July 19th, 2010
Mark your calendars for Friday, July 23, 2010. The 2003 American Idol Winner, Ruben Studdard, will hold The 2010 Ruben Studdard Music Camp Finale Concert at Seven O’clock in the evening at The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Ticket Prices are $12.00 for adults in advance and $15.00 at door. Children’s tickets, ages 6-12 are $10.00; ages 5 and under Free Admission.
For ticket Information please contact Emily Studdard at (205) 482-3507 or eastud@yahoo.com.
This event is sponsored by: The Ruben Studdard Foundation For the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts.
June 20th, 2010
Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham approves $6,000.00 to Children’s Village representing the commmitment of caring individuals and families to building a brighter future for this place we call home. The check was presented by James McCrary, Senior Program Officer of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to Judge Abdul Kallon, Board Chairman and Executive Director, Sharon D. Bolden.
June 16th, 2010
The financial literacy program funded by The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham is called “Money Matters” at Children’s Village. Money Matters is a financial literacy program that teaches girls to manage money wisely. This includes how to maintain and develop good spending habits, budgeting, accurately completing check registers, counting money, identifying money, decision making concerning needs vs. wants, how to tip, giving to help others, saving and comparison shopping. The social worker, Ms. Ataska Winsett, met with the girls several times for financial instructional lessons to teach the girls money management. The girls completed various quizzes and financial activities to “earn” money. After earning money, they were able to demonstrate the skills that they learned by going on shopping activities. At the end of the program, the girls were rewarded with certificates and various incentives that include but not limited to various Bath & Body products, Victoria Secrets Body Splash, sunglasses, manicures, and jewelry.
Thank you so much to The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham for giving the girls the opportunity to learn money management and that “Money Matters.”
June 14th, 2010
The Magic City Bar and The Birmingham Bar Association came to Children’s Village Saturday to help with various projects. Over 50 judges, lawyers, wives, children, etc. assisted in this endeavor. We had an awesome time. It was the largest crowd to volunteer I was told. Thanks to Derrick Mills, President for spearheading the project. Special thanks to all board members who participated. Derrick Mills and T.K. Woods bought flowers for the boys house and they are beautiful. Mayor William Bell and Judge Kallon also stopped by, we want to thank them both for taking time from their busy schedules to come and visit.
The children had a great time helping and this reinforces what we tell them all the time – “Love lives here and Saturday was an expression of love.
May 20th, 2010
UAB Faculty and Staff Benevolent Fund gave Children’s Village a $4,000.00 grant!
May 20th, 2010
Representative Earl Hilliard and the Optimist Club donated $3,37200 to the Village. Special thanks to them and their generous gift!
May 20th, 2010
Children’s Village received a $6,000 check from Faith Hill and Tim McGraw (The Neighbor’s Keeper Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee). We are very thankful for such a kind donation!
May 20th, 2010
We have been shopping for furniture for the Boys House for approximately 2 months. The best deal came from Alabama Furniture Mart in Calera. We have 5 bedrooms. We need 4 rooms of furniture. Earlie Simmons’ friend donated one room last Fall. I have commitments from the following people: Reuben Studdard, The Men’s Ministry at Rising Star Baptist Church, and Veronica Salary’s Family. We need one more room of furniture. If you know of an organization, individuals, church, etc. that might fund this project, please let me know. The furniture will arrive in four to six weeks. Each room consists of: two twin beds (purchase two rooms with extended beds due to tall boys), two chests, mattress, etc. The price is ($1,800) per room, tax exempt, free delivery and the owner wants to get involved with Children’s Village. He gave me a beautiful Queen Comforter by Ashley. The furniture is by Vaughn Bassett,durable and we have a 5 year warranty.
May 7th, 2010
Here are some recent happenings at The Village; dinner for children was sponsored by the Optimist Club on April 27, 2010; 10 children were honored for academic, behavior and achievement at Logan’s Roadhouse Hwy 150 and we had 3 residents who were on the A-B Honor roll. We had several residents who received special recognition for the following: Caught Doing Something Good, Mr. Spic and Span, Resident of the Month, Ms. Spic and Span and Most Improved.
We also have a special person who helped tutor, Melvin Love (Curriculum Specialist at Wenonah Elementary), who started a reading program entitled “Reading the Village Way”. We would love to reward the children at the end of the school year.
Several of our residents are trying out for various sports at their schools, we wish them all the best! The young kids will be attending summer camp at the YMCA and youth 16 and older are looking for summer employment.
