Volunteers and supporters have a chance to learn the steps of the salsa as they get together for a VIPS fundraiser.Mark Your Calendars for Thursday, June 5, 2008. VIPS' 44th Recognition Event will honor outgoing Rhode Island School of Design President Roger Mandle and outgoing Rhode Island College President John Nazarian with the Helen King Lifelong Learning Awards. Robert Flanders, former Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice and current Chair of the Board of Regents, will be our keynote speaker. We will also bestow our first ever Knowledge is Power Award on long-time supporter and philanthropist Pearl Nathan. Event is at the Rhode Island Convention Center at noon. Tickets are $60 per person. Please come and support VIPS! You, too, can be a hero in a child's life.
VIPS' Students Participate in Job Shadowing During School Vacation Week....
Sir Speedy co-owner Cynthia Leonard talks with Joryi and Luisander Caraballo
On Tuesday, February 19, 11 VIPS' students cheerfully sacrificed a school vacation day to learn how five corporate executives and their employees run businesses, thanks to a collaboration with Providence Rotary.In groups of two or three, students ‘job shadowed’ and learned the ins and outs of work life at Poder Radio, Providence Monthly, the Rhode Island Convention Center, Sir Speedy and Swan Point Cemetery.They also observed employees demonstrating appropriate business manners and habits. Students demonstrated strong handshakes, good eye contact and neat business clothing.
- Carmen Emely Pena and Berenice Caraballo visited Tony Mendez, general manager at Poder 1110 Radio
- Michael Calderon, Chris Calderon and Jennifer Cua-Salazar visited Anthony Hollinsghead, president of Swan Point Cemetery
- Yehurison Marmol and Nicolle Rodriguez visited John McGinn, general manager at the Rhode Island Convention Center
- Flaydencia Mersier and Katrina Horsley visited Barry Fain, publisher and editor in chief at Providence Monthly
- Joryi Caraballo and Luisander Caraballo visited Cynthia Leonard and Paul Damon, co-owners of Sir Speedy
Carmen Emely Pena and Berenice Caraballo listen intently to Tony Mendez
“It was a great experience for me and for the students,” said Poder's Tony Mendez, “and it was an ideal opportunity to connect with our youth.”These students just need opportunities and people to believe in them, he said.
Following the job shadowing morning, Lori Norris, Chief, Statewide Youth Services, with Rhode Island’s Department of Labor and Training (“DLT”) spoke to 75 or so Rotarian members at the Rotary’s weekly luncheon at the Providence Marriott.Given the anticipated shortage of trained employees Rhode Island businesses will face in the coming years, she urged business leaders to be proactive.Business leaders can begin training today’s youth, with internships and summer work experience, to become tomorrow’s trained and prepared work force, she explained.
Anthony Hollingshead, of Swan Point Cemetery, was pleasantly surprised by the students’ thoughts about what it takes to be a good student.They asked great questions about what is involved in running my business.
VIPS' extends a hearty thank you to the Rotary for supporting this initiative and to all the participating employers for setting aside a busy workday morning to enlighten and inspire our young people!
Yehurison Marmol, John McGinn (Convention Center) and Nicolle Rodriguez are all smiles!
Rotary Participants and Students at "closing ceremonies"
Nathanael Green Students Receive Mayor's Cup for Extraordinary School Spirit
On December 17 - a cold and blustery Monday - Nathanael Green Middle School students were honored for their extraordinary participation and enthuiasm in cheering on runners at VIPS' second annual CITY KIDS 1/2 Marathon & Relay, held on October 21, 2007. Students celebrated with an ice cream social and a visit from Mayor David N. Cicilline, who awarded the school the Mayor's Cup. Parent volunteer Moe Finigan coordinated the event and, as the images show, the students had a great time.
Students enjoy ice cream and camaraderie
Mayor Cicilline, faculty and students celebrate award
Students, Board and Staff Participate in "Paint Marathon"
VIPS' Youth Program Director Karla Vigil puts the kids to work!
During the December 8-9 weekend, many VIPS' staff, Board and students transformed our drab and dull Technology & Learning Center into a room that pops. Giving up precious time over the weekend, they washed floors and walls, moved furniture and computers, and got ready to paint...and paint they did! We extend a heartfelt thank you to Executive Director Terri Adelman, Program Director Naomi Foster and her husband, Bill Arvanites, Youth Program Director Karla Vigil, Board Members Phil Carlucci, Frank DeLuca, Cathy Gibney DiColo, Richard Otto and his wife, Elaine, Maria Tocco, volunteer tutors Allyson Even and Phil Robzyk, students Emily Pena, Charleny Acevedo, Luisander Caraballo, Berenice Caraballo, Melvin Caraballo, Jiolvis Caraballo, Yehurison Marmol, and Publino Garcia worked so hard over the weekend, and to Harry Adler, of Adler's Design Center and Hardware, who donated seven gallons of paint that brought energy to the room.
Frank DeLuca, Board Treasurer, gets busy...
Painters celebrate the "new and improved" Technology Center!
VIPS Executive Director Terri Adelman Receives Leadership Award
On Tuesday, November 27, the Pembroke Center Associates awarded Terri Adelman its Leadership for Change through Education award at an evening ceremony at List Art Center on the Brown University campus. According to Pembroke Center materials, "The Pembroke Center Associates, a group of alumnae who have long supported the Center and its programs, affirm their commitment to that educational mission through the establishment of an award recognizing Leadership for Change through Education. The award honors women in any field who, both nationally and at the grassroots level, succeed in changing lives by helping others to see the world differently and offering new ways of thinking about seemingly unsolvable problems."
VIPS congratulates Terri Adelman for receiving this distinguished award that acknowledges her long-term dedication and commitment to helping our urban youth succeed. Terri also received a Certificate of Accomplishment from United States Senator Jack Reed.