Already Sprouting: Community Programs that Grow Caring Children

Sunday, April 13. 12:00pm-1:30pm. Lopez Room.

Description

Learn how after-school programs enhance the social, emotional and academic well-being of our students. Representatives from various afterschool and youth development programs will join us to share examples of the everyday practices they use to nurture kindness and compassion in children from elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Our panelists’ success stories demonstrate social and emotional growth, and experiences that promote social justice and compassionate behavior. Come connect with our panel members and consider how to integrate compassionate practices into your students’ lives outside of school time. 

Presenter Bios

Moderator: Mari Offenbecher, Schools Out Washington

Mari Offenbecher has been the Director of School's Out Washington since 1990. Mari has provided leadership to local and statewide community building efforts including The MOST Initiative, It's About Time for Kids, BOOST Learning, the Leadership Council for Quality Care and Education and the Washington School Age Care Alliance. She currently participates on a variety of local and state committees to help shape policy to benefit and sustain community-based out-of-school time programs and systems. Mari is responsible for the overall administration of School's Out including budget, staff, program and community building efforts. Previous to her work at School's Out, Mari was the Children's Services Director for the YWCA. Mari has a degree in Child Development from California State University.

Glen Osborn, Schools Out Washington

Glen has had a variety of affiliations with School's Out Washington as a workshop participant, a trainer, working on curriculum development and numerous special projects. As Training Director, he oversees services including trainer contracts and organizational contracts. He guides the delivery and quality of consultation services by coordinating professional development opportunities for trainers and coaches. On a day-to-day basis, he uses his juggling experience to manage emerging requests and challenges ubiquitous to the field of human service work. His personal interests include volunteering to work directly with children, teaching at Seattle Central Community College, and NW coastal style canoes.

Maria Rico, El Centro de la Raza

El Centro de la Raza offers bilingual, bicultural programs to help children succeed at home, at school, and inspire their communities to be just.  

Vu Le, Vietnamese Friendship Association

Vu Le is the Executive Director of The Vietnamese Friendship Association in South Seattle. The Vietnamese Friendship Association assists and empowers Vietnamese youth and families so they can be successful in school and life. They work with the whole family in the context of their culture and language to improve leadership, mentoring, and parenting skills. 

Girls First, YWCA

(Not Available)