Reaching out to faith based communities Dr. Kathleen Henry attended the ground breaking for the new Salvation Army Corps location in San Bernardino. Left to right: Salvation Army Board member Tom Brickley, new Corps leaders Captain Anya Henderson, Major Dan Henderson and Dr. Kathleen Henry.
(Redlands, CA) Habitat for Humanity of San Bernardino is revitalizing its efforts to work with faith-based organizations, which will help it to provide greater service to the community it serves.
It will bring about these cooperative ventures through the newly renamed Faith Based Committee, which had previously been known as the Church Relations Committee. This committee reaches out to the faith-based organizations in its community to procure donations of construction supplies, volunteer construction crews, meals and prayers.
“Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization,” said Dr. Kathleen Henry, one of the directors of the Habitat for Humanity board and a member of the Faith Based Committee. “The Faith Committee is reaching out to other faith based organizations, to form coalitions that will help with our common goal, which is to provide people with homes.”
Since the committee is newly reorganized, Habitat for Humanity wants to add additional people as soon as possible. From this additional membership, the committee will select a chairperson and other officers soon, and in 2014 begin its community outreach campaign.
“We will meet with other faith-based organizations and find out what their resources and needs are,” Henry said. “They may know people who can help with their expertise, they may know of families in need, or they may know of property owners who want to donate property,” she said.
“We will meet with other faith-based organizations and find out what their resources and needs are,” Habitat for Humanity Faith Committee Chair Kathleen Henry said. “They may know people who can help with their expertise, they may know of families in need, or they may know of property owners who want to donate property,” she said.
The people who want to help may have specific expertise, such as construction or environmental review, or they may simply be volunteers willing to help in any way the organization needs.
The new name better reflects the committee’s purpose, bringing together all faith-based organizations to help with Habitat for Humanity’s goals of eliminating poverty and providing affordable homes.
“The faith community has been an important part of our organization since this chapter was founded in 1992,” said Executive Director Dennis Baxter. “A faith-based committee has for most of this time worked to develop relationships between Habitat for Humanity and other faith-based organizations, but for some reason the committee has not been active in the last six or seven years. Our board now wants to bring this committee back.”
The new name is one that many southern California chapters of Habitat for Humanity use to better reflect the many types of faith-based groups in their cities.
“We have temples, synagogues, mosques and many other types of places where people have faith,” Baxter said. “While Habitat for Humanity is a Christian-based organization, we want to engage with organizations representing all faiths. We all have the same purpose of eliminating poverty and providing low-income housing through home ownership.”
It is an honor to have Dr. Kathleen Henry lead the reorganization of the Faith Based Committee. She is a great organizer with dedication to serving our community.
Dr. Henry’s community contribution includes: an elected trustee of the San Bernardino Community College District, Member Steering Committee for the Women’s Leadership Council of Arrowhead United Way, Chairperson for the Scholarship Committee of the Highland Woman’s Club, member/past Chair of Youth Services and K-Kids at Kiwanis Club of Highland, and she serves as an Ambassador for the Highland Chamber of Commerce.
Families work with Habitat for Humanity staff and community volunteers to construct the homes, although the projects are managed and supervised by licensed general contractor Tim Garcia. Since it has volunteer labor, and often uses donated supplies, Habitat for Humanity constructs homes for less cost than typical construction.
The San Bernardino chapter serves San Bernardino County communities between Fontana and Yucaipa, as well as the Mountain Communities of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Crestline, and the Upper Desert towns of Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
The agency currently has plans to build seven homes in San Bernardino and Grand Terrace. All will be three-bedroom, two-bath homes with attached two-car garages. The homeowners will be able to add their personal touches on these homes by choosing paint colors and carpeting.
To join the Faith Based Committee or for more information, go online to www.habitatsb.org, or call Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director Dennis Baxter at (909) 478-1176.
About Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a deep discounted home improvement store that sells building materials, appliances, home accessories, and furniture. The ReStore accepts donated goods, which are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds are used to fund the administration and rehabilitation or construction of Habitat for Humanity homes.
To find out more about Habitat for Humanity, call 909-478-1176 or visit www.HabitatSB.org. We also ask you to LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SBReStore.
Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dennis Baxter shows off some the non-perishable food donated for discounts from The Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Food is donated to the Second Harvest for its holiday Food Drive,
(Redlands, CA) Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area has partnered with Second Harvest for its holiday Food Drive. The people who want to help the less fortunate are asked to drop off non-perishable canned and boxed food items the Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 25948 Business Center Drive in Redlands from now till December 28.
People that bring any three non-perishable canned or boxed items the ReStore will receive a coupon that can be used instantly or on a future purchase,” said Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager Jon Biggs.
For extra savings Biggs offers customers that bring the items listed below an extra five percent off their purchase in addition to the coupon.
“This week’s coupon is worth 20 percent off your total purchase,” said Biggs. “Bring in specific items on the following days and receive 25 percent off of your total purchase – excluding area rugs.”
“On Tuna Tuesday bring tuna, for Wheaties Wednesday bring full size boxes of cereal, on Throwback Thursday bring macaroni and cheese and/or peanut butter and jelly, on Funky Friday bring spam and sardines, and on spaghetti Saturday bring spaghetti sauce and pasta,” said Biggs.
Coupons will be limited to one per day, per customer and can be redeemed until Jan. 31, 2014.
“We see this as a fun way for people to help the hungry and at the same time help Habitat for Humanity build more homes,” said Executive Director Dennis Baxter.
The Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino chapter serves San Bernardino County communities between Fontana and Yucaipa, as well as the Mountain Communities of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Crestline, and the Upper Desert towns of Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
Habitat for Humanity currently has plans to build seven homes in San Bernardino and Grand Terrace for families making less than $50,950 a year for a family of four. The homeowners will be able to add their personal touches on these homes by choosing paint colors, flooring carpeting.
To make a donation or for more information, go online to www.habitatsb.org, or call Habitat for Humanity (909) 478-1176.
About Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a deep discounted home improvement store that sells building materials, appliances, home accessories, and furniture. The ReStore accepts donated goods, which are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds are used to fund the administration and rehabilitation or construction of Habitat for Humanity homes.
To find out more about Habitat for Humanity, call 909-478-1176 or visit www.HabitatSB.org. We also ask you to LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SBReStore.
Last year the faculty and staff at the Loma Linda School of Allied Health Professions were happy to be able to help with the Giving Tree program. Together they donated more than 100 toys filling the wishes of children in Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, and San Bernardino. To the left of the presents is Debbie Becker and me Kathy Poss. To the right is Shirley Sing (kneeling) and Dana McCree. (photo by Loma Linda School of Allied Health)
The Salvation Army has helped the needy in San Bernardino since 1887
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calf.) It might seem like a very small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but when the local Salvation Army Corps (www.salvationarmyusa.org), local residents and several businesses join forces to make the holiday season memorable for needy children, it makes a huge difference in so many lives.
The Giving Tree, as a portion of this holiday program is known, revolves around actual Christmas trees, which are set up in local malls the day after Thanksgiving. Giving Tree volunteers match shoppers with the hundreds of children who are relying on The Salvation Army this year to bring them a Merry Christmas.
One of these trees is at Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino. It will help the San Bernardino Citadel Corps provide toys to perhaps hundreds of children in San Bernardino, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton and Bloomington.
“You can support our Giving Tree by visiting our table in the Inland Center Mall from November 29th to December 24th,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Corps officer for the San Bernardino Salvation Army. “Just pick up a Giving Tree tag and buy a gift corresponding to the tag!
Last year, José Gonzalez was a first time volunteer with The Salvation Army, and chose to help the Giving Tree Program at the Inland Center Mall. “It feels good to be volunteering and collecting toys for kids this Christmas,” said Gonzalez. Gonzalez is also a graduate from The Salvation Army’s six month rehabilitation program, and will soon graduate from its Path To Prosperity transitional living program.
This 18 month program is one of a kind, and assists its participants in obtaining the skills they need to become self-supporting and financially independent after overcoming substance abuse. “The Salvation Army has helped me get my life together,” said Gonzalez.
Shoppers wishing to participate in the Giving Tree will find cards attached to the Giving Tree. These cards include the names and wish lists of needy children whose families cannot afford to buy gifts. Shoppers simply pluck a tag off the Giving Tree and head for the appropriate store to purchase their gift donations. Shoppers keep the card as an ornament to hang on their own Christmas tree, reminding them of their good deed.
Larry Rangal, of Highland, donated two toys to the Giving Tree Program last year. Charity has been an ongoing tradition for Rangal since marrying his wife more than 20 years ago.
“This is one of our little quirks. Now that our kids are grown-up and out of the house, we thought we’d provide toys for other children,” said Rangal. “It makes you feel good too.”
Jill Grace, of Highland, was shopping with 3-year-old Allie Chavez when she noticed the Giving Tree and decided to donate two large bags with about 10 toys. “These children are not asking for much,” said Grace. “What child asks for Monopoly, especially nowadays.”
Grace became involved with The Salvation Army more than a decade ago, during the September 11th tragedy. “I have always been a giving person, and I thought to myself ‘how can I help’,” said Grace. By volunteering with The Salvation Army, Grace was able to provide that help. “Me and my husband helped The Salvation Army serve meals to the workers at Ground Zero,” said Grace.
“This is a great way to start a tradition with your own family, by selecting a gift for a needy child together. The gifts are based on their individual wishes and for some children, it may be the only gift they receive all year,” said Capt. Daniel Henderson of the San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army.
“Soccer balls, dolls and clothes are just a few items on each child’s wish list,” said Capt. Henderson. “Shoppers who participate in the program are encouraged to shop for more than what is needed on the list. I can’t think of a better way for business owners and managers to help the community and spread the spirit of Christmas.”
The Salvation Army is looking for other business owners and managers who would like to have a tree at their place of business for employees and/or customers.
To host a Giving Tree in San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Rialto, Bloomington or Highland, call (909) 888-1336.
The Riverside Salvation Army has an Angel Program to collect toys for needy kids this Christmas. Toys are collected at The Riverside Salvation Army office located at 3695 1st St., Riverside, CA 92501. To make a donation please call (951) 784-4490, Ext. 100.
The Redlands Salvation Army has Angel Tree tags with the names and wish lists of needy children. Pick-up a tag at The Redlands Salvation Army located at 838 Alta St., Redlands, CA 92374. For more information call, (909) 792-6868.
The Moreno Valley Salvation Army collects toy donations through its Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree is located at the Moreno Valley Mall, 22500 Town Circle Suite 1206, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Toys are collected until December 22nd, Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and all day on Saturday. For more information call (951) 653-9131.
The Victor Valley Salvation Army collects toy donations at its office located at 14585 La Paz Drive, Victorville, CA 92395. To make a donation please call (760) 245-2545.
The Ontario Salvation Army collects toys at its office located at 1412 South Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. To make a donation please call (909) 986-6748.
About The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, and also offering holistic programs for people of all ages. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Salvation Army Major Butch Soriano just set a new world record for the longest continuous hand bell-ringing by an individual but fell $7,000 short of his $10,000 goal.
Short Christmas Season And Unseasonable Cold Weather Are Likely Factors
(San Bernardino, CA) In 2012, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign raised $43,915.48 here in the San Bernardino Area, but so far this year donations are down by 16.5%. Kettle gifts stay in the community where the money is donated and help provide meals and shelter for families in need, Christmas toys for thousands of children locally, and many other services throughout the year.
This year, because of a late Thanksgiving date, the kettle season is shorter by five vital days — which equates to potentially $10,000 less than in previous years — so donations coming in between now and the end of the year are critically important to The Salvation Army’s ability to meet needs here in The San Bernardino area. Five fewer bell-ringing days equates to about $20 million less in donations to The Salvation Army nationwide.
Additionally, below freezing temperatures and inclement weather are a risk to our bell ringers’ health and safety and put a damper on donations by passersby. During particularly unseasonable weather, The Salvation Army sometimes must opt not to put the kettles out, even though it means less donations during the critical “giving season.” A few days of bad weather this year have already put The Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign even further behind.
“I am very concerned about the lost kettle days this year and how this will impact our ability to help those who are hurting. The red kettles are a symbol of giving and represent a tradition of caring that is passed down from generation to generation. We’re hoping that shoppers will remember their neighbors in need when they see a Salvation Army bell ringer in the community during the coming three weeks and be as generous as they can to help,” said Major Daniel Henderson, San Bernardino Area Corps commander.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. For help or for more information call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
The Salvation Army asks everyone who can to donate generously to any Red Kettle found at your favorite stores, in order to make up the shortfall. Donations can also be mailed to 746 West 5th Street, San Bernardino, CA or called into 1 800 SAL ARMY.
Gifts of food and stock are always welcome, too. Please call (909) 888-1336 for more information about how to donate appreciated stock.
The public’s support will help ensure that The Salvation Army can continue to do the most good for those in need this holiday season and throughout the year.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food, lodging for homeless or displaced families, clothing and furniture, and assistance with rent or mortgage when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used directly to support these services and more where needed most in over 5,000 communities throughout the U.S.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Dr. Judy D. White flanked by band members at the State of the District Speech
“We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.”
(Moreno Valley, CA) In Moreno Valley both the district administration and the teachers’ union have a common goal. They work together to achieve the district’s mission of preparing students to become productive members of society. “We agree on our mission of learning for all,” said Dr. Judy White, superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. “We collaborate on best practices that increase student achievement.” “We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.” “We provide support and communication to each one of our teachers, so they know how much they are valued in our school district,” Dr. White said. An issue affecting the entire district is initiatives the state of California is considering regarding school funding. The 2013-2014 state budget significantly changes how public schools are funded, giving most school districts more money to spend flexibly on student programs However, school districts must now provide more accountability to the state for how they are educating students. The standards for this accountability haven’t yet been set, so school districts statewide are weighing in on what they think will work. “In Moreno Valley, the district administration and its teachers stand shoulder to shoulder on state initiatives related to funding,” Dr. White said. “We are also exploring other ways to focus on students’ and teachers’ learning conditions, so we can make sure the state provides funding mechanisms that meet the needs of our students.” School districts also receive federal funding. This, more than ever, is tied to academic performance. In Moreno Valley, the teachers’ union and the District have stepped up to develop a student-centered evaluation pilot program rather than waiting for grant opportunities which may come with mandates. “Together, teachers and administrators have collaborated on an evaluation instrument that includes the California Standards for the Teaching Profession as a rubric of measurement. This is expressed in a format that structures collaborative conversations, support and high expectations between the site administrator and teachers. This was done because it is the right thing to do,” said Dr. White. Besides working together to develop accountability standards and positions on state and federal legislation, the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association and the district administration also collaborate on other projects. Recently, one of these was planning and hosting a regional leadership conference and access to for teachers and administrators, which had was titled “Collaborate, Coach and Connect.”
Moreno Valley Unified School District superintendent of schools Dr. Judy White and California CTA state president Dean Vogel at 2013 Joint Leadership Summit. Vogel spoke well of the direction the district is taking to increase student performance.
“We had several speakers from the California Teachers Association, and the keynote speaker was CTA President Dean Vogel,” said local president Acord. “It was a great success, and we received high evaluations from those who participated.” Since students are the top priority in Moreno Valley Unified School District, recognizing outstanding student achievement is another way the administration and teachers’ union work together. With a third partner, the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce, they provide a “Student of the Month” program to honor and reward one outstanding student each month at each school in the district. They also work jointly with the Chamber to explain how local businesses can support education in Moreno Valley. Even in contract negotiations, the one activity where relationships between school administrations and their teachers unions can be adversarial, they’re not in Moreno Valley Unified School District. Here, the two parties participate in Interest Based Bargaining. In typical negotiations, the teachers’ union asks for as generous a contract as it finds feasible, while the district administration counter offers with something less generous. The contract is successfully negotiated when one or both sides make concessions to the other. But in Interest Based Bargaining, the administration and teachers focus on common interests, and work together to ensure these interests are met. Since attracting and keeping quality teachers is one of their common goals, developing an attractive teachers’ contract becomes a solution.
“We meet regularly to work together on the issues facing our school district,” said Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators’ Association. “This is true whether it’s a problem affecting the entire school district, or one individual teacher’s problem.”
“It is supposed to be a win-win situation,” Acord said. “It’s not one side wins, and the other side loses.” Clearly, with everyone working together, there is one big winner in the process. That is Moreno Valley Unified School District students. The Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society. For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District call the district office at (951) 571-7500 or go to their website at www.MVUSD.net.
Salvation Army Board member Carl Dameron rings the bells with his family. Left to right: Malaika, Carl and Shaila. Salvation Army board members ring the bells every year to support the Salvation Army’s mission. Photo by Ricard Tomboc
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) is seeking volunteers to ring bells in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.
The nationally recognized shiny red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene, with millions of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors, and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.
“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re looking for individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 30 locations in the San Bernardino area.”
The Salvation Army began ringing its bells this year on Friday, Nov. 16th and continues from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Anyone who would like to donate a few hours of his or her time can volunteer. However, a parent or guardian must accompany individuals under the age of 16. Most volunteers ring two hours at a time, but groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day.
“The more people who volunteer, the fewer people the agency must hire,” said Major Ball “For each volunteer bell ringer we have, it means more money raised in direct support of our services to those families in need.”
This year, the Sierra del Mar Divisional Headquarters of the Salvation Army has already helped its San Bernardino chapter with a “bell-ringing marathon.” Major Butch Soriano, the divisional finance secretary, came to the Colton Wal-Mart on Tuesday, Dec. 3. From 9 a.m. that day until 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, he rang the bell for 105 hours straight, raising a total of $2,696.42 for the San Bernardino Corps.
Salvation Army Major Butch Soriano just set a new world record for the longest continuous hand bell-ringing by an individual but fell $7,000 short of his $10,000 goal.
The Salvation Army was holding a competition amongst its officers and members to see who could ring the bell the longest. Major Soriano ended his service in a three-way tie for first place, along with another Salvation Army officer in Minnesota and a member in Texas.
Major Soriano not only braved the cooler temperatures and on the final day, rain to serve his division. He also began his service by driving more than 100 miles from his office in San Diego to the San Bernardino Corps headquarters.
The divisional officer said he did it to bring attention to a Salvation Army location that’s doing great things that may not be as highly noticed as what corps in larger cities do.
“There tends to be a lot of focus on the metropolitan areas like San Diego and Los Angeles,” Major Soriano said. “But I know San Bernardino does a lot of great things, so I wanted to bring the public awareness of them.”
Where does the money raised by Major Soriano and the hundreds of others ringing bells in San Bernardino go? For Christmas, the Salvation Army creates holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. On Christmas Day, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a beautiful meal to 300 people. Donations raised by bell ringers help make this possible.
“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for those at its Hospitality House transitional shelter,” said Major Ball. Up to 75 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.
The Salvation Army also needs food daily for up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week. Approximately 40,000 meals are served annually from the Army’s kitchen located at 746 W. 5th Street in San Bernardino.
Feeding the hungry is just one of the ways money donated to The Salvation Army helps. The Salvation Army also helps provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
To volunteer as a bell ringer in Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino, call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
In addition, one may donate to The Salvation Army online, through the website www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors may specify to which branch of The Salvation Army the money should be sent.
How the Bell Ringer campaign began:
Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.
As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain Mcfee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.
Captain Mcfee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying, “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.
His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the Twentieth Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which formed in 1887.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
For more info, check www.abovegroundfun.com.
With its designation as a Lighthouse Academy, Canyon Springs High School has received a $10,000 stipend from the California Department of Education to help it carry out the responsibilities expected from Lighthouse Academies.Front row-Ofelia Barriga, Elissa Fernandez, Ashley Harsma, Sierra Johnson, Marissa Alvarez, Jennifer Gill. Eric Prera. Second Row- Janelle Blackwell, Mirna Serrano-Lara, Tara Wheatley, Amber Wilson, Molli Garcia, Xavier Clark. Third Row – Devin Renwick, Alexis Torres, John Rivera-Sanchez, Rene Jimenez, Max Perez, Dakota Jacobs, Kelsey O’Connor. Fourth Row- Jehzale Crockett, Priscilla Hernandez, Steven Forcina, Dominic Hernandez, Eric Maples, Alejandro Macias, Gabreil Arreddono. Fifth Row – Mrs. Willene Biere
(Moreno Valley, CA.) The Business Academy at Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley Unified School District has been selected as one of 15 Lighthouse Academy model programs in the State of California.
“It is so fitting that the Canyon Spring’s Business Academy would get the Lighthouse Academy award,” said Moreno Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Judy White. “They have been a lighthouse of best business processes, competition and entrepreneurship. The students are exceptional and have demonstrated the highest level of learning which is the application of that knowledge.
The Business Academy is one of three vocational academies at Canyon Springs High School. It also offers students a Health Careers Academy and a Creative Technologies Academy.
Vocational academies are a growing trend in educational reform. Moreno Valley Unified School District has been a part of this trend for almost 20 years, having created Canyon Springs High School’s Health Careers Academy in 1995. Besides those at Canyon Springs, MVUSD also offers Health Careers academies at Valley View and Vista del Lago high schools.
The California Department of Education created a program called California Partnership Academies to promote to school districts the idea of vocational academies, and assist them in creating programs of their own. Through an application process, California Partnership Academies selected the 15 Lighthouse Academy schools, including the Business Academy at Canyon Springs High School.
“We applied to become a Lighthouse Academy because we knew Canyon Springs High School has a program model that would benefit other school districts in California,” said Willene Biere, director of the Business Careers Academy for Canyon Springs High School, which is one of three vocational academies at the school. “This designation confirms the California Partnership Academies team wants to see more vocational academies like ours.”
Students in Canyon Springs High School’s academies receive mentoring and other support from the Moreno Valley business community, as well as from the educators within the program. In turn, these students support their younger classmates, Biere explained. Seniors help sophomores and juniors, and graduates of the academies often return to Canyon Springs High School to help those now attending.
With its designation as a Lighthouse Academy, Canyon Springs High School has received a $10,000 stipend from the California Department of Education to help it carry out the responsibilities expected from Lighthouse Academies.
Lighthouse Academies help the California Department of Education guide other high schools in an educational reform movement of offering instruction through academies, which are smaller groups of students within a school who are all interested in a specific type of career. Canyon Springs High School began offering its students a choice of this type of instruction in 1995.
In academies, students take the same required academic courses as all others in their graduating class, but also must take a set of courses geared to their career plan. For instance, Business Academy students also take accounting as just one of the extra course requirements.
This differs from the traditional approach, where high school students choose from a smorgasbord of electives, and could have at least one course with any other student at their school. Whether a school has academies or not, a core of academic courses such as language arts, history and mathematics is required.
“Lighthouse Academies are important for several reasons,” said Jerry Winthrop, lead consultant for the California Partnership Academies program of the California Department of Education. This program oversees, at the state level, efforts many California school districts are making to create and maintain their own educational academies.
Lighthouse Academies work together and with a team from the California Department of Education to set standards for the entire vocational academies education program in California. This will start when representatives of all of the state’s Lighthouse Academies meet in Sacramento Dec. 2-4 to discuss projects they’ll work on together in 2014 and 2015.
Lighthouse Academies develop standards for all high schools offering this type of instruction, Wintrhop explained. They also help other schools begin or improve their vocational academies.
Moreno Valley Unified School District offers several other academies besides those at Canyon Springs High School.
Moreno Valley Unified School District offers more than 200 ROP and Career Technical Programs including those at Canyon Springs High School.
For more information about Career Technical programs in the Moreno Valley Unified School District please call (951) 571-7560.
For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s call the District office at (951) 571-7500 or go to the website at MVUSD.net.
About the Moreno Valley Unified School District
Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society.
Moreno Valley Unified School District has 3,400 employees and 35,000 students.
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MVUSD-PR-113.2 Canyon Springs LighthouseFor more information callCarl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
Dr. Judy White, superintendent of the Moreno Valley unified School District
(Moreno Valley, CA) Dr. Judy D. White began her tenure as Superintendent for Moreno Valley Unified School District in February 2011, and immediately began connecting with the community, ultimately moving her family to our city. With over 35 years of experience in education she came in with a wealth of ideas, and has embedded her heart and soul to the students and families in this community.
She has procured several outside grants for literacy, volunteerism, and closing the achievement gap. She serves on the Board for National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST), Moreno Valley Cultural Arts Commission, ACCESS to the Future, and United Way of the Inland Valleys and serves on the UCR Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Teacher Education.
She was recently awarded the 2013 Woman of the Year for Moreno Valley by the 61st District Assemblyman, José Medina. Some of her other involvements include Optimists, Relay for Life, Music Changing Lives and Fighting for the Family Ministries. She developed a formal Adopt-a-School program to engage the business and faith communities into the school district to support the students.
Dr. White embraces a united effort of “Excellence on Purpose” and has become known as an inspirational advocate for all students. She has made a name for herself in the community for reaching out, embracing change for the better, and holding the district accountable for student success.
The Chamber would like to acknowledge all those who were nominated and thank them for their significant contribution to the growth and development of the City of Moreno Valley.
2014 Citizen of the Year Nominees
Alicia Berridge, James Baker, Patricia Korzec, Ross Nakatani, Tracy Smith, Richard Tegley, Ruth Van Hala, and Dr. Judy D. White
– Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director Dameron Communications
Collecting food for the hungry: Back row left to right Scout Leader Charles Price, Stater Bros. Manager Jorge Moreno, Stone Price, Austin Price, Lucus Compagna, Scout Leader Anne Compagna. Front left William Anderson, and front right Jason Bun.
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA.) Boy Scouts from the Inland Empire helped The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps feed hungry people by collecting more than five-and-a-half tons of food over two weekends.
“That is a lot of food, but we need it,” said Major Daniel Henderson, Corps Officer. “We will be using this food primarily in the gift boxes we’ll give to area families in need at Christmas, but it will also help supplement our daily meal program, including special holiday meals we are serving on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.”
By standing in front of Stater Bros. stores on Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, the Boy Scouts collected 11,004 lbs. of food. Although this is the first they’ve actually weighed it, it may not be the first year they’ve collected this month. They have collected tons of food for the Salvation Army and other charities with meal programs for the past several years.
“There are a lot of needy people out there, so it may not go far, but hopefully it will help,” said Denise Wampole, Inland Empire Scouting for Food Coordinator.
Boy Scouts from San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Highland, Grand Terrace, Fontana, and Bloomington collected food for the Salvation Army. They were participating in a nationwide event the Boy Scouts of America calls “Scouting for Food.”
Each Scouting for Food drive benefits a local charity. For instance, not only did troops from San Bernardino and nearby communities collect food for the Salvation Army, a troop from Lake Arrowhead that is part of the same Arrowhead District as those helping the Salvation Army collected food for a shelter in Blue Jay.
The San Bernardino Salvation Army will put the food to good use. On Thanksgiving Day, it hosts a Thanksgiving Dinner that often brings in 300 people. Although much of the food served at that dinner is fresh, some of the non-perishable items the Boy Scouts collect may be included.
In December, the San Bernardino Corps assembles holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. Canned food donations received from the Boy Scouts will be included in those baskets. In addition to the holiday baskets, a delicious Christmas Dinner is served on Christmas Day to those in need.
And if there’s still any of the five-and-a-half tons of food left over after Christmas, the San Bernardino Corps also needs food every day for up to 75 people at its Hospitality House homeless shelter and up to 200 people who receive a free dinner served six nights a week at its 746 W. Fifth Street location. More than 40,000 meals are served annually at the Fifth Street location.
The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. For help or for more information call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
Project Moving Forward, backed by a $1.9 million federal grant, improved academic scores in two local schools. African American students at Hendrick Ranch Elementary School achieved impressive academic gains, where Academic Performance Index or API scores jumped 51 points
(Moreno Valley, CA) Students in two Moreno Valley elementary schools have become top academic achievers through a simple concept: learning vocabulary the RAP way!
Short for Rehearse, Analyze and Produce, RAP is based on 12 years of research by Dr. Linda Ventriglia-Navarrette, a Harvard educated researcher and professor at National University.
Hendrick Ranch and Armada Elementary schools posted the highest academic scores in their history, becoming the top two achieving elementary schools in 2013 among 23 in the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Both schools are located in low-income neighborhoods where academic achievement has suffered.
African American students at Hendrick Ranch Elementary School achieved impressive academic gains, where Academic Performance Index or API scores jumped 51 points while improvement was up 49 points at Armada. Hispanic students also made significant increases, moving from far below basic skills to proficiency in reading and math.
Based on the recent results, Hendrick Ranch was the only school in the District to achieve the state Academic Performance Index and Annual Yearly Progress scores. Armada was the only school where over 90 percent socially disadvantaged students achieved an academic performance index of 700. Hendrick Ranch achieved a 796 ranking.
How did they do it? By adopting a vocabulary instructional program called RAP, or the Rule of three. Armed with a $1.9 million federal grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the District created a partnership with National University where teachers learned how to increase student’s academic achievement through vocabulary instruction.
The program provided 60 hours of teacher training and coaching, using the Rule of 3 or RAP as ways to teach words across the curriculum.
Research shows that improving academic vocabulary has the highest correlation with success in school.
Other educators agree. E.D. Hirsch, a widely known academic researcher, says, “The achievement gap between Black and White, rich and poor is not due to lack of money. It largely comes down to a vocabulary gap, because words name things.” Hirsch found that poor children have a massive vocabulary deficit that today’s U.S. education system does not address.
In the RAP program, students rehearse words by clicking out, spelling and saying the letters of the words, including focused conversations about the words. They teach vocabulary words to a partner. Students also analyze word structures and produce their own individual meanings for words in their Power Word books.
Many teachers at Hendrik and Armada elementary schools reported that the RAP program was popular with students. They enjoyed learning new words, which became an exciting part of the school day.
Robert Gordon, who was principal of Hendrick Ranch said, “These vocabulary development strategies made a significant difference in students’ achievements.”
Armada principal Jeff Jones said, “Armada’s teachers improved the delivery of consistent, effective and engaging instructional strategies that addressed the critical areas of vocabulary development and reading comprehension.”
At the district, the performance results were well received. “We are extremely proud of our students at Hendrick and Armada,” said Dr. Judy White, Superintendent of Schools in Moreno Valley. “This program demonstrates how students in economically disadvantaged areas can achieve remarkable academic results by focusing on their learning styles. It captures how students learn.”
For more information on the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s call the District office at (951) 571-7500 or go to the website at MVUSD.net.
About the Moreno Valley Unified School District
Moreno Valley Unified School District, with 3,400 employees and 35,000 students.
Moreno Valley Unified School District’s mission is to prepare all students academically and socially to become productive members of society.
