Dear friends and neighbors,
Well, 2020 has certainly kept us on our toes.
A week ago Monday, a car traveling at a very high speed crashed into the southwest side of our Ironworks building – in the Evjue Room. I’m so thankful no one was hurt, and also so thankful for EUA and Vogel Bros. Building Co., who were both on site early the next morning to help us assess damage and start clearing out the debris.
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As you already know, this is a stressful time for everyone in our community, and this completely unexpected event is certainly adding to that stress for us at the Goodman Center. But hard times have never held us down for long – in fact, when things get tough, the amazing people I work with rise up and work even harder to fulfill the GCC mission of strengthening lives and securing futures.
Starting Sept. 8, Goodman will offer day-long programming for children, provide on-site Internet access for kids who might not have it at home and provide meals and groceries for our participants. Our staff will continue to deliver meals and groceries to older adults, and we've even attracted a few new faces to our popular drive-in coffee hours. And GCC’s food pantry has never closed, even as we continue to see – and do everything in our power to meet – a nearly three-fold increase to our normal demand.
We’ve already started the process to rebuild. Insurance will cover most of the costs of the repairs, but in situations like these, there are always hidden costs. For those, we could really use your help. If you’re able to make a financial gift, we would appreciate it so very much. If that’s not something you can do right now, I completely understand. I know each one of you support the work we’re doing every day.
Please be safe, be well and take care of each other,
Becky
Becky Steinhoff, Executive Director
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Big Thank You to EUA & Vogel Bros.
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We want to give a big thank you to Cliff at EUA and Pete of Vogel Bros. Building Co., both of whom came out to assess the damage done to the Ironworks building bright and early last week Tuesday. These two and their businesses have been supporters of the work we do here at the Goodman Center for a long time, and having them at the helm of this rebuilding effort will surely make the whole process a little less stressful. Thank you, Cliff and Pete! |
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OUR PROGRAMS
A Successful Summer
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This summer, GCC engaged 57 teens in programs focused on career and college readiness. These teens stayed active, worked for the Center and were paid for their efforts along the way. Here's a summary of this incredibly successful program:
- 45 out of 57 youth earned their DPI Employability Skills Certificate, a state-wide recognized certification.
- 7 youth participated in 9 on time, a bridging program from middle school to high school.
- Approximately 85% of youth earned at least 3/4 school credit, with many youth earning 1 full credit.
- Youth stayed active boating, biking, grilling, hiking and working in the gardens.
- Youth built relationships and developed social-emotional skills while we engaged them with urban agriculture, painting, culinary skills and music.
- Youth developed their professional skills through entrepreneurship, resume building, virtual learning skill building (these kids can Zoom now for sure!), and the Employability Skills Certificate process.
Congrats to these teen participants and to the GCC staff members who worked hard to create this program and make it a success!
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FEEDING OUR NEIGHBORS
Growing Demand
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Our food pantry coordinator has been crunching some numbers this week, comparing our food pantry demand last year to this year. It won’t come as a surprise that we’ve seen a massive increase in demand since the start of COVID-19. In April of this year, immediately after the quarantine began, we served three times the number of households as we did last year. We saw similar numbers in July and August, and we suspect that trend will continue into fall. Thank you to everyone in our community who has supported our efforts. It is because of you that we’re able to meet this increased demand and provide food for our neighbors!
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EASTSIDE NEWS
Check Out the Latest Issue!
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The September/October issue of the Eastside News has hit newsstands and mailboxes throughout Madison. In this issue, you’ll find a story all about the Goodman Center’s partnership with Anesis Center for Marriage and Family Therapy. This partnership is made possible by grants from the United Way and Dane County, and it will provide therapy to help children work through trauma, as well as support teachers as they work with students who have experienced trauma. Read the story here.
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JOBS AT GCC
Our Team is Missing One Thing - You!
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We have openings for a number of positions. If you or someone you know is interested, apply today!
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Elementary Childcare & Programming Teacher *Sign-on Bonus!*
- Preschool Co-Teacher
- Girls Inc. Middle School Coordinator
- College & Career Exploration Coordinator
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OUR PARTNERS
Shop for Good with Kendra Scott
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A week from today, Shop for Good(man) with Kendra Scott! Kendra's brand-new fall collection is coming out Sept. 9, and you can pick up a piece or two for a good cause. Here are the details:
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When: Wed. - Thurs., Sept. 9 - 10
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Where: Shop in store at Hilldale or online at kendrascott.com.
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How: At the store, mention the Goodman Center when you check out. Online, enter code 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝟴𝟴𝟳𝟱 at checkout (after you enter your shipping info).
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Why: 20% from sales will benefit the Goodman Center and Girls Inc. of Greater Madison.
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Good for your tastebuds, good for the Goodman Center. Nutkrack just released a special edition Everything Pecan – a candied pecan flavored with everything seasoning – and it is DELICIOUS. Even better, $8 from every bag sold benefits GCC. These won’t be available for long, so order your bag soon!
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The Pregnancy Helpline DiaperDash has raised awareness of diaper need in Wisconsin since 2015, and this year’s event will include a diaper donation followed by a virtual fun-run for the whole family.
Diaper Donation Drop-Off & T-Shirt Pick-up:
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 8-11am (Bring the most diapers and win a prize!)
- McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg, 2930 Chapel Valley Rd.
Virtual 5k run / 2-mile walk / 50-yard kids’ dash:
- Sept. 26 & 27
- Run wherever you are!
Post a picture to social media with the hashtag #PHDiaperDash2020. Register here.
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FOOD OPERATIONS
Drive-Thru Food Pantry
Tues. 9:30 a.m. – noon. Wed. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs. 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
All are welcome – no need to call ahead. Food is distributed in the Ironworks building parking lot, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison.
Neighborhood Dinners
The Center is managing a neighborhood meal distribution three days a week. Wed. & Thurs. individual dinners; Fri. two family-style meals + pantry bag.
If your family lives in Darbo/Worthington, Brentwood or the Carbon apartment homes at Union Corners and would like to sign up for this service, please visit our website for more information (scroll to the bottom of the page).
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“This year has been a whirlwind, but the community is so gracious and organizations, such as yourselves, are part of that community that keeps us moving forward.”
- Nina Winistorfer, Community Involvement Specialist, Festival Foods
So many of you reached out after the accident last week, and we appreciate all of the words of encouragement. As you can see, it hasn’t slowed us down. Thanks to you, we’ll rebuild, and we’ll continue to strengthen lives and secure futures in the Madison community. Thank you for being there, and, as always…
* Consider yourself hugged. *
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GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
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