Teamwork into Action

COMPREHENSIVE CPR CERTIFICATION

Quarterly, the local Red Cross instructs a simulation course performing CPR while integrating comprehensive AED certification compliant with OSHA standards. These invaluable life skills could mean further consideration for employment and or it could save a life. Upcoming classes are August 18-20 • November 17-19 • February 16-18 Select a date to sign up. The cost is $25, which includes the certifications. If you give blood before class begins, your class is free. Class location and guidelines will arrive via email the week prior to class.

MY FRIEND FAFSA

None of us enjoy filling out government forms, but with a few simple pointers, you will be amazed how user friendly it can be. Once you understand the purpose of each question, you have conquered it. If you call FAFSA, you will get in touch with a human that is helpful and friendy. Also, completing FAFSA in subsequent years is a breeze with autofill. The Pell Grant is over $7000 EVERY year, and you don’t have to pay it back—ever. Millions in scholarship dollars is lost yearly, because nobody filled out the application. Many graduate students enter a work program where their employer pays their tuition. STAND A CHANCE hosts this workshop twice a year in a computer lab at one of the universities. We quickly turn this intimidating government form into a friend that opens doors and puts cash in your bank account.

WINNING WITH WRITING

A well-written paper comes from the heart with your inner-most thoughts, not from the anxiety of an application deadline or the stress of a paper due. We host this workshop on the first Saturday of every month, so they can step into a zen environment and leave the discord at the door. We have our journaling regulars, but there’s always a newcomer that alters the environment just enough to make it interesting. Most students are there to put together a winning essay for a college app, but ultimately turns into a realization about writing. Our regulars journal, which is a productive exercise for developing writing skills, but also effective in behavioral therapy. In fact, topics in our writing workshops quite often carry over into group therapy. On occasion, we veer over into present day categories, such as contemporary resume writing and of course, AI.

MENTORSHIP AMONGST PEERS

Most often, kids learns best from each other, particularly those with similar experiences. Children growing up with an incarcerated parent struggle with a unique set of adversity. Their situations are not necessarily the same, but they do share the samemay seem different from the others, but they all share the same stigma and feeling judged for their parents behavior. Even as kids, they are able to provide stability and offer insight on the situation. This unique bond allows them to be open communication without feeling judgment. Ultimately, this friendship influences better choices. Interestingly, you often wonder who is influencing who, because both clearly benefit from the relationship. This is aa brand new program, and proper matching along with availabliloity is regardless of the their upcoming college obligations.

YOU GET PAID FOR THAT?

This class explores unusual but gratifying career choices. It is so interesting, thought provoking and loads of laughs. We have one or two guest speakers for each workshop, and we have learned about cybersecurity, becoming a drone pilot, running a nursery for baby alligators and how lucrative it is to be an elevator mechanic. The take-away: Choose a career that you enjoy. Be excited about your work. Choose wisely; put some thought into it. Explore the possibilities. College is recommended, but school is not everybody’s comfort zone. Some students struggle with dyslexia and could not afford the special schooling. Some very capable young men and women prefer working with their hands in some capacity. Cosmetology or a culinary school. Great professions, and success is possible in any career. We just need to find that perfect fit for each student.

ME & MY MAC

It is almost impossible to be a good student without your own computer. They can go to the library, of course, but it certainly encourages healthy study habits with a personal computer. STAND A CHANCE hit a small jackpot by connecting with a refurbished computer dealer. We have only gotten a few so far, but the receivers are ecstatic and forever grateful for such generosity. In the coming weeks, there will be a registration link/form attached here, and we will try to accommodate students accordingly. If any families would be interested in donating, it will be much appreciated. We will make sure that you receive a receipt for a tax-deductible donation as well.