CalSERVES Staff Retreat 2011

2011 CalSERVES Staff at Bishop's Ranch

Each year, the CalSERVES staff meet together  for strategic planning in order to reflect, share information, and establish goals. This year, we met in the beautiful location of Bishop's Ranch in Healdsburg, CA. It was a very productive two days!

One of the things the staff accomplished were adjustments to the CalSERVES mission and operating principles, reflecting our ever-changing program.

Vision
CalSERVES provides opportunities for participants to discover passions, realize potential, and express power. Passion, Potential, Power.

Mission
CalSERVES engages AmeriCorps member in service opportunities to create healthy communities throughout California. Members operate as leaders, providing one-on-one literacy tutoring, implementing after school programs, and building volunteer capacity in underserved communities.

Organizations Goals

• Provide the opportunity for leadership and learning through service.
• Support youth to advance academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
• Develop trainings and learning experiences to foster personal and professional growth.
• Create meaningful opportunities for volunteers to strengthen the system of support for youth and families.

Operating Principles
 Be Safe.

• We advocate for and empower youth and families.
• We treat each other with respect and are mindful of the importance of self-care.
• We value humor and make time to have fun.

Be Respectful.

1. We work through conflict and maintain positive relationships.
2. We value others’ contributions and embrace new ideas.
3. We hold each other accountable as role models.

Be Responsible.

• We take initiative to make things better through a solution-based approach, asking for help when needed.
• We invest in personal and professional growth.
• We lead by example.

Pillars
Youth Development and Academic Enrichment
Health and Wellness
Service and Volunteerism
Resource Development and Training


To read more about our program, visit the CalSERVES website!

The Human Race 2011

 CalSERVES Runners/Walkers Participating: 110

Money Raised: $13,500.00

 Books for 1400 students: PRICELESS

AmeriCorps 2010-2011 Graduation Speeches

Watch the speeches from our 2010-2011 AmeriCorps year. This year's speakers are an impressive line-up:

Kathryn Mallen, AmeriCorps Member serving at Roseland Elementary
Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk, Principal of Taylor Mountain Elementary
Dinorah Gallegos, Volunteer with CalSERVES at Wright Charter
Carmen Hernandez, AmeriCorps Team Leader at Bellevue Elementary
Ernesto Olivarez, Mayor of Santa Rosa

Wright’s After School Learns Proper Tooth Care

Gabrielle O'Neill, AmeriCorps VIP Fellow at Wright Charter

On Friday, May 20th Wright Charter’s after school program learned the importance of proper tooth care.  The presentation was organized by one of our long-term volunteers, Ms. Heather Carruth.  Heather is currently studying dental hygiene, so it was only natural for her to plan the presentation.

During the presentation, students learned about proper brushing and flossing, fruits and vegetables that help teeth stay strong and the effects of improper tooth care. The presentation was very engaging because the students had the chance to participate in some tooth care activities and our students love to participate. 

At the end of the presentation, students received free goody bags that were donated by Heather’s dental hygienist program.  The students were very excited about the free goodies that they could hardly contain themselves! It was great to see them so excited about teeth.

An article about this topic appeared in the Press Democrat. Read the article Ambassador of Smiles that appeared in the June 5, 2011 Sunday addition of the paper.

Thank You for an AMAZING Year, AmeriCorps Mentors!

CalSERVES gathered yesterday to celebrate the graduation of the 10-11 class of AmeriCorps members. Members enjoyed games, end of the year videos, photo contests, and inspirational speakers.

Members participate in games at the Year-End Celebration.

Mayor Ernesto Olivares poses with the Bellevue Elementary Team.

Speakers for the event included Santa Rosa Mayor, Ernesto Olivares, Principal Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk from Taylor Mountain Elementary School, and various members and volunteers with the CalSERVES program.

In the 2010-2011 school year, our 115 local AmeriCorps members provided over 144,000 hours of service to the children and families in our community.

They serve for many hours each day, giving of their time, energy, and love.

The children in our programs have received their attention and commitment.

Thank you for being role-models, and making a difference!