Education Team Article

Jacquelyn A. Williams

October, 2007

Story:

"The Education Team is On the M.O.V.E..!"

As we quickly approach the end of the year 2007, the Education Team is on the M.O.V.E. towards 2008!   We are constantly Managing, Observing, Visualizing, and Experiencing new ideas, visions, and initiatives to enhance the educational skills and improve the lives of those we serve.  We are currently preparing for our first annual Grand Gala as an extension of the 2006 Men-2-Men's "Knight's Tale" event.  Planned for December, 2007, this Gala, in observance of the many G.R.A.C.E. successes, promises to be another trendsetting experience for G.R.A.C.E. Community Services. 

The Education Department is also experiencing the results of Camp Noah 2007 from which the G.R.A.C.E. Youth Choir (GYC) has emerged.  The GYC performed this summer at the Camp Noah Carnival Finale and the GDI Graduation Ceremony, and is presently scheduled to perform at the Grand Gala.  The Education Department is extremely proud of this group of talented and enthusiastic young people.

To further enhance the talents of our young people, the Education Team has visualized a special project which includes a special Music Studio.  This Music Studio, housed in Apartment 212 of the Woodglen Apartments, will provide a special atmosphere designed to evoke the creative ability of those youth who have expressed a special interest in music.  This studio will be equipped with the latest equipment to encourage our young people in enhancing their musical gifts and talents.

In further managing our resources, the Education Department recently unveiled the new name of the G.R.A.C.E. Computer Lab.  The Lab will now be known as the G.R.A.C.E. Community Technology Center (GCTC).  This center will enable us to better serve our community as we strive to upgrade our center with the latest technology to educate and challenge those who frequent the lab.

And finally, as we embark into the future, we are encouraging our parents to become more involved in the activities of the GCTC.  On Thursday, September 20, 2007, the Education Team held its first Parent's Meeting hosting 11 parents and one parent liaison.  The meeting was held to inform parents about what is expected from them and to make them aware of the Education Team's commitment to their children.  The parents were very enthusiastic and expressed great gratitude to the Education Team for all that it does in the community.  Emotions ran high as a number of parents expressed what G.R.A.C.E. has meant to them and their families.

Knowing that we are making a difference keeps us striving to educate and empower others, for we truly believe that "Knowledge is Power!"  And as expressed by our 2008 motto, the Education Team is on the M.O.V.E. to ensure that our clients, "Learn It Today.Know It Tomorrow.Apply It for Life!"   

The best is yet to come..stay tuned for details!