Spring is in the air! The best part is that it is Easter season- He is Risen.
We consider it an immense privilege to serve our immigrant community and don’t take it lightly. Your participation in their story overwhelms us with gratitude. These are some of the hardest-working families, yet the season is difficult. Many families in our community face not having work due to the rains, so we rejoice in clearer days ahead. Every day, our community is facing so many challenges. The fear over deportation is real, and if you’d like resources or a place to learn how to support, advocate, and engage, we can help! When we feel helpless, there are ways to help support the people you encounter daily. You can also offer support by donating items, hosting fundraising campaigns (reply for more info), or spreading awareness about immigrant needs. Additionally, advocating for immigrant rights and attending town hall meetings can make a difference. We are finding that so many people are interested in engaging. Please reply to this email for more opportunities. You can find information on San Mateo County’s website.
As we move toward the end of the school year, we prepare for a move out of the Salvation Army in June. Additionally, we are making plans for the summer camp season. The “summer slide” is a startling reality for our students who thrive in structured environments where they can learn. Children in our community deserve better than sitting in their parking lots or at home watching a screen. Join us as we create the most amazing summer for them. If you’d like to come and read with a child, teach some math or just be a friend, we have room for your gift!
Please take a moment to see all the good things that we have celebrated and make plans to join us for our Annual Easter Celebration on Good Friday! We have room for a few more volunteers and as always welcome your financial support to make this event better than ever. We are thankful for our partners at Stanford who generously offer the use of the park space and portable toilets.
Become a monthly donor!
Consider a recurring gift or make a one-time donation to help with our relocation expenses.
Easter Celebration 2025
We hosted our Easter Celebration on Friday, 4/18, at Stanford Park (Bay/2nd Ave. next to Andrew Spinas)! We had over 40 volunteers help us make this event a success for our students and families. Thank you so much to everyone! This included snack donations, too! This is a community-wide event, and welcomed 150+ people. There were games, crafts, face painting, treats, and a giant Easter egg hunt! Thank you so much, Juancarlos, our Community Events Liaison, for your hard work and leadership. We are so grateful to John Becker & Jeremiah Campos for sharing an Easter message with the crowd.
Welcome Back, Teacher Kopo!
Teacher Kopo Tapelu is back at the Academic Enrichment Center and helping guide students. We are so grateful for his expertise, gentle spirit, and fun-loving attitude. You can reach him at kopo@genu.wearelevantar.org or click the photo.
Fun for the whole family!
This past month, families gathered for Kids Carpentry, a four-week workshop led by John Tust that brought parents and kids together through the joy of building. We are so grateful to John!
This past month, families gathered for Kids Carpentry, a four-week workshop led by John Tust that brought parents and kids together through the joy of building. We are so grateful to John!
|
Save the Date!
Our End-of-the-Year AEC Celebration will take place on Thursday, May 22, at 4 pm.
Please join us to celebrate this year and rejoice in overcoming many challenges during our move. This will also include a special Graduation Celebration for students moving up to 6th and 9th grades, AND a “Thank You” to our volunteers. We know the future will continue to be bright as we forge ahead in serving this incredible community. Volunteers and donors – we hope you will join us.
AEC Spotlight
Leda Girardi has been working closely with Melany for the past few months. Like Melany, Leda also needed to learn English as a second language during her time in elementary school, which helped them bond easily over their shared experience. When Melany first joined our program, she primarily spoke Spanish. However, through their one-on-one sessions, Melany has become more confident and expressive, gaining greater fluency and comfort in speaking English.
Thank you, Leda, for your time and care!
Thank you, Woodside Priory!
Our friends at Woodside Priory do more than just volunteer; they rally together to make an impact, too! Super Sophomore student Genevieve was a driving force behind a successful spring fundraiser that brought $850 to GU! These students are a shining example of what it means to give and serve in a community. We are so grateful for their generosity in supporting events and initiatives that directly impact our GU students. Through them, these little ones feel seen, loved, and celebrated!
Important Dates
Click here for this month’s AEC calendar with important dates and reminders.
Saturday 5/10 – Día de las Madres (Mother’s Day) Celebration
Tuesday 5/13 – Happy Birthday, Keith Miller!
Thursday 5/22 – Graduation Celebration & Volunteer Appreciation
All donations are tax-deductible. FEIN: 51-0666650