School Health Advisory Council Meeting

On Wednesday, October 17, Courtney and I attended the School Health Advisory Councill (S.H.A.C) meeting at the School Board Administration Building downtown. Courtney is the Chair of the Council, and she was gracious enough to take me with her. The meeting consisted different organizations and agencies in Jacksonville that are involved in educating and serving the youth of Jacksonville with information about being healthy and happy. The meeting started off by everyone introducing themselves, stating which agency or organization they represented, and telling everyone something they may not have known about their organization. It was a great turnout and each organization had interesting facts about what they do and who they serve. Agencies such as Hubbard House and the American Lung Association were in attendance with different events they were promoting, as well as people involved in public schools in Jacksonville.

It was great to see so many organizations and individuals who care so deeply about the health and well-being of the children in Jacksonville. What was even more wonderful was to see everyone coming together to collaborate and get the word out about what exactly they were representing and promoting. With so many children struggling with obesity and not being able to get enough exercise or eat healthy, it was nice to see professionals take the reigns with solutions to these problems.

Christy Goodman, Development Intern.

Southside Middle Team Up!

On Tuesday Courtney and I went to visit the  Southside Middle Team Up. I was amazed at all the programs they were able to offer the students that joined the Boys and Girls Club. Jamilla, the program director was nice enough to show us around and introduce to all the members and teachers.Every class room was spread out through out the campus unlike and actual Boys and Girls Club where every classroom is located in a close space.  On Tuesday there were over 125 members present, and I must say it was a little over whelming, but Jamilla had every thing under control. Through this Team Up students are given the opportunity to continue their ESOL instuction beyond the school day. Another unique program at Southside Middle Team Up is the UNF/FIE Precollegiate Connections College Reach-Out Program, where UNF undergraduate students help members build their problem solving skills and generate an interest in learning.  One of the last classrooms we were able to visit was one by the UNF students and they were building bridges using mega blocks and they only had about 20 minutes! It was cool to watch to the UNF students help the students build the bridges. Through budget cuts, Southside Middle no longer has an art program and Jamilla said she makes sure she has her students to create and make art like birdhouses. Courtney and I would like to thank Jamilla and Southside Middle Team Up for allowing us to come out and learn about their Team Up!

-Tracey Development Intern

Friday Post

Is there anything better than a beautiful, Autumn Friday? The staff here at the office is working hard to get off work and enjoy this wonderful day.

This was a very busy week for me here at BGCNF. On Monday, I researched "infographics" so the Development team could pitch together and make one for BGCNF. An infographic is a creative screenshot that has statistics and facts about an organization. It's a fun, different, non-traditional way to show people what your company is all about. I came across great infographics and I am excited to get working on one for BGCNF!

Wednesday, the Development team had our meeting where we all came together to discuss what we are working on and upcoming events. Since the holidays are fast approaching (crazy, right?!) we have a lot of fun and exciting events coming up.

On October 24, the Woodland Acres Club is hosting a haunted house, or "The Insane Asylum". It will be from 5-7 p.m and should be a lot of fun! Come on down and support the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida and have a ghoulish good time! :)

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, make sure you go outside and enjoy this spectacular weather! And as always, BE GREAT!

-Christy Goodman, Development Intern.

Friday Post

Good afternoon, everyone! This week Tracey and I continued our duties as busy little interns at the offices of the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida. On Wednesday, we were lucky enough to accompany our superviser, Courtney, to The Collaborations Summit and Workshop, where local nonprofits gathered to discuss ways to collaborate and grow within the community, and beyond. It was great to meet people who were in similar nonprofits dealing with the youth of today. The day started with a tremendous breakfast and a speech by the keynote speaker, Zachary Tumin, who is a professor at Harvard University. Mr. Tumin's speech was very interesting, filled with funny stories and helpful tips of how each nonprofit could collaborate with others and grow at the same time. All in all, it was a successful day and Tracey and I got to meet a lot of great professionals.

Have a great weekend!

-Christy Goodman, Development Intern.

Friday Post

Time is really flying here at the office of the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida. This week, Tracey and my supervisor, Courtney, came back to the office from an extended medical leave. Everyone here was very happy to see her back, including her eager interns! Today, the whole office including some Program and Unit Directors at some of the local clubs came together for a meeting discussing upcoming events for the month of October. The "United Way" kick-off campaign was the main topic of conversation. Everyone seemed excited and ready to participate. More information on that to come! On behalf of everyone here at BGCNF, we wish you a happy and healthy weekend. Don't forget to "Be Great"!

-Christy Goodman
Development Intern