HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit 2September 20, 2008
Mr. Ed Blanco, Board Liaison
City of Miami - Department of Parks & Recreation
444 Southwest 2nd Avenue, Eighth Floor
Miami, Florida 33130
Dear Mr. Blanco:
I hope this letter find you in great health and good spirit.
We are grateful of the support that our program receives from the City of Miami
particular from the Parks and Recreation Department. We are about to complete the
contract year and are looking forward to a continued relationship with the parks
department that will benefit the children particular underprivileged children of our
community. You have received our quarterly progress report; however, the following
will present a condensed version of services and accomplishments.
1. This past year our program serviced approximately 65 — 70 children
(unduplicated) daily during the regular school year. The center opened at
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to provide children between the age of seven (7)
through eighteen (18) first with homework and tutor assistance and then
with specific academic support, i.e., science, technology, reading,
comprehension, and personal awareness/cost and consequences.
2. Once again this past year, thirty (30) children and chaperon(s) attended
Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Many of the children had never
experienced the opportunity to fly which served as the beginning of something
they will remember for the rest of their lives. They learned and experienced
space as it relates to science and what it takes to ensure a successful space
flight.
3. The Learning and Technology Center continues to be accessible to the
community at no charge. The center is used by residents in a controlled
setting to access the Internet for various reasons. Additionally, college and
technical school students use the center for research and other academic
needs. Of course access is available to the community at no charge.
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4. This past year we've added a nutritional component. Our study learned that
more than seventy percent (70%) the children in the program are from
families that are classified as poor or very low income. As a result we have
learned that many of the children only get a nutritional meal in school,
therefore, we make every effort to make a difference in all aspect of their
lives.
5. This past summer we serviced more than one -hundred ten (110) children daily
(unduplicated). The children attended two (2) field trips weekly, one trip
directly related to education, i.e., science, technology, and the other field trip
recreational. Also, children in middle school and senior high graduated from
our Etiquette and Manners course. The Course was presented by a company
that specializes in Etiquette training throughout our country. The graduation
ceremonies were held at Moore Park where the children experience the
transformation of the community room to a five (5) star dining area. They
experienced fine dining and presented what they learned and their
accomplishments. Graduation certificates were given during this ceremony.
Additionally, during the summer the children also took part in a business.
They started a general store, amongst them a manager was assigned, an
inventory person, and a customer service representative. The store functioned
five (5) days a week and the children collectively ran the business. At the
conclusion of the summer they decided what they would do with the proceeds
fit to best serve all the children of the program.
6. Environmental and social activities remain an important part of developing the
children. Through technology the children were able to research and provide
their personal opinions to various environment challenges.
7. A significant improvement in ALL of the children's report cards. Many of
the children have attended the program for at least three (3) consecutive years.
As a result we are able to make significant gain towards their personal and
academic achievements.
Thank you very much for the opportunity, together we will make significant
improvement to the
Children of our community particular those who are from challenged economic family
backgrounds. We look forward to a continued successful relationship. Please give me a
call at (305) 343-5666, if you have any questions. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
David Chiverton,
Chief Executive Officer
C:
DC/ns
Honorable Mayor Manny Diaz
Honorable City of Miami Commissioners
Pete Hernandez, City Manager
Mr. Ernest Burkeen, Parks Director
FOCAL - Board of Directors
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