Momentum: News from Seattle Cares

RECRUITING MENTORS TO SAVE A GENERATION

Spring 2022

Finishing out the school year in person

This year, Seattle CARES successfully transitioned to in-person Rising sessions in both Meany and Denny International middle schools. It’s been wonderful to see -- once again -- the personal interaction between our mentors, Seattle CARES staff and teachers as they prepare our young scholars to succeed in school and in life.

This winter, we inaugurated a monthly lecture series called Voices for Change, where award-winning speakers joined us virtually to discuss topics ranging from financial planning to the history of Seattle’s Black Panthers. We wrapped up our first full year of The Rising for Girls, and our students were engaged in both a super heroes project and The Why lesson, among other activities. We're pleased to report that 20 mentors were recruited at our booth at Seattle Center in June. Read on to learn more.

Not long ago, we celebrated Juneteenth. That day recognizes our quest for true freedom and equality, and acknowledges how far we still have to go. Help us contribute to change through acts of service and reflection. Join us as a mentor, volunteer or donor. Visit our website for more information.

Our best wishes for a healthy and safe summer.

Don Cameron, Executive Director

Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement

The Rising gets excellent grades from students

Meany Middle School students Ben (right) and Joey (left) saw their grades and confidence improve, thanks to The Rising for Boys. Their moms Tiffany and Marauita have also seen positive results at the weekly Wellness Circles. There, the women meet with other moms to talk through issues and learn how to de-stress. It's been an enriching experience for both families. READ MORE.

Super Heroes program inspires scholars

Students in The Rising program at Denny International and Meany middle schools used an innovative curriculum focused on super heroes to spark creativity and learn what character traits are important to have to lead a quality life. The scholars named their super heroes, designed costumes for them, and gave each a super power to use to make the world a better place. READ MORE.

Mentor Profile:

Ronnae Redmond

Ronnae Redmond is one of the new group mentors in The Rising for Girls. Born and raised in Seattle, she works as an outreach housing specialist at an area nonprofit. As a group mentor during the past year, Ronnae has watched The Rising girls blossom into young women. She's happy she can serve as a role model -- someone that the girls can look up to and confide in. See what drew her to group mentoring. READ MORE.

The Rising for Girls completes first year

The Rising for Girls, launched in fall 2021 at Meany and Denny International middle schools, wrapped up its first year, following a successful pilot year held virtually at Denny. A total of 38 girls enrolled,19 at each school. The Rising for Girls is customized to help young women navigate the challenges they face in today's complicated society. READ MORE.

Mentor Profile: Pastor John Oliver III

Pastor John, a Seattle native, has been a youth mentor in The Rising program for four years -- since the program began. He's also an intellectual property patent technical specialist at an area law firm, a pastor, and a talented musician and songwriter -- plus he's working on his PhD! Despite his incredibly busy schedule, he makes time for mentoring and sees it as a way to give back to his community. READ MORE.

Voices for Change series brings in top speakers

From January to June, we welcomed five award-winning speakers to our new monthly webinar series, Voices for Change. Our kick-off speaker in January, Fonda Bryant, discussed mental health and wellness, attracting 55 attendees in an online forum. The final speaker in June was Chris Latson, left, who explored parenting in the real world. Other speakers addressed financial planning, voter rights, and the history of the Seattle Black Panthers. READ MORE.

In their own words: Rising students explore The Why

At the end of the school year, The Rising scholars are asked to answer several important questions, including why they are in the program and what they hope to gain by participating. We think you'll enjoy their candid responses. READ MORE.

More news from Seattle CARES

Update on recruiting

Seattle CARES staffed a booth at Festival Sundiata's Black Arts Fest June 17-19 during the Father's Day and Juneteenth holiday weekend. At this community gathering, we recruited 20 new mentors who will receive training to work with our area youth. Thank you to all who stopped by the booth in the Armory Event Hall. LEARN MORE.

Thank you, Chief Diaz !

Down-to-earth and direct, Seattle's acting Police Chief Adrian Diaz met with former Rising scholars online for an hour discussion this spring. It was an exciting opportunity for the young scholars to ask questions about police brutality and racism, and to hear Chief Diaz talk about policing and his plans to improve the Seattle police force.

There are many ways to save a generation! Donate today!

We are grateful for the support of all our mentors, partners and donors. You too can be part of the mentoring movement by making a donation to Seattle CARES. It's easy; just click on the donation button, right.

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CONNECT WITH US

Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement

dcameron@seattlecaresmentoring.org