June 2023 // A Community Newsletter // Photos by M.O.D Media

On Monday, we celebrated Juneteenth, a day that was first officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 but has been celebrated in the African American community for generations. As many of you know, slavery ended with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, but word didn't reach enslaved people in Texas until June 19, 1865 – two and a half years later. 

Freedom in America is a sticky thing, isn't it? We celebrate the end of slavery on Juneteenth, and we also know that ours is a complicated history. There has been progress for Black folks, and I believe there is cause for hope. We must also continue to work because Black Americans are still not totally free, not when incarcerations among our population are so disproportionately high. Not when we still face daily discrimination based exclusively on the color of our skin.

I appreciate being a part of a community of people who are willing to grapple with the history of our nation, who don't shy away from the difficult conversations and who understand that we are all better off when everyone is treated fairly and equitably.

This week, we welcomed our teens back to the Lussier LOFT, along with a new group of young interns who will share their gifts and grow their knowledge this summer. Next week, our preschool and elementary kiddos return. The young people who come to Goodman bring a burst of energy to our center, and I can't wait to have them back in our buildings.

Wishing you all a warm and relaxing summer, and I hope to see you around Goodman soon. 

P.S. The story just below this letter is about summer at Goodman. We rely on donations from generous neighbors like you to support our summer programs. If you're able to make a gift, I would be so grateful.

PROGRAMS



Summer is Here!

And so are Goodman teens (preschool and elementary summer campers start next week). Summer at Goodman is the BEST. Days jam-packed with fun, adventure, learning and friendship. Who wouldn't want that for their child? For working parents who need a safe and affordable place to send their kids all summer, Goodman can't be beat.

What's on the agenda for this June, July and August? Biking, swimming, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, art and science projects, trips to places like Wisconsin Dells and Milwaukee, visits to Troy Gardens and Goodman Youth Farm, exploring all around Madison and so much more. And on top of it, kids ages 3 through 19 also get nutritious food and support from Goodman's caring and passionate staff.

Whew! This is going to be the best summer yet (we say that every year, and we've been right every year), and it's all possible because of our generous community.

If you'd like to support summer at Goodman, make a gift today! 

Here's to Graduating Seniors (and One Junior)!

Congrats to 2023 high school grads, particularly the 20 graduates from Goodman teen programs! Staff celebrated these youth at a graduation party hosted at Goodman for the teens and their family and friends.

It's always bittersweet to say goodbye to youth, some of whom have been with Goodman since preschool and elementary school, and we wish them all the best on what's next for them.

We're proud of every one of these graduates. They put in the hard work to see their high school education through to the end. Congratulations!

In this photo, Julian Sanchez (center) poses with some of the staff who have worked with him over the years: Keith, Catie and Shantrice. Julian is graduating a full year early and will head to the Culinary Institute of America in New York this fall. Learn more about his journey at the Go Fund Me set up to help him get to New York. 

EVENTS



Madison Metro Bus Info Session Today!

If you take the Madison bus, you know the routes changed a couple of weeks ago in the first phase of a rapid bus system that's being built.

The changes are understandably confusing, so we've asked Madison Metro to come by and answer questions riders may have about the changes. They'll be at our food pantry today (Thursday), 12-3pm.

If you need a little help navigating the new system, we hope you'll stop by! 

WORK AT GCC



Make an Impact

The Goodman Center has some of the best benefits in town – no joke. In addition to an incredible health care plan (better than what some much bigger businesses in town offer, we've been told by our staff) and retirement matching, Goodman also offers more than 5 weeks of paid time off in your first year, free child care for kids in preschool and attending Lowell or Emerson elementary schools, and more.

Check out our current open positions and apply today:

• 4K Teacher
• Elementary Programs Co-Teacher
• Child Care Float Teacher
• Child Care Substitute Teachers
• Bartender
• Community Experience Administrator (Front Desk) 

See all open positions and apply here.

GET INVOLVED



Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a gift to your community – and to yourself! We have a few opportunities available this summer.

In particular, we could really use some extra help for our food pantry, which has seen record high demand for the better part of a year. Help is needed three days a week:

• Tuesday - 9:15am-12:15pm
• Wednesday - 5:30-8pm
• Thursday - 12:15-3:15pm

Volunteer to cover one more shifts each week.

Check out all the openings and sign up to help out this summer!

AT THE CENTER



Ballweg Gallery This Month

There are still a few days to stop in and check out this month's Ballweg Gallery exhibit: "Altered Worlds" by Gail McCoy.

From the artist:

"National Geographic magazine offers an artistic view of nature. I have taken the concept further by altering the ink on its pages and repurposing the paper as my art. The work focuses on cranes, as they are a universal symbol of peace, hope and healing. It all comes down to finding the emotion in the materials and using them to connect the viewer with that emotional experience."

Learn more here.

Our food pantry is open three days a week to anyone who needs it.

Hours:  

• Tuesday 9:30am – noon, Drive-thru 1-2pm 
• Wednesday 6pm – 8pm  
• Thursday 12:30pm – 3pm

Interested in helping our food pantry serve our community? Check out our list of most-needed items.

Questions? Contact Francesca at francesca@goodmancenter.org or 608-204-8049.