Whole Child Strategies Newsletter December 2019
NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL CELEBRATION
SAVE THE DATE
December 19, 2019 at 5:30PM
Humes Middle School, 659 N. MANASSAS ST.
Director's Message
As we close another year, we are thankful to serve Klondike and Smokey City everyday! We've accomplished so much together, from the Block Party to a holiday feast the entire neighborhood could enjoy. It is because of the relationships you've allowed us to forge and the coordination of efforts we present when as a team, that creates an opportunity for betterment each day. We look forward to seeing you at the Neighborhood Council Meeting on Dec. 19th, but for that and beyond, we wish you all a Happy Holiday season and thank you for allowing us to serve you!
Quick reminder; the Whole Child Strategies Team will be working remotely during the Holiday Break (Dec. 23rd, 2019 - Jan. 3rd, 2020). With that said, please be patient in contacting us for we will be away from the office. However, we will return any messages in a timely matter.
Lots Re-imagined... The CRA is inviting community feedback on how to develop two lots in Smokey City, and Whole Child has posted maps in the neighborhood to share your voice on what each of you would like to see built in the two lots. In response, you all shared with us a multitude of great ideas-- a game center for the community, a dance center, a splash park, a restaurant, a computer lab, and so much more! We have now collected the suggestions and will ask to vote on our top 3 choices at the December Neighborhood Council Celebration. CRA will make the final decision and are excited to share with the community the results in the 2020 New Year. Thank you all for participating; we hope to see your ideas come to fruition and always love to hear more about what you want to see in your community!
Finishing the Year Strong... Thank you all for your dedication, collaboration, and participation in the work Whole Child Strategies is able to do everyday within Klondike and Smokey City. It is because of your open hearts, and passion for service, that we can come into the neighborhood everyday in order to make everyone's life better. With that said, this coming Neighborhood Council Meeting (Dec. 19th, 2019), we will be celebrating a year well done! Come out and enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, and laughter, as we close out 2019 with a thank-you to those who make each day possible; our parents, our educators, our partners, and so many more!
Partner Spotlight
North Branch Library (1192 Vollintine Ave, Memphis, TN 38107)
Wednesday morning of Nov. 20th, 2019, Whole Child Strategies had the pleasure of serving with our community partners at the North Branch Library. There we served an array of holiday classics and sweets to our residents in need, or to those just seeking fellowship within the season. It was a time to strengthen community bonds between parents, children, community leaders, and so many more within the 38107 area code. Thank you to Mr. Johnnie, Ms. Vanessa, and the rest of the North Branch Team for allowing us to serve with you all!
Humes Middle School (659 N Manassas St, Memphis, TN 38107)
On Nov. 21st, we joined our partners at Humes Middle School for their monthly Soul Food Kitchen. Once again, Dr. Robinson and her staff showed up and showed out on behalf of the neighborhood, sharing a memorable and delicious Thanksgiving meal. We were also able to collaborate in gifting 40 turkeys and Holiday packages. Thank you again to the KSC residents, and the amazing staff at Humes for allowing Whole Child to collaborate with you all for this holiday season.
Family Safety Center (1750 Madison Ave #600, Memphis, TN 38104)
Lastly, special shout-out to our colleagues at Family Safety Center. They have been such a valuable resource in collaboration of our work in Klondike and Smokey City. Take a glimpse into their everyday efforts by checking out the story below, courtesy of Program Manager, Kimberly Hampton:
"I want to share a story about Ms.Wiley, a parent at Believe Memphis Academy, who has made so many great strides in becoming self sufficient by working with the Whole Child program. When she was referred to us, it was reported she was a homeless mother of three due to some mishaps with MHA. We were able to step in, assist with emergency shelter for the week, make connections with MHA and have an emergency inspection put in place and Ms. Wiley and her family received keys to their new home within a few days. Since then, Ms. Wiley has secured a job and maintained her new household without any setbacks thus far. With the Kroger gift cards we provide, she is able to get back and forth to work and get the kids to and from school. "
Everyone’s story is unique, but the services that we provide to help individuals overcome barriers are a great asset to the community. The housing, food, and utility assistance are the services that have made the greatest difference. We will be doing more outreach to the schools and make more contact in the community, so we can increase the help that we provide!
To access services, you can call directly to Family Safety Center Whole Child at 901-222-4400, go through your school supports or contact the Whole Child Outreach Team.
Whole Child Services contact:
Kimberly Hampton at 901-308-5857 or kimberly@familysafetycenter.org
Tomorowish Brown at 901-300-0235 or tomorowish@familysafetycenter.org
Neighborhood Council Meeting - December Holiday Celebration
Remember, we'll be finishing the year with a holiday celebration in partnership with the Humes Middle School Family on Dec. 19th, 2019. The celebration will take place starting at 5:30 PM, with dinner being served at 6 PM. We hope that all our neighbors in Klondike and Smokey City will be able to join us. We will begin with quick updates and council voting opportunities:
Transportation, Safety, and Housing in KSC
Vote on Lots Reimagined: recommendations for two lots in Smokey City!
Priority Survey for 2020 Neighborhood Council Projects (5 Min.): what do you want to work on in 2020?
Voting on 2020 Neighborhood Council Meeting Dates and Locations
However, once completed, we will spend the remainder of the evening in fellowship and celebration of a year well done! We couldn't do this kind of work in the community without each and every one of you, so as our small token of gratitude, join us for dinner and allow us to say thank you for being our neighbor!