Hopeworks was invited to Baltimore by Father Jim Cashiati, SJ, Pastor of St. Ignatius,  to present the Hopeworks program to Bishop Manning and a group of urban pastors.  This group is exploring ways to work with youth in Baltimore.  Our presentation was an hour long and was presented by Father Jeff, Melinda Rios, Sedale Brown and Angel Santana.  Below you will find an article written by Sedale Brown about his experience.

On Tuesday, April 15, 2008 I had the opportunity to visit Baltimore Maryland to attend a meeting scheduled with Father Jeff.  This was the first business trip I have had the opportunity to attend. 

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The  Camden Street Map is on target for distribution in June 2008.  At that time, 8,000 maps will be available!  Currently, the youth sales team is reviewing the 50 ads that have been sold and putting the final touches on the design of the map.  One exciting element of this project has been the use of SalesForce to manage the sales process.  Michael Osborne, Rebecca Schelmetymelty and Steven Carmichael have become familiar with using the platform to manage the sales process.  This has been an exciting development, making possible future sales projects as well as creating a youth sales team! Very cool stuff!

Youth reaching out to inspire other youth: this is what came out of a partnership recently between Catholic Charities’ School-Based Family Support Program and Hopeworks.  Trainee Miles Roman and lead trainer Sabrina Gomez, recently met and discussed their life experiences with fifth through eighth graders at three local schools: Sacred Heart, St. Joseph’s and St. Cecilia’s.  Both Miles and Sabrina told very compelling stories to the youth about growing up, living in Camden and the difficulties they faced.  They also offered the youth messages of hope and possibility by being witnesses to the success that education brings.  Here are some of the comments offered by the youth at those schools:

• An eighth grader wrote: “This presentation was helpful because it tells you that you can make it even if you come from a rough area.”
• “College is what will take you to your dreams; Hopeworks helps you get ideas on what you are going to do in life,” wrote a seventh grader.

To read more the the students comments, click here!

On Thursday, April 24, staff members and youth from Hopeworks attended the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden Justice For All Awards Dinner. The Justice for All Awards Dinner honors people who have committed their lives to the poor and vulnerable in the areas of social justice, leadership, and ministry. Proceeds from the event are used to provide direct assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the diocese of Camden.  One of the Hopeworks youth who attended the event was Melinda Rios; here is what Melinda wrote about her experience at the event:

The Justice For All Awards Dinner was held at the Adelphia Banquet Hall in Deptford NJ.  Six youth and five staff members attended the event.  One of the most enjoyable parts of the evening was hearing The UCC Royal Brass Band. They entertained the large crowd with New Orleans Jazz music. The music and beautiful atmosphere made me feel rich and classy.  We had a wonderful evening.

Thank you, Kevin Hickey, for making this night possible!

Our goal this summer is to create 25 summer jobs for the youth of Camden.  These employees will be working for our GIS and WEB departments.  Hopeworks 3rd Annual Subscription Drive has gotten off to a great start!   If you would like to purchase a subscription or find out more about this opportunity, please check out our link: www.hopeworks.org/jobs and print out a form. Remember, the proceeds of the subscription drive go toward funding summer jobs for our Hope Through School youth.  Also, please consider becoming a seller for the Subscription drive.  Selling ten copies of the subscription will earn you two extra chances to win during the month of June!!

We have opportunities for Literacy Volunteers!  If you are interested in working one-on-one with a youth to help them to improve their reading, writing or math skills, please contact our Literacy Director Shawn Mack at shawn@hopeworks.org.  We especially are looking for people who would be available in the afternoons.

Swinging For Hopeworks
On Saturday, May 31, the Rotary Club of Camden, New Jersey, is hosting a Golf Classic that will benefit Hopeworks.  Hopeworks will receive a portion of the proceeds from the event.  If you would like more information about the event, email info@camdenri.com.

Congratulations to our Day Trainees who completed the Accuplacer test this month.  A special congratulations to Sedale Brown who passed all portions of the test.  Congratulations to Dimitri Inge who made the honor roll and Tasheriah Winstead who passed her Writing 1 Portfolio!

Julie Cunningham and Maura Bernt, two students from St.Joespeh’s University, have just completed their first year of Service Learning through a partnership with Hopeworks ‘N Camden.  The ten-month internship challenged the students from St. Josephs to become totally part of the Hopeworks culture.  Although their primary task at Hopeworks was to provide academic assistance to the youth in our Day and Hope Through School program, Julie and Maura were instrumental in creating themes and decorations that adorned the Literacy office. These exceptional young ladies were truly an asset to our team.  It has certainly been a pleasure to have these two dedicated college students come on board to assist us.  Julie and Maura, thank you for the being part of Hopeworks this year. 

Plans are in full gear for the best summer program in Camden! - the 2008 HOPEWORKS SUMMER PROGRAM .  We plan on providing opportunities for 25 youth to earn jobs  and  for even more  youth to learn web site design and video skills!  For more information check out http://hopeworks.org/training/summer.html.

Thank You To All Of The Foundations And Corporations That Support Hopeworks Through Grants And To Our Many Generous Benefactors!

Upcoming Events:

5/5: Staff Day - No day training;  GEB and HTS will report at regular time

5/26: Memorial Day; Hopeworks Closed

5/29: Last Day of HTS

5/31: Rachel's Birthday!!!

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VAMOS!

Keep an eye out for these upcoming sites:

Big Brothers Big Sisters NJ
Goodwill NJ
Center for Non Profits
Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate
House of Prayer
The Latin School, Moyne
SQA Pharmacy
Dismas Ministry