December 2018

 

Each year during the holiday season, the Family Place organizes a gift giveaway for their students, many of whom are recent immigrants to the United States. The gifts are generously donated by local businesses, churches, and foundation partners. Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, volunteered to join the wonderful Family Place staff to help students pick out the perfect gifts for their children. It was a cheery way to spend a December morning!

 

 

December 2018

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At the invitation of community partner, Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL), our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, joined MCAEL’s Executive Director, Kathy Stevens, and Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Monica Casañas, as well as representatives from the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, Identity, Linkages for Learning, College Tracks, and Nonprofit Montgomery for an opportunity to listen and learn at “Be in The Room Where It Happens,” the Committee for Montgomery’s Annual Legislative Breakfast. One resonating message from Senator Chris Van Hollen’s keynote address – the importance of inclusivity in our community!

 

December 2018

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This month, the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University held its second Racial Equity Roundtable. Nonprofit leaders explored how to promote and ensure racial equity within their organizations. Program Officer Reyna Sharp participated in the discussion on meaningfully and intentionally assessing an organization’s racial equity efforts.

 

November 2018

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In partnership with the Scheidel Foundation, Crimsonbridge hosted the second of three convenings of the College Completion Colleagues (C3) Initiative earlier this month. The C3’s nonprofit members, six local organizations that provide essential support on the journey to and through college for those who are first-generation college students or have financial need, explored best practices in the critical transition to college. Panelists included Program Director of the Georgetown Scholarship Program Melissa Foy and Director of College and Career Transition at Prince George’s Community College Cecelia A. Knox. Crimsonbridge Executive Director Danielle M. Reyes moderated the panel discussion and Program Officer Reyna Sharp facilitated discussion.

 

November 2018

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Identity, Inc kicked off their 20th Anniversary year with the release of a report by University of Maryland researchers on how Latino youth living in Montgomery County, MD are faring and concrete ways in which to support their successful transition to adulthood.  Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, encouraged Crimsonbridge grantees serving Montgomery County to join her at this community learning opportunity.  Congratulations to Identity on 20 years of empowering Latino youth and their families!

 

November 2018

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More than 2,000 girls gathered with their families and coaches for the Fall 5K Celebration on a chilly Sunday morning in Bethesda. As volunteers, our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes, served as a course marshal, while Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, oversaw the volunteer booth. Both cheered the girls on as they completed the goal they have been working towards over the ten-week season. It was a morning filled with positivity, encouragement, and empowerment for young girls in our community!

 

November 2018

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At DC SCORES’ Westside Poetry Slam, students from more than 15 elementary schools gathered for an energized evening of poetry, dancing, and good sportsmanship at Roosevelt High School. Many bilingual poet-athletes took the stage, performing poems in English and Spanish! Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, loved hearing all of the poems, which ranged widely in topic and sentiment – from favorite school lunch (funny!), to choosing love over hate (moving and inspiring!).

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October 2018

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At the Shakespeare Theatre, The Catalogue for Philanthropy hosted its annual “Inspiration to Action.” This unique event showcases several nonprofit members of the Catalogue through live, illuminating, and entertaining stage performances. Executive Director Danielle M. Reyes and Program Officer Reyna Sharp enjoyed the dynamic performances, as well as the opportunity to meet several nonprofit leaders and representatives.

 

October 2018

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Collegiate Directions, a community partner that helps students succeed in college, hosted Dr. Tiffany Jones from the Education Trust to discuss A PROMISE FULFILLED: A Framework for Equitable Free College Programs. More and more states are pursuing Free College, yet Dr. Jones notes these programs do not always help those who need it most. Our Program Officer, Reyna Sharp, was grateful to attend and learn along with staff about the key elements of equitable Free College programs.

 

October 2018

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At Generation Hope’s Pancake Battle, celebrity chefs competed for the honor of best pancake while supporters cheered on (and enjoyed the judging process) with all proceeds going to help D.C. area teen parents become college graduates and help their children enter kindergarten at higher levels of school readiness. As volunteers, our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes and board member, Adrianna Smith, had the opportunity to help out while connecting with staff, participants, and their children.

 

October 2018

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Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (CPNL) held its first Racial Equity Roundtable this month. Alumni of the CPNL’s graduate programs gathered to explore racial equity in the nonprofit sector. Program Officer Reyna Sharp participated in the discussion about how to support and increase diverse staff at all levels of nonprofit organizations.

 

September 2018

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As part of their Community Conversation series, The Catalogue for Philanthropy hosted a panel on adult literacy in the 21st century. Panelists included leaders from the Washington English Center, the Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School, and Byte Back. Our Program Officer, Reyna Sharp, attended and participated in the discussion about challenges organizations face, trends in adult education, and shared goals for the future.

 

December 2018

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Each fall, Camp CEO brings together more than 20 women executives and 40 high school girl scouts from the Greater Washington region for an action-packed weekend of fun and inspiration at Camp Potomac Woods. Our Executive Director, Danielle M. Reyes loved spending the weekend with these women and girls… and had fun learning how to use a sling shot and a tomahawk too!

 

July 2018

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The Rising Leaders Class of 2018 graduated after months of interactive professional development workshops, with topics ranging from managing up to presenting with confidence. Our Executive Director and Program Officer, Danielle M. Reyes and Caitlin Furey, were thrilled to connect with the 9 Rising Leaders who received scholarships from the Crimsonbridge Leadership Fund. Each of these Rising Leaders serve the DC community at local nonprofits.

 

April 2018

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Members of the community gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of Prince George’s Community College state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Center. Our Program Officer, Caitlin Furey, was excited to tour the new building, and learn more about the classes that PGCC will offer in the space. Course offerings will include an option for adults to learn English while developing the skills necessary for a career in the culinary arts.

 

March 2018

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Catalogue for Philanthropy brought together four phenomenal nonprofit leaders to discuss the state of women and girls in the DC region. Danielle M. Reyes, our Executive Director, and Caitlin Furey, our Program Officer, attended to listen, learn, and meet other nonprofit professionals with diverse perspectives. Thank you to Catalogue for Philanthropy for playing the role of convener and host!

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January 2018

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Serving Our Children welcomed hundreds of families to their Winter Carnival at THEARC in Ward 8. Staff assisted parents with the application process for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, as children enjoyed the carnival games. Our program officer, Caitlin Furey, volunteered at the community event, and spent the afternoon working at the prize table, where children selected which book they would take home after a fun day at the carnival!