Dear friends and neighbors,
What a summer! We wrapped up summer programming last Friday, and though it was unlike any summer we’ve ever had before, our kids and staff still had a blast. For eight weeks, we were able to provide a valuable service to families in our community – thanks to your generosity.
Our program staff are taking a much-deserved break this week, but they’ve already been planning for the fall, when we’ll host more than 200 students for full-day care, virtual learning assistance and afterschool activities.
Classrooms will remain small – just 15 kids and 2 teachers in each – and we’ll be following the same safety practices that proved to be very successful this summer. It’s a new challenge for us, but we’re certain we can rise to it and help our families who need it go to work with the confidence that their children are safe and well cared for.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do this work without you!
Please be safe, be well and take care of each other,
Becky
Becky Steinhoff, Executive Director
P.S. You may have noticed a cement slab near the Center, just off the bike path. We're constructing an outdoor classroom that we'll be able to use year-round. Stay tuned to watch it take shape!
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OUR PROGRAMS
Summer in the time of COVID
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Our summer programming wrapped up last week, and though it wasn't a typical summer at GCC, kids and teachers had a great time and followed protocols to ensure everyone stayed SAFE! From biking along Madison’s many bike paths to kayaking at Olbrich Park, fun art and science projects in the classroom to many days spent running through the splash pad – these kids had a chance to take a break from the stress of COVID and just be kids for a little while this summer. And that’s something we can all get behind!
We want to give a big shout-out to our unbelievable program staff, our kids and their families. You all figured out how to be together safely and have fun, and it shows us we can do the same once school starts this fall.
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RETIRING STAFF
Happy Trails Mary and David
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The Goodman Center is saying “see you later” (because with our staff, we never really have to say goodbye) to a couple of wonderful people who dedicated a huge part of their careers to helping GCC strengthen lives and secure futures. Learn more about Mary and David and join us in wishing them well in their retirement! |
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Mary, Chief Financial Officer for the last 10 years and 5 months.
What is your favorite memory from working with GCC?
There are too many to count! The day at Woodman’s when I heard someone call my name and turned to see three of our teens to whom I had been teaching the new POS system in the café. We walked through the whole store, picking out our groceries, laughing and joking. I knew I was with family.
What advice would you give people who are still working with GCC?
Always remember our vision and our mission. Everyone at GCC, from the Executive Director to the teen working in the kitchen, helps us make a difference and level the playing field for our friends and neighbors.
What are your plans for retirement?
I am planning a two-year road trip through the back roads of the USA and Canada. I’m looking forward to chatting with all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds and points of view. Even at my age, there is still so much to learn! Then I’m going to write books, so watch for them and buy them!
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David, Assistant Director of Hospitality for the last 6.5 years.
What is your favorite memory from working with GCC?
I have facilitated more than 200 weddings, countless Bar Mitzvas, conferences and meetings, anniversaries, birthday parties, baby showers and celebrations of life. My favorite memory was being recognized at a local diner years after their wedding by a beaming young couple who introduced me to their newborn daughter.
What advice would you give people who are still working with GCC?
Every once in a while, take a step back from your job and really observe what a truly special place GCC is.
What are your plans for retirement?
I plan to travel. National parks, hiking and water are always on my agenda. And I plan to renew friendships with old friends who have graciously waited for me to retire after years of saying, “I’m busy with a wedding/event this weekend. Maybe next time.”
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OUR PARTNERS
A Big Gift
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Last Wednesday, GCC received a generous donation of backpacks and lunchboxes from the Collaboration Project and Fenrici. The Collaboration Project Founder Jon Anderson delivered the gift, and we couldn't be more thankful for the generosity of these two groups. The backpacks and lunchboxes will be distributed – along with school supplies like notebooks, markers, pens and pencils – to lucky kids in the coming weeks. |
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Do you shop at Whole Foods? From now until September, you can donate your 10-cent bag refund to the Goodman Community Center. Every penny will help us make a difference in our community |
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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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“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes... including you.”
- Anne Lamott
As we wrap up an unconventional but SUCCESSFUL summer, we’re reminded once again of how lucky we are to have such a generous, kind and caring community. Fall will bring its own challenges, but we know we’ll be able to take them on with your help. 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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