For 10 weeks, kids in Children’s Institute’s PowerUp! after-school program were introduced to the Olympic Games to learn about other cultures while developing team building skills. As the kids wrapped up the curriculum and reflected on their experience, many felt they had learned a lot while also having fun in the process.

“Because of the Olympics, we’ve learned about partnership and sportsmanship,” said Arleni, 10 year-old while Bryan, an 11-year-old, said, “It’s the best program. I want to stay forever.”

This enthusiasm was on display last week at CII’s Otis Booth Campus as the kids showcased their knowledge and celebrated the previous day’s Olympic Games. More than 100 families and community members cheered as the kids represented their assigned nations of China, Egypt, Greece and Mexico. Dressed in clothing that reflected their respective countries, the kids took to the stage and presented aspects of culture through dance. The day before, they had competed in relay races, balloon tosses, and a basketball shoot-off. At the end of the ceremony, they smiled with pride as they received participation medals for their hard work.

Children in CII’s PowerUp! spent multiple months learning about art, culture and athletics through curriculum modeled after the Olympic games.

In early January though, this celebratory atmosphere wasn’t on display when the kids learned they were going to spend their entire winter on the Olympics.

Nawal Salim, Experiential Learning Manager who created weekly lesson plans for the Olympics curriculum, said it was mostly groans and complaints when the kids first heard about the concept for the Olympics. She said they weren’t in favor of being placed into groups where they could not select their country or teammates.

The PowerUp! after-school program works with children who have been exposed to trauma and encourages them to learn from a variety of activities and processes – and then asks them to reflect on what they’ve learned in order to build resilience and continue the healing process. Until the Olympics, the kids had never done curriculum that would last multiple months and cover so many different areas.

Children showcased what they learned during a two-day Olympic-style competition where more than 100 friends and families arrived to cheer them on.

PowerUp! normally has two different groups of kids who attend the program twice weekly on different days. The kids split time between completing homework and taking part in what the staff call a daily enrichment activity. These activities have included practicing yoga, programming robots, art and nutrition classes, or making their own hip hop beats.

To adjust for the lukewarm attitudes toward the Olympics, Salim said they spent the first few weeks focusing solely on team building activities and exercises that promoted the positives of each country participating in the Olympics.

“It probably wasn’t until the third week that they understood why we were doing this,” Salim said.

Mary Brougher, Director of Experiential Learning & Volunteer Services, developed the core curriculum for the Olympics and understood kids may not understand its importance right away. She had implemented the Olympics at other organizations and encountered similar challenges.

From learning what it means to be part of a team to signing up for the final games, they have immersed themselves in the lessons and activities, and have enjoyed seeing it all come together in such a magical way.

– Stephanie Argueta, Program Supervisor in PowerUp!

For PowerUp!, the program encourages academic success, increased physical activity, and improved social skills. Brougher said the Olympics are the perfect vehicle for promoting all three of these areas. She said kids usually come around and eventually appreciate the education and life lessons that the Olympics can offer.

“The reason why I selected the Olympics is because it is multifaceted,” she said. “We’re trying to promote cultural tolerance, team work, healthy lifestyle choices and much more.”

Similar to the real Olympics, many of the activities revolved around athletic competitions that promoted mobility and teamwork. But unlike the real Olympics, Brougher’s version pulls from various subjects like art, history and culture and even food to incorporate academics and cultural awareness.

In addition to cultural education, the Olympic curriculum taught kids about team work and working through challenges.

One activity challenged the kids to use creativity and art as they designed costumes and flags for their country. Another involved geography as the kids learned about their country’s different regions.

Stephanie Argueta, Program Supervisor in PowerUp!, said she was amazed by the Olympics and the positive response from the kids. Argueta, who was one of the many PowerUp! staff implementing the Olympic curriculum for the first time, said it exceeded her expectations for aligning with the program’s goals.

“From learning what it means to be part of a team to signing up for the final games, they have immersed themselves in the lessons and activities, and have enjoyed seeing it all come together in such a magical way,” she said.

While the kids have now returned to their regular weekly schedules of homework followed by stand-alone enrichment activities, the Olympics appears to have added to the ongoing success of PowerUp! while highlighting the importance of after school programs and how they can support the kid’s individual needs.

The reason why I selected the Olympics is because it is multifaceted,” she said. “We’re trying to promote cultural tolerance, team work, healthy lifestyle choices and much more.

-Mary Brougher, Director of Experiential Learning & Volunteer Services

From a recent report that surveyed families who have kids in PowerUp!, 95 percent reported their child was doing better in school as a result of the program and 94 percent reported their child is better at handling daily life. Of the kids who ranked low on physical activity when they entered the program, 83 percent reported they had increased daily activity to a healthy level.

Each positive outcome signals to staff that they are achieving program goals of helping kids right now, while setting them on a path for future achievements in life and academics. The program builds a foundation where kids will continue to seek out new ways to learn and grow.

“The whole purpose of this program is skill building and progression,” Salim said.

Ismenia Platero, a parent whose kids have been in PowerUp! for multiple years, said she has seen exactly this type of transformation with her family. At the closing ceremonies, she described a positive change in the ways her sons Jeffrey and Deemar approach academics and wellness.

“The program is so important to our family,” she said. “My sons used to fight a lot and weren’t focused, but now they see the purpose in doing school work and are excited to go to PowerUp! each week.”

Victor, an 8-year-old echoed what many of the kids in the program have said – the program has made a positive impact and he enjoys being a part of the program.

“PowerUp! is so cool because you get to learn about new things and you don’t even have to pay one penny!” he said.

Last week, actress, author and philanthropist Marlo Thomas was honored with the Champion of Children Award at the 31^st Annual Colleagues Spring Luncheon, benefiting Children’s Institute (CII), to celebrate her impact on the lives of kids.

As she delivered her acceptance speech, Thomas reflected on what her first commercial hit, That Girl, a TV show from the 1960s about a single woman navigating a career in New York, has meant to a generation of women. In front of the luncheon’s audience of more than 600 guests, Thomas discussed the themes of empowerment and independence.

“The work of The Colleagues is a great example of what woman can accomplish together,” she said to an audience who applauded in agreement.

Founded in 1950, The Colleagues is a women’s volunteer nonprofit that supports and raises funds to benefit CII. Embodying what Thomas highlighted during her speech, the group has been a crucial voice in driving a conversation about the importance of giving back.

More than 600 guests attended the Spring Luncheon where a focus was place on helping South LA.

In their nearly 70 years, The Colleagues have raised more than $25 million for CII programs while leaning on their collective influences among actors, politicians and philanthropists to expand CII’s reach. This year’s luncheon proved to be another example of the group showing their unwavering support.

Hosted by author and TV host Cristina Ferrare for the second year in a row, the award was presented to Thomas by Hollywood icon and friend Henry Winkler. After the award ceremony, the audience was treated to a private fashion show of Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2019 line by co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim.

This is our signature event and it is where we can generate the most revenue for CII. The Colleagues are a group of great women who are doing the most that they can for children.

Cara Esposito, President of The Colleagues and CII Board of Trustee

The Colleagues President and CII Trustee Cara Esposito and the other members of the support group made sure the event had substance and focused on children. Multiple times during the afternoon, speeches and videos highlighted the lives of children and families whose trajectories are very different from those living in Beverly Hills, Brentwood or Bel Air. Esposito shared that a child growing up just 20 miles south of these neighborhoods could have a much lower life expectancy, 20 years less than children born in more affluent area of Los Angeles.

Esposito said the luncheon has been an opportunity for The Colleagues to work together on an impressive event that highlights the important work of CII. She said the event’s decades-long run is a testament to the group’s passion for giving back and knowing how to bring together an influential crowd.

CII President & CEO Martine Singer (right) poses with The Colleagues President Cara Esposito. 

“This is our signature event and it is where we can generate the most revenue for CII,” Esposito said. “The Colleagues are a group of great women who are doing the most that they can for children.”

In receiving the Champion of Children Award, Thomas joins an impressive list of celebrities and politicians with a history of philanthropy. Previous recipients include actresses Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Carol Burnett along with former First Ladies Nancy Reagan, Betty Ford and Laura Bush.

It’s an extraordinarily generous and wonderful tradition. They have been continuous supporters for decades and we’re so grateful and humbled by their continued advocacy and commitment to our mission at Children’s Institute.

Martine Singer, President & CEO of CII

Anne Johnson, the Executive Chairman of the Spring Luncheon, said her goal each year for the event is to have as large of a turnout as possible since that means greater funds raised for CII. She said a testament to the event’s success is that it has become a tradition of giving for many of the supporters. 

“I care deeply about children and any child that is ever abused,” Johnson said. “CII is doing absolutely the most important work.”

The Spring Luncheon concluded with a sneak peek of Oscar de la Renta’s fall 2019 line. 

In addition to funds raised at the Spring Luncheon, the group is currently working on a separate campaign to raise funds for CII’s new Watts Campus designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry that will be breaking ground next year (2020). The Colleagues also operate a high-end resale clothing boutique, The Room, in Santa Monica where all proceeds benefit CII.

Martine Singer, President & CEO of CII, said support from The Colleagues has been important to the organization, and the group continues to play a key role in fundraising initiatives – especially with funds raised through the Spring Luncheon.

“It’s an extraordinarily generous and wonderful tradition,” she said. “They have been continuous supporters for decades and we’re so grateful and humbled by their continued advocacy and commitment to our mission at Children’s Institute.”

It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week and we are reflecting on all of the important ways volunteers have made a major impact at CII. In 2018, we were fortunate to have more than 7,000 volunteers contribute 41,000 hours of service valued at $976,000 to support children and families facing adversity in Los Angeles. From our corporate volunteer groups who helped beautify our Head Start centers to the individuals who show up every week to support teachers in our classrooms, we could not work at the level we do without your help.

India

High School Student & Volunteer Ballet Instructor

India is a student at Marlborough School who has supported our PowerUp! after school program for over a year by leading ballet classes. Even with a busy student schedule full of responsibilities and commitments, she has remained a dedicated volunteer who is enthusiastic about sharing her expertise in ballet. In addition to sharing new skills, she has made close connections with the kids in her ballet groups. They are very grateful to have her as a volunteer and role model.

“India has been an outstanding volunteer in the PowerUp! after-school program. She has been supportive, not just to our staff, but to the kids as well. In her ballet class, India has really worked hard to empower these kids and teach them a skill they may never otherwise have been exposed to. Her passion for teaching and helping others makes her a great role model for the kids who look up to her.” – Jessica Gomez, Care Coordinator at CII

Angélica Zagal

ECS Parent & Soccer Volunteer

Angelica is the parent of two girls in the Soccer Academy at our Watts Campus. She started volunteering three years ago after seeing a need for additional program support, and has stayed on as a loyal part of the team ever since. She is quick to get on the field and lend a hand wherever needed, and always engages with youth to ensure they are safe and having fun.

“I started volunteering for the Soccer Academy because I like the sport, as well as giving back to my community. I help wherever I can, and love to see the kids happy. ” – Angélica Zagal

Paul R. Kanin

Chair for the CII Board of Trustees & Event Volunteer

As the Chair of CII’s Board of Trustees, Paul leads the organization’s effort to increase outreach, impact and philanthropy across multiple industries and areas. In addition to leading the board and lending his time and expertise to further CII’s mission, Paul also finds time for hands on volunteering at CII events including the Winter Family Festival. Paul is proud of CII’s work and the current make-up and impact of the Board of Trustees. When he is not volunteering or advocating for children and families, Paul is practicing trusts and estate law as a partner at Kanin Soffer, LLP.

“I enjoy my time because it is a completely different approach to how I spend the other parts of my day. At CII, we’re talking about lives and humanity. Such a diverse group of people from so many different backgrounds contribute.” – Paul R. Kanin

Carolina Alvarez-Correa

Development Intern & Capital Group Volunteer

Carolina handled volunteer management for the Winter Family Festival. The event had the most families and volunteer in attendance compared with any previous CII event. In addition to her help with the Winter Family Festival, Carolina interned on the CII Development team through a program with Capital Group, her full-time employer. A frequent supporter of CII’s work, Capital Group is an example of a leading community partner because of all the ways they engage with our work and clients. From service on our Board of Trustees, to supporting fundraising events, to providing volunteers and interns to support our programs, to helping improve facilities in the communities we serve – they truly participate at every level of our organization. This type of community service rewards not only the children and families in our programs, but also the individual employees from Capital Group who have the opportunity to form relationships with our team, our clients and our community. Thank you to Carolina and Capital Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility team.

“It was evident that the parents were so grateful to CII for providing their kids with perhaps the only holiday gifts and fun they’d be receiving that season during the Winter Family Festival. The most clear evidence that the families had fun was that they stayed until the very end of the festival. We even started cleaning up and they still wanted to stick around!” – Carlina Alvarez-Correa

Lilia Velasco

AmeriCorp Member and General Volunteer

Lilia is an AmeriCorp member who assisted CII for the PowerUp! Olympics Closing Ceremony. She has also supported trainings on emergency readiness where she provided education for families to prepare in case of a natural disaster. Outside of her volunteer efforts, Lilia was recently accepted into a sign language interpreter program.

“Lilia was very flexible and willing to help in all areas of the PowerUp! Olympics to make it successful. She cut flowers, helped with table decorations and stayed later to clean up everything.” – Soleil Delgadillo, Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at CII

Patty Capps

Les Amies Chairman for CII Support Groups & General Volunteer

Patty has been a long serving member of CII’s Les Amies, which is a Support Group that has furthered CII’s mission for more than 50 years. As a volunteer, Patty has helped plan important events like the CII Fall Harvest Baskets in November and the Winter Family Festival in December.

“As a member of Les Amies and a CII volunteer, I have especially enjoyed working together with Les Amies and CII staff in planning programs for children and families. It has been a very rewarding experience for me.” – Patty Capps

Evan Spells

Former Client & ITSP Volunteer

Evan is a former client of Individualized Transition Skills Program that supports transition-aged foster youth. When he completed the program, Evan wanted to stay involved to support young adults going through similar experiences. Since 2017, he has been a volunteer, and then intern, in our Fostering Social Skills client groups as a co-facilitator. He also co-facilitated our first ever peer-led group and plans on co-facilitating the next peer-led group this summer.

“Evan has been a vital part of the expansion of Fostering Social Skills groups. I personally would not have been able to begin and succeed in such groups, in particular in creating a peer-led group.” – Julio Cruz, ITSP Supervisor

Jordan Mullins

Student & General Volunteer

Jordan is student volunteer in our Day Treatment Intensive program where she supports our staff and works directly with clients. She has exceeded expectations for her role by extending past the original six-month commitment she made to CII. Jordan is someone CII has been able to trust and rely upon, especially, during the harder and more challenging times in which the Day Treatment Intensive team must work together to provide the best support and safety for kids.

“Jordan is a sweet, dependable, genuine, and proactive person who continually demonstrates her desire to learn and enhance her understanding of early childhood mental health. She effectively supports these young children and their families in reaching their fullest potential.” – Nicole Fauscette, Senior Clinical Supervisor, Day Time Intensive

To learn more about becoming a volunteer with CII, please click here.