Message from Jenessa and Monique

2018-19 was a great year! And we look forward to an even better 2019-20! Take a look back at our highlights from last year. If you'd like to see your school site specific data just shoot us an email and we'd be happy to share! You all made a great impact. See you back in classrooms soon, if not already! " And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work " 2nd Corinthians 9:8

A look back... 2018-19 School Year by the numbers

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, September 26: ENP' Fall in Love with Fresno Banquet Monday, September 2: Labor Day, No School for ALL Saturday, October 24: Q Commons Event Saturday, January 18: Save the Date! Big Literacy/ Read Fresno training 2019-20 School Calendars (click and print for reference throughout the year): Fresno Unified Orange Center Unified Clovis Unified *Note: Literacy Mentoring is beginning different weeks depending on your school site. Reach out to us if you haven't heard about your site's start date yet!

ENP's Fall in Love with Fresno Banquet

Come learn more about ENP and support the work God allows us to do with your help! Click here for tickets and more info

Q Commons Event

If you want to consider what faith looks like for the next generation and discuss how we can create a better future for all, please join us at Q Commons! You can get your ticket or learn more now at  qcommons.com/fresno

Literacy News & Resources

Preview of New Resources!!

For our dual immersion sites... we now have the Literacy Kit in Spanish! If you are interested in helping at one of these sites (whether you are bilingual or not), let us know.

For our earliest learners... we now have a booklet, flashcards and games to support with letter and sound recognition. We are working on making new videos showing these games, but until then let us know if you need help using them!

Read Fresno We have a new program and new staff member...Welcome Erika Castanon! Our partnership with Fresno State has extended to include 42 new work study students. You may see some of them at your school site. If you'd like to know more check out the website or reach out to Erika at erika@everyneighborhood.org .

Literacy Mentoring Tip

Don't forget about the timer in your kit! Jaci Garcia, LM at Eaton Elementary, used the timer to have the student compete against themselves. She times and records how long it takes them to read the set of cards and then has them see if they can beat their time! We all love a little competition!

Fresno State Students' Report We had over 50 college students volunteer as Literacy Mentors during the 2018-19 school year. We received some of their thoughts as the year came to a close and want to share... "Some concepts or new learning that stuck out to me the most this semester were how much my time as a volunteer at these schools could do. You always hear about children who live in poverty, but as a college student you can't really help them, at least that is what I use to think now I know that even by volunteering on my free time I am not only helping these children but also changing their lives." "Taking Psych 178s as well as volunteering at Kirk elementary has shaped the way I interact with other individuals and how I view other individuals’ perspectives besides my own. The experience gained has been more than valuable and what I learned and experienced could be applied through many aspects of my life and career from here on out. Being a volunteer at Kirk elementary has opened a whole new perception of the world around me; I learned about resilience in children, the hardships of others old and young, and the ability to communicate with other individuals." One group of students wanted to share their Final Report with you all. Please click here to read their report! (Also happy to report Kirk now has new benches!)  Thank you to all of our college students!

Literacy Mentor of the Year Award  At our ENP End of Year Celebration, Cheryl Shiflett, LM at Susan B Anthony and member of Well Community Church, was honored as LM of the Year! Cheryl Shiflett has been a Literacy Mentor in Mrs Yang's 1st grade class for the past 3 years. She began when we first started the Literacy Mentor program and has touched the lives of more than 70 students. She is the epitome of a Literacy MENTOR! Mrs Yang told us, “I love that Cheryl takes initiative to involve all the students, not just the ones who need the most help. When there’s extra time, she’ll calm the kids who have mastered their lists and just have them read a book to her. As they read, they work on fluency. I also love that she takes the time to get to know the kids and check in on how they’re feeling. And if it’s something concerning, she always lets me know so I can look out for the kids. I love Cheryl! She has been such a blessing. I pray every year for her return for the next year." Thank you Cheryl for all you do for Mrs. Yang and the SBA students! Below are a few other photos from our celebration! 

Literacy Mentor Spotlight

Daysi White Parc Grove Community Center, Parc Grove Apartments As a resident of Parc Grove apartments, Daysi reached out to see how she could give back to her community. We were so excited to equip her to work with kids right in their own neighborhood. In this picture Daysi is working with a little guy who was so eager for the extra help. His mom was ecstatic as well! What made you decide to become a literacy mentor? I like working with kids and I wanted to find something closer to home. I tried to be a teacher's aide but wasn't able to complete the classes so I found this program through Parc Grove and I love it! What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Parc Grove? Spending time with the kids and getting to know them. Supporting them and helping them get through the booklet. Letting them know that someone cares for them and they are able to achieve. I believe in them! What is your hope for Parc Grove kids? I hope that the things I'm teaching to them they are able to teach to others. I hope that they enjoy working with me as much as I love working with them!   Also Daysi is our 200th active Literacy Mentor! Wow! Thanks Daysi!