by givebackdv | Oct 9, 2023 | News
At Give Back, we hold events to engage the community around us to be a part of the change that we are making with scholars and within Give Back. Illinois Give Back began a new tradition, an Annual Community Engagement Luncheon. This event was held at Ashbury’s in Boilingbrook, IL. At the event, introductions were made to those in attendance. Shameco Moore, the Coordinator of Community & Student Engagement served as the host of this wonderful event, and there were also presentations from Lydia Matlock, the Chief of Program Operations and Kelsey Novak, the Program Director. The attendees came from various backgrounds within the community, including law enforcement, businesses, and education. During the event, a Community Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Algenia, a local doctor from a pediatric practice.
A few months ago, Dr. Algenia reached out to Give Back and voluntarily hosted drives to collect winter clothing and school supplies for the students who may not have access to such items. Dr. Algenia was pleasantly surprised to receive this award, and it was an honor for Give Back to present it to him. After the event, Give Back was offered an opportunity for more businesses in Illinois to come together to help Give Back. Cristina, a local restaurant owner called Shameco to express how touched she was by the event and the experience of watching Dr.Algenia receive the Community Excellence Award a The conversation continued with an offer for her and some other businesses in the area to collaborate on an event for Give Back, her restaurant would cater the event for free, one of the other owners would host the event at their place of business, and everything would be covered. All the proceeds would go to Give Back. Shameco and Shannon Labus, a student coach in Illinois, attended the event. It was greatly organized. Shameco described it as “When I arrived, there was a dunk tank on the side of the building, there were vendor tables lining the entry to the business. It was quite a scene.” We were glad to hear about such an outcome. Shameco was able to network with others at the event to speak about Give Back and set up an area to set up founder Bob Carr’s books and t-shirt. There were so many people engaged and glad to support.
At the event, Shameco had the opportunity to meet a pleasant lady who later reached out to Shameco about the new initiative in the school called Workplace Readiness. Intrigued by the idea of providing $250 for each of the four schools, she and a few others expressed interest in becoming business sponsors for professional attire in two or possibly three of the schools. In a pleasant surprise, an owner from the area who attended the event learned that the goal for the day was initially set at $300. Impressed with the cause, he wrote a check to Give Back for that amount and encouraged them to raise the goal. By the end of the day, the event had raised $2,255, exceeding the initial goal by nearly $2,000. Give Back is incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and generosity shown by these individuals, business owners, and community members who have wholeheartedly contributed to our foundation in any way they can. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
by givebackdv | May 16, 2023 | Making an Impact
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Give Back’s Kansas Program Director Katie Latta is actively engaged in breaking the stigma around mental health challenges. The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program is an evidence-based training that teaches the right way to engage with people who may be facing a mental health or substance use challenge and the right steps for getting them help if they need it. As a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer, Katie has been training Give Back staff and many of our partners in this important program. Research shows that this type of early intervention can play a huge role in helping people get the help they need. “When I first started working with High School students at Give Back, I was afraid I would say something wrong. I wanted to learn how to be comfortable talking with students and make sure I was prepared to help if needed. I learned the simple act of showing someone that you care how they feel is very valuable. ”
“As a mental health first aider, we are trained to ask questions, show that we care, and then encourage both self-help and professional help, if needed.” Katie first found the Mental Health First Aid program when she joined Give Back in 2018 and was looking for help making the transition from working with adults to working with High School students. She learned that helping students successfully complete high school and prepare for college takes more than focusing on academics, it became clear to her she needed to take more of a holistic approach, including a focus on mental health. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to invest the time and energy to become a certified trainer. “Mental Health Challenges have affected me, my family, and many of our students. During [the pandemic] I saw mental health challenges increase in these groups and realized the importance of reducing the stigma around talking openly about our mental health. Katie decided to teach MHFA because, “I want people to not hesitate to ask someone how they are doing and then take the time to listen.
Many adults worry that they could cause harm or offend someone by saying the wrong thing. The training teaches people how to use the proper language and provides experience in getting comfortable with talking about mental health. And, while we leave the diagnosing up to the professionals, the training also teaches the signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges, and how to differentiate between crisis and non-crisis situations. Katie has already trained the majority of the Give Back staff to become Mental Health First Aiders and is now making the training available to our partners. Katie is also looking into additional training that would allow her to train Give Back students and alumni how to listen to and help each other. Who should take Mental Health First Aid? Katie says, “Everyone should become MHFA certified. Mental Health First Aid mirrors traditional first aid or CPR training, by teaching an action plan and the steps to take to get someone help. You hope you never have to use it, but it’s important to know what to do, especially if someone is in crisis.” For more information and to find a class near you visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
by givebackdv | Nov 4, 2022 | Education
Bills, bills, bills. Can you pay your telephone bill? Can you pay your automo’ bill? If you can, then you might have a shot with Beyoncé. Queen Bey has long since sung the importance of independence and financial stability in her chart-topping hits–a message that not just the Beyhive should heed.
In the spirit of the Independent Woman herself, Give Back’s “Why We Strive” fall programming centers around personal budgeting. The programming was developed collaboratively by Illinois Manager of Mentor and Student Services Kelsey Novak and Domenic Merendino, Assistant to the National Executive Director. Together, they developed a plan that highlights a core competency, sub-competency, and personal learning objective of economic stability, financial literacy, and personal budgeting, respectively.
“It’s never too early to create some financial plan,” said Domenic. “Even if it’s a short term plan or something all the way to retirement–it’s good to have some type of budget and plan.”
Over the past month, Give Back coaches across the nation have worked with their students on personal budgeting using a variety of online and in-person tools and games–from Finances 101 to Money Prodigy to The Mint–to help them understand why budgeting is important and prepare them for successful management of their future or current bills, rent, everyday expenses, unexpected costs, and more.
“It’s important for students to get exposed to these types of skills because it’s something that isn’t taught in school,” said Kelsey. “And if it’s not taught in school or at home then you don’t know how to do it and you’re on a spinning wheel that never gets anywhere. You don’t have to start off as an expert, but it’s important to know because it’s going to get you to the goals you want in life–whether that’s starting a family or going on vacation. Knowing how to manage your money sets you up for a really good future.”
The Why We Strive programming leads up to a culminating Scholar Saturday in November that serves as a final event to wrap-up the skills, tools, and knowledge acquired over the past month. The national virtual event will feature a guest speaker who is expertly qualified in the field of finance. Students will get a chance to learn from the speaker and break out into groups for activities and discussion.
“What’s most rewarding about working with the students and helping them map out their futures is watching them utilize the tools they are given to figure out their problems,” said Domenic. “It’s great to be able to watch them figure things out themselves with the skills they learned and were exposed to.”
Stay up-to-date with all things Why We Strive by following our #GiveBackStrive hashtag on social media!
by givebackdv | Oct 17, 2022 | Scholars
Bitten by the ice of the alpine winds, their feet sloshed through the puddled volcanic gravel in the dead of night. The fiery roar of Volcan de Fuego sounded off in the distance. Deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It had been two days since they began their trek and the journey’s end was within sight. As they reached the summit, the sun at last began to peak from behind the clouded sky, casting its brilliant rays across the breathtaking scenery.
This past summer, Northern Illinois University sophomore and Give Back Scholar Ethan Gonzalez spent some time relaxing and recharging–and reaching mountaintops–in his father’s hometown in Guatemala. He traveled there in June with his father and brother, and stayed with his uncle who led them on a host of adventures throughout the country.
Ethan kept busy during his two week stay with trips to the Mayan ruins of Tikal, hikes to the hidden pools in Lanquin where he swam in their crystal waters, and down-time spent soaking up the sun at the beach. He even put his Music Education and Vocal Performance studies to good use by serenading his grandparents with an Italian Aria.
A fervent proponent of walking and being in nature, Ethan treasured his scenic experiences during his summer travels, some of which he said were physically taxing but mentally and emotionally rewarding. His most gratifying experience was his journey climbing one of Guatemala’s most famous volcanoes, Volcan Acatenango.
“It was a thrill to climb this 13,000 foot-tall volcano with my dad and brother by my side,” said Ethan. “It was a challenge going through the rain and frigid winds near the summit, but it paid off with a victory lap around the crater once we reached the top!”
A rewarding and centering experience, Ethan’s journey on Volcan Acatenango opened his eyes to the powerful practice of breathwork, and it reminded him to always take a break and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.
With the new school year in full swing and students across the country trading in their tank tops and towels for backpacks and binders, remembering to take a step back and recenter yourself is more important now than ever. Whether you are an incoming freshman or pursuing a master’s degree, practicing self-care year-round is paramount to success in all aspects of life.
“College can be very stressful, but having the opportunity to stay in tune with nature and taking a step back has made me realize that I have made it very far as a person,” said Ethan. “Last year as a freshman I had to go through a lot of self-growth and learn a lot more about myself than I already knew. I am focusing on myself and not worrying about what others are thinking about me. I’m the one that’s responsible for doing what I love and setting myself up for success. I’ve learned that there are going to be many volcanoes in our lifetimes. But once you reach the top, you feel weightless.”
by givebackdv | Oct 14, 2022 | Staff
Shannon Labus is a Student Coach with Give Something Back. She currently coaches’ students in both Illinois and Kansas. Shannon makes it her mission to truly know and understand our students. She strives to make sure she knows what the student needs and is that guiding force for them toward a great career. She is constantly looking for new ways to help improve the curriculum and events for our students. Shannon graduated from Illinois State University and has been a dance teacher in the Chicago suburbs for 28 years, which has given her another opportunity to work with teens. Shannon lives in Lockport with her 3 children.
