are difficult for our children, that's why they are doing their part to keep kids engaged in reading! The New York Times article below talks about the challenges our young learners will face after the restrictions are lifted and schools are reopened.

Opinion | 50 Million Kids Can't Attend School. What... A learning reversal of this magnitude could hobble an entire generation unless state leaders quickly work to reverse the slide. Read more www.nytimes.com

The Stay Sane Campaign!

What are the United Charitable Staff doing to stay sane during COVID-19?

Julia Healey Chief Executive Officer “During this time, my family decided to foster a dog because shelters do not have any funding coming in or volunteers to walk the dogs. So in order to stay sane, my family has been walking the dog in our neighborhood!" "Everyone, meet Bella. We just officially adopted her!"

Nichelle Gardner Accounting Manager " Since my husband and I are fully remote employees, we spend hours a day in front of our computers and need some relief at the end of the day. Because social activities are limited during this time, one of the things we like to do is challenge each other during a Wheel of Fortune game, nightly at 7:30 pm. It's fun and keeps the mind sharp!"  Have you considered playing a game on a video call?

How are you Staying Sane? Send us a comment on any of our Social Media! We'd love to hear from you!

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Take a Look At Our Previous Issues of Perseverance & Positivity!

Issue I- Athletes For Charity Issue II- There is Value in a Smile Issue III- Budding Artists Issue IV- ReTreeUs

Let's Keep Going!

The Finding Me Foundation is a fiscally sponsored program of United Charitable, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. www.unitedcharitable.org