By Eric Steckel
March 11, 2020 | Read More
Learning can’t happen on an empty stomach. Sadly, poverty in our community causes many children to go hungry, especially on the weekends when nutritious school lunches are not available. Our amazing and faithful group of 30 Health4Kids volunteers gathers together twice a month at the Alameda County Community Food Bank, where they sort and pack […]
By Children Rising
March 10, 2020 | Read More
by Randy Roth, Founder and former Executive Director of Children Rising This past weekend, Children Rising, and the entire Oakland community, lost a true champion for children. Before Faith Network of the East Bay was even founded in July 2001, Norman Brooks had heard about our vision of church congregations and communities of faith “adopting […]
By Eric Steckel
March 9, 2020 | Read More
“Children are like snowflakes. Each is different and fragile, but beautiful in their own way.” Children Rising reading and math clinic coordinators know from experience that no two children are the same. Each precious child comes into our lives not only with their own unique personality, but also with the weight of their experience on […]
By Eric Steckel
February 27, 2020 | Read More
In early January, Children Rising opened a Path2Math clinic at Grass Valley Elementary School. This marked a milestone as we celebrated our 30th tutoring clinic. What makes it special is that it bears the hallmarks of Children Rising initiatives since our very beginning as Faith Network of the East Bay. Late last fall, Casey Beckner, […]
By Eric Steckel
February 20, 2020 | Read More
Perspectives Article by Eric Steckel, Communications Manager “I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” – Harriet Tubman Last week, Children Rising participated in the Project Peace Speaker Series event “The Border Is Here”. […]
By Jim Wambach
January 24, 2020 | Read More
Perspectives Article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Are we able to close the achievement gap – one precious child at a time? Recent standardized testing results indicate that not only are we in the midst of an education crisis, the problem is most acutely felt in our schools serving our most vulnerable students. The educational […]
By Eric Steckel
January 3, 2020 | Read More
Partnership with Boost@BerkeleyHass helps students gain on-the-job experience Corey Reeves came to CareerBridge with big plans for his life. He was an excellent student at San Leandro High School, passionate about volleyball, and he dreamed of being a doctor. “I’m really passionate about learning. I realize that no matter where I go in life, I […]
By Jim Wambach
December 31, 2019 | Read More
We’ve made significant stides during the first year of our four-year inititave We are so grateful for your support over the past 12 months, which have been filled with growth and change. During the first year of our four-year initiative, we have made substantial strides toward serving and empowering more vulnerable children in our neighborhoods. […]
By Jim Wambach
December 25, 2019 | Read More
Dear Friends, As we gather ‘round with family and friends this holiday season, we reflect on the gifts we have received. And for many of us, we also take a moment to reflect on those not blessed with the opportunity we so often take for granted. Like the many vulnerable children in our community that […]
By Chelsea Boniak
December 21, 2019 | Read More
Despite initial challenges, Luis learned to read Luis* and his tutor Jean are an unlikely pair. Last school year, Luis was a high-energy second grader. Although very smart, he could hardly sit still and had trouble focusing long enough to learn. Jean moves through life at a slower, more relaxed pace and started the school […]
By Eric Steckel
December 11, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Eric Steckel, Communications Manager “The old and honorable idea of ‘vocation’ is simply that we each are called, by God, or by our gifts, or by our preference, to a kind of good work for which we are particularly fitted.” — Wendell Berry We frequently say that tutoring a vulnerable child who […]
By Jim Wambach
November 28, 2019 | Read More
Dear Friends, As we gather together with our families and friends at Thanksgiving, I am once again struck by what a unique and wonderful holiday this truly is. Gratitude abounds throughout the year. But on this special day, we break bread with our loved ones and share that spirit with one another. Your generosity does […]
By Jim Wambach
November 27, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Ring ring the bells Wake the town Everyone is sleeping Shout at the crowd Wake them up This anger’s deeper than sleep – James (band) A few months into my time at Children Rising, as I began to personally get to know the individual children and youth in […]
By Jim Wambach
November 21, 2019 | Read More
As we embarked on the “I Want To Soar” Project, we set a high bar. Our goal? To provide the opportunity for 200 more second-grade children struggling with grade-level math and reading to SOAR! We have reached the midway point, and are grateful for your response. So far community donations, matched by several major donors, […]
By Jim Wambach
October 24, 2019 | Read More
Right now, there is an education crisis affecting our city’s most vulnerable children. Each year, approximately 1,800 children in the Oakland Unified School District will complete second grade substantially behind in basic reading and math skills. These children will not have the skills required to learn and grow in the third grade. Worse, they will […]
By Eric Steckel
October 22, 2019 | Read More
One of our greatest hopes is that we can inspire and enable CareerBridge students to give back to the community. Hadiya, a CareerBridge alum and a recipient of our Eddie College Scholarship, is one who is fulfilling that hope! Hadiya joined our program as a junior in high school. She carried herself with poise and […]
By Eric Steckel
October 21, 2019 | Read More
I met Rhema and her father, Pastor David Hatfield-Dyels, at the June Hope For Children Now Gala. They were guests of Children Rising board member James Branch. Rhema loves to read — two books a week. “Reading to me is like watching a movie in 3D,” she explains. Inspired to share her love of reading […]
By Chelsea Boniak
October 16, 2019 | Read More
When we first met Alicia*, she was a second-grader at La Escuelita Elementary School who had trouble reading at a kindergarten grade level. Alicia built a close relationship with her Succeeding By Reading tutor Janet and told Janet that her mom had gone away. In order to maintain her Spanish skills to communicate with her […]
By Eric Steckel
October 8, 2019 | Read More
Once you meet Aadae*, you can’t help but agree with her teacher and math tutor’s descriptions of her. Joyful. Full of life. Fun-loving. Very energetic. A people-pleaser. A precocious little girl who can “uplift you.” At the start of her second-grade year, Aadae needed help and fast. She didn’t have the foundational math skills necessary […]
By Jim Wambach
September 30, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director “Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” — Lady Bird Johnson, Former First Lady of the United States Another school year begins and many of you are asking yourself that question. You want to help. But you are unsure if you have the […]
By Eric Steckel
September 28, 2019 | Read More
For most students, the end of summer marks the beginning of a new school year. For CareerBridge students, it also marks the end of a summer internship. To celebrate, we host a special event where the students present their final project to family, friends, internship supervisors, and Children Rising staff. This year’s group of interns […]
By Eric Steckel
August 9, 2019 | Read More
We are Children Rising! Last night, Faith Network of the East Bay embarked on an exciting new chapter. After long months of thoughtful consideration, and many more months of planning, we are excited to announce that as of today, we are Children Rising! Many have asked: Why are We changing our name? Simply put, it’s […]
By Jim Wambach
August 8, 2019 | Read More
What’s in a name? As we raise the curtain on an exciting next chapter in our story, it’s crucial that our name truly captures the soul of our organization. Simply put – it’s all about empowering more children to rise above the substantial challenges they face, created by generations of poverty, violence, and educational inequity. […]
By Chelsea Boniak
July 15, 2019 | Read More
Most of our school partnerships are established through word of mouth, and Manzanita Seed is no exception. A community member made a call to Children Rising, advocating for a particular student who was seriously struggling in school. Rebecca Buckley, Succeeding by Reading program director, arranged a meeting with the school and explained that we don’t […]
By Jim Wambach
July 11, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” — Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa Toxic stress in children Earlier this […]
By Jim Wambach
June 25, 2019 | Read More
Strong one-on-one relationship helps a vulnerable child to trust again. This past fall, I experienced firsthand the impact of childhood trauma on a precious, vulnerable young girl. I began working with “Nyesha” (not her real name) as a math tutor in October. The hope is that a tutor’s first meeting with their student lays the […]
By Eric Steckel
June 23, 2019 | Read More
For the past five years, it has been my pleasure to serve on the Eddie College Scholarship Award panel. The CareerBridge program was my entry point to Children Rising. The program – and the scholarship in particular – are near and dear to my heart. In my time, we’ve had some very special award recipients. […]
By Eric Steckel
June 18, 2019 | Read More
As I read Jordan White’s essay for the Eddie College Scholarship application, I was stunned by the traumatic experience she recounted. How could such overt racism be tolerated in an East Bay high school, where we pride ourselves on values of inclusion and community? When this smart, athletic and brave young lady sat down before […]
By Eric Steckel
June 11, 2019 | Read More
June 1st was pretty special! We want to take a moment to thank all of you who contributed to our celebration of Children Rising. We could not have done it without your immense volunteer support and participation. As we spent the last week or so catching our breath and reflecting on another wonderful Hope for […]
By Children Rising
May 16, 2019 | Read More
Have you ever sought a volunteer opportunity with Children Rising , but cannot commit to being a reading or math tutor? Then we’ve got the perfect opportunity for you. Succeeding by Reading is seeking a few good Literacy Elves for summer volunteer service. Literacy Elves provide crucial support to our reading clinics by cleaning, checking, […]
By Eric Steckel
April 18, 2019 | Read More
Grade Level Math Skills Are Crucial For Struggling Students When Brooklyn saw Mr. Paul waiting in the hall outside her second-grade classroom, she broke out in a grin. Despite being eager for that morning’s field trip, she was delighted that her Path2Math tutor was here for his weekly visit. It was a big change from […]
By Jim Wambach
April 10, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Our Community Must Nurture and Equip Vulnerable Children to Rise Above “Let us remember: one child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world“ Malala Yousafzai Now, more than ever, the full support of our community is required to help nurture and equip vulnerable children […]
By Chelsea Boniak
March 19, 2019 | Read More
How you helped vulnerable students catch up A few weeks ago, our normally quiet office was buzzing with activity as impromptu tutor training sessions began—supplies were gathered, coffee brewed, and tutors arrived. During this time, the teachers in Oakland schools were on strike. This brought our clinics to a temporary halt while we waited with […]
By Chelsea Boniak
March 12, 2019 | Read More
Summer Internship in Oakland: Important for Career Development Who doesn’t like a little holiday treat at Christmas? This holiday season, CareerBridge partnered with Ralph J. Bunche Academy High School in West Oakland to organize a tasty enterprise combining the efforts of CareerBridge Entrepreneurship Training Program students and the Ralph Bunche Culinary Arts Program. Bunches of […]
By Eric Steckel
March 5, 2019 | Read More
by Linda Joseph, Volunteer Succeeding by Reading tutor This spring, we are excited to share the words of Linda Joseph, a volunteer reading tutor working with our Succeeding by Reading program. This year I am proud to work with a student named Jadon who has blossomed in his reading. But it took time, trust and […]
By Jim Wambach
February 21, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director An Education Crisis We are in the midst of a public education crisis throughout our country. The crisis is particularly acute within the urban, lower income neighborhoods of our largest cities. Now, more than ever, the full support of our community is required to help nurture and equip […]
By Jim Wambach
January 25, 2019 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower” – Alexander Den Heijer “Every child has a different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also capable of succeeding” – Robert John Meehan Dear […]
By Children Rising
December 24, 2018 | Read More
As we celebrate advent and the birth of Christ, I want to thank you for the gifts you have shared throughout the year. Your contribution of time, talent and treasure has helped thousands of struggling children. While it is always better to give than to receive, my sincere hope is that you have received something […]
By Jim Wambach
December 22, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Part 1: Volunteer Tutor: It’s NOT JUST About Getting Better Grades! Empowerment: “The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights” – Oxford Dictionary Dear Friends, Earlier this week, I was speaking to a woman who is passionate about helping […]
By Children Rising
December 21, 2018 | Read More
As 2018 comes to a close, I reflect upon what an amazing year it has been here at Children Rising . Through your steadfast partnership, generosity and prayers, we have been able to go deeper and broader as we come alongside children and youth at the crossroad of promise and risk. Here are just a […]
By Eric Steckel
December 18, 2018 | Read More
“Summer internships give you a view of the world, and life, and I wouldn’t have had a chance to do this without CareerBridge.” Alicia has big dreams for her future, as well as a lot of drive and initiative. However, opportunities to gain valuable summer internship opportunities seemed totally out of reach… until she heard […]
By Children Rising
December 15, 2018 | Read More
by Amy Hood, Health4Kids volunteer This winter, we are excited to share the words of Amy Hood, a volunteer working with our Health4Kids program. “This is my second school year volunteering with Health4Kids. A few years ago, Children Rising started working in partnership with Project Peace, an organization where I serve on the board and […]
By Eric Steckel
December 7, 2018 | Read More
“When they feel safe, and that you’re on their side, they’ll take a risk in learning.” – Leslie Carey, Path2Math Tutor Dominic is an enthusiastic, confident second-grader at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Oakland. However, like so many of his classmates, Dominic is substantially below grade level in math and reading. “This has […]
By Chelsea Boniak
November 23, 2018 | Read More
“Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.” — Jean de La Bruyère, French writer Dear Friends, #GivingTuesday is just around the corner… and we need your help! Entering its seventh year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the […]
By Jim Wambach
November 22, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director “In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer Dear Friends, This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of worshipping with our friends at First Presbyterian Church […]
By Children Rising
November 21, 2018 | Read More
Satisfy your sweet tooth… or share with someone special. During this holiday season, Children Rising’s CareerBridge Program is proud to continue our partnership with Ralph J. Bunche Academy High School in West Oakland. We are working together with students from Bunche’s Culinary Arts Program to offer our “Bunches of Sweetness” – Holiday Peppermint Bark, a […]
By Chelsea Boniak
November 16, 2018 | Read More
Our 2018 Matching Fund Campaign Is At the Midway Point As we embarked on our 4th Matching Fund Campaign, we set a high bar. Our goal? To say “Yes!” to hundreds of more 2nd grade children struggling with grade-level math and reading. Here we are at the midway point, and we are grateful, and humbled, […]
By Jim Wambach
October 30, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director There is an education crisis affecting our city’s most vulnerable children. Let’s all say “YES!” … so more children can escape the vicious cycle of poverty and violence. Dear Community, Is the plight of urban public schools one of the civil rights issues of our generation? I strongly believe […]
By Eric Steckel
October 17, 2018 | Read More
I remember my days as a recent college graduate. It was the middle of an economic recession, and I struggled to find a job. I had plenty of time on my hands, and what I really wanted to do was travel. Unfortunately, I had no money! So much for those travel plans! Eventually, I was […]
By Eric Steckel
September 21, 2018 | Read More
by Nathan Talavera, CareerBridge Student I am a recent graduate of the Ralph J. Bunche Academy in Oakland. This fall, I am enrolling in City College of Berkeley. But it’s not always been an easy path. I am the eldest of 5 kids in my family, and I’m responsible for being a role model. Ever […]
By Eric Steckel
September 20, 2018 | Read More
Volunteer Math Tutor Program a Partnership With Oakland Unified School District As we settle into a new school year, Children Rising staff are feverishly putting the final touches to our program preparations and are eager to begin working with wonderful new students. This year, there is added excitement in the air as we launch our […]
By Chelsea Boniak
September 19, 2018 | Read More
A Reading Tutor – and a book about octopuses – helped ignite a passion for reading! Soraida began the school year as a shy child who lacked confidence, struggling to learn and read in English. Soraida’s teachers helped partner her with a Succeeding by Reading tutor. However, after limited success with both English and Spanish […]
By Chelsea Boniak
September 13, 2018 | Read More
One-to-one math tutor helps a struggling student catch up to his fellow students Like many of the students in our Path2Math and Succeeding by Reading intervention programs, Emiliano lacked confidence as he entered his 5th grade math class. “They think they can’t do the work. In their mind they’re not as smart as the other […]
By Jim Wambach
September 11, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” ~Dalai Lama Dear Children Rising Community, As you can see from the personal stories we have shared throughout the year, our programs are not just about helping children develop key reading, math and […]
By Pearl Wang
August 13, 2018 | Read More
Today was the first day of school for Oakland students! The next few weeks will be full of reunions with old friends, exciting new relationships, and journeys into worlds of ideas and knowledge. Unfortunately, for the thousands of children who struggle with reading or basic math, the first day of school is also the start […]
By Eric Steckel
August 12, 2018 | Read More
Are you ready to take the #ChampionsForChildren Challenge? As Oakland children and youth get ready to go back to school, we are excited to announce the #ChampionsForChildren Challenge. #ChampionsForChildren is much more than just a fundraising campaign. It is a peer-to-peer campaign that relies on you, our champions, to spread the word to your network. […]
By Pearl Wang
August 2, 2018 | Read More
Before the school year starts up again, we’d like to thank each and every one of our volunteers for the time, energy, and affection they put into volunteering. Please join us in recognizing our 2017-2018 volunteers and community partners: To download the PDF file, click Volunteer Appreciation 2018.
By Eric Steckel
July 28, 2018 | Read More
This Summer has absolutely blown by! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the progress our young readers and math scholars made last year. Now, with the help of our ‘elves,’ we are preparing for another great school year, which begins in just a few short weeks. Throughout the summer, we have been diligently […]
By Pearl Wang
July 10, 2018 | Read More
Saturday, September 8, 9:00 – 11:30am
By Jim Wambach
July 10, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director This year’s Hope for Children Now Gala was a wonderful celebration. It was an opportunity to unite our Children Rising community, applaud the progress made by our children and youth, acknowledge the dedication of our volunteer tutors and mentors, and remind each other of the journey ahead. Two […]
By Chelsea Boniak
July 7, 2018 | Read More
Children Rising’s annual Hope for Children Now Benefit Gala took place on June 9, 2018 at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland. CareerBridge’s scholarship winners took center stage to be recognized for their exceptional performance in school and internships. Amber Johnson, Albert Mitchell, Garyon’tae Smith, and Haifa Algabri each received a $5,000 Eddie College Scholarship. […]
By Jim Wambach
June 5, 2018 | Read More
Perspectives article by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela, South African political leader Dear Children Rising Community, Thank you for all the help, love, understanding, and academic support that you have provided during this academic year! Because of your extraordinary […]
By Children Rising
June 5, 2018 | Read More
Article written by Pam May (Kids Count) and Jessie Palmatier (Admin) This year has been a time of building up here at Children Rising. Along with adding several new staff members, we are excited to introduce the newest addition to the Children Rising family of programs: Kids Count! This learner-centered math tutoring program seeks to […]
By Jim Wambach
April 27, 2018 | Read More
by Jim Wambach, Executive Director I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. – Leonardo da Vinci Dear Community, One volunteer + one child + love. A life filled with risk and despair can be transformed to a life […]
By Chelsea Boniak
April 25, 2018 | Read More
In the October 2017 newsletter, we featured a story about a CareerBridge intern named Karyn Lee. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Karyn’s mother, Marjorie, who shared her perspective on Karyn’s story. Before she connected with CareerBridge, Karyn was losing steam. Marjorie had watched her daughter struggle in school after Karyn’s father passed […]
By Children Rising
April 3, 2018 | Read More
by Eric Steckel, Communications Manager Imagine, for a moment, the smiling young boy in the picture. He’s about to graduate third grade with his entire life before him, full of unlimited possibilities. Perhaps one day he’ll study to be a doctor or create the Next Big Thing in tech. He holds so much promise and […]
By Children Rising
April 2, 2018 | Read More
by Kim Farnham-Flom, Director of Library Services Three years ago, Janice McClure was approaching retirement from her professional position. At that time, she read an article in the Children Rising newsletter about our contribution in opening and sustaining libraries in Oakland public schools*. Intrigued, she set about using some of her newfound time as a […]
By Children Rising
March 1, 2018 | Read More
by Jim Wambach, Executive Director It’s not what is poured into a student, but what is planted. – Linda Conway He who opens a school door, closes a prison. – Victor Hugo Dear Community, Many of you have done so much to help “at-promise” children in the East Bay. Though Children Rising prefers not […]
By Pearl Wang
March 1, 2018 | Read More
Gleoria Bradley-Sapp is a volunteer-turned-employee who joined us late last year as our newest reading clinic coordinator. We were in need and Gleoria stepped into the fray when we were at our wit’s end! Gleoria retired from the University of California in July 2009 where she had worked in the public service, education, and research […]
By Children Rising
February 28, 2018 | Read More
by Bronwyn Harris, teacher and author I taught third grade in the Oakland Unified School District for eight years. I was passionate about my work, and dearly loved the children in my classes. Each one of them had so much promise. However, I was teaching in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Oakland, a neighborhood […]
By Pearl Wang
January 29, 2018 | Read More
As I’m sure you’ve noticed from our previous newsletters, we’ve been adding to our staff. What’s amazing is that God has sent every one of these wonderful and talented people our way in response to our expressed needs. Here are a few more new faces! Pam P. May is our Program Coordinator with Children Rising’s […]
By Children Rising
January 27, 2018 | Read More
by Jim Wambach, Executive Director Children Rising is in the midst of an exciting season as 2018 begins. Building on the program benefits realized by the many “at-promise” children in our community during the last several school years, we are aggressively investing in our ability to both enhance these programs and to make it possible […]
By Eric Steckel
January 22, 2018 | Read More
As in life, there is no single path to a fulfilling career. Pursuing a career path that aligns your values and your passions is a very good place to start. As our CareerBridge program enters its fourth year at the Ralph J. Bunche Academy in West Oakland, we have witnessed many Oakland youth start down […]
By Children Rising
January 4, 2018 | Read More
Dear Children Rising Community, Together we are making a difference for so many “at-promise” children! In the 5 short months since I joined this wonderful community, I find myself grateful each day to be able to join all of you in this wonderful mission. All of us at Children Rising wish each of you […]
By Children Rising
December 6, 2017 | Read More
“Learning is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back.” – Chinese Proverb Dear Children Rising Community, As you may know, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is experiencing significant budget challenges – challenges that the school board and administration are working extremely hard to address. If successful (and I believe they will be), […]
By Children Rising
December 6, 2017 | Read More
In October, we welcomed Dave to the Children Rising team as CareerBridge Program Manager. Since 2015, Dave has been living in Oakland where he discovered his passion for mission ministries and education. In addition to Children Rising, Dave also serves at Cityteam Oakland Program and has founded a God-centered organization called DIVIN3KINGDOM, which uses hip-hop […]
By Children Rising
December 6, 2017 | Read More
Article by Dave Sundman, CareerBridge Program Manager One of the things Children Rising strives to do is to be responsive to needs expressed by teachers and staff. A month or so into the school year, Principal Betsye Steele of Ralph J. Bunche Academy voiced her concern that, due to scheduling issues, students graduating in December […]
By Chelsea Boniak
October 27, 2017 | Read More
Meet Brenda, our newest Succeeding by Reading Clinic Coordinator. She is a retired federal service Human Resources Director. During her over 40 years of service, she managed and directed a large staff of professionals who performed the full range of human resources duties, including training and development. Her involvement with Children Rising began at least […]
By Chelsea Boniak
October 27, 2017 | Read More
Dear Children Rising Community, As our staff, volunteers, and community partners once again team with our school districts to support at-promise children within the East Bay, we believe the more we “can make hard things easy”, the more Children Rising and our partners are able to make a profound difference through our various programs. First, […]
By Chelsea Boniak
October 27, 2017 | Read More
by Eric Steckel, CareerBridge mentor I met Quaylin Wesley – or Quay as his friends call him – in the spring of 2016. He had recently completed his junior year at McClymonds High School (known colloquially as “Mack”) in West Oakland and was about to begin a summer internship at tech giant Intel, one that Children Rising’s CareerBridge […]
By Pearl Wang
October 2, 2017 | Read More
Reading clinics have just started, but it’s not at all too late to join. There are many struggling readers in need of tutors. We are always recruiting tutors, even during the school year. Email volunteer@children-rising.org to sign up for a training session. And bring a friend! Saturday, October 7, 9:00 – 11:30 am Tuesday, October 17, 3:00 […]
By Children Rising
October 2, 2017 | Read More
For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other. – Millard Fuller Dear Children Rising Community, Children Rising’s ability to serve is made possible through a wonderful and diverse community of love and care. Every day we see examples of how this community is […]
By Pearl Wang
October 2, 2017 | Read More
In September, our CareerBridge directors Margena Wade-Green and Michelle Hutcherson received a wonderful email from a CareerBridge student. Subject: Thank You Dear Ms. Margena and Ms. Michelle, I never got the chance to formally thank you for giving me an opportunity to intern at Caltrans through your program. I learned so much and it was […]
By Pearl Wang
October 2, 2017 | Read More
On a bright Wednesday morning in September, close to fifty reading tutors filled our Children Rising office almost to bursting. The event? Our yearly Returning Tutor Refresher Training. Some attendees were returning tutors who joined us just last year or who are coming back after a hiatus. Others were long-time tutors who have faithfully come […]
By Chelsea Boniak
September 11, 2017 | Read More
This July and August we had the privilege to work with some amazing students in our CareerBridge students. We are proud of each of them for working hard, learning new skills and taking advice from their mentors and employers. Two of our interns published newsletters profiling some of their CareerBridge peers. Check out the newsletters […]
By Children Rising
August 28, 2017 | Read More
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You can vote in elections once a year but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. -Unknown Our Succeeding by Reading Clinics will start up in a month! Email volunteer@children-rising.org to sign up for a training session. Trainings […]
By Children Rising
August 28, 2017 | Read More
CareerBridge: Hard at Work In the spring CareerBridge trained 45 students from Ralph Bunche Academy and McClymonds High School in college and career readiness through our Business Essentials Workshops. Six students were partnered with wonderful volunteer mentors. In the summer, we placed 17 students, including those with mentors, at BART, Brain Balance, Caltrans, Martin Luther […]
By Children Rising
August 28, 2017 | Read More
“The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi – As another school year begins, the above quote very much resonated with me. There are few areas of the future we can all individually impact as much as when we help our wonderful children to have a good start in life. […]
By Children Rising
July 28, 2017 | Read More
Dear Children Rising Community, I am excited to become a part of this wonderful community. I’m also humbled to be in a position to build upon what you’ve accomplished over 16 years of supporting the children in the East Bay. Children Rising’s service in the East Bay is made possible through good relationships with donors, […]
By Children Rising
July 28, 2017 | Read More
How do we appreciate thee? Let us count the ways: Thank you for taking part in Children Rising’s mission of supporting at-promise children Thank you for serving behind the scenes by stuffing envelopes and moving furniture Thank you for the expertise and experience you impart to your high school mentee Thank you for gently reining […]
By Chelsea Boniak
July 9, 2017 | Read More
Children Rising is delighted to announce the selection of James Wambach as our new Executive Director. He is married to Sophia and together, they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Jim is passionate about serving youth in the East Bay community in the hopes of dramatically and positively affecting the trajectory of their lives. Six years […]
By Children Rising
July 5, 2017 | Read More
As many of you know, I am retiring from serving as Children Rising’s president as of June 30, 2017. It’s time for fresh vision, energetic enthusiasm, and discerning wisdom for Children Rising to move into the next level of mission impact. During this time of transition, one of our founding principles comes to mind: “Children […]
By Children Rising
July 5, 2017 | Read More
Children Rising’s annual Hope for Children Now Benefit Gala took place on June 3, 2017 at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland. The talented Westlake Middle School Jazz Ensemble (far left photo) provided great music as 300-some guests arrived. During the program, we were honored to meet newly-selected OUSD Superintendent Dr. […]
By Children Rising
May 30, 2017 | Read More
You can win one of our amazing raffle prizes whether you attend the gala or not! Unless you plan to purchase raffle tickets at the gala, please CALL IN (510-836-5100) your raffle order by Thursday, June 1, 4:45 pm. Raffle ticket prices are $10 for 1 ticket $25 for 3 tickets $50 for 7 tickets. Raffle tickets will […]
By Children Rising
May 30, 2017 | Read More
Congratulations and welcome to Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, our newly selected Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) superintendent! Here is an excerpt from the OUSD press release: Born and raised in East Oakland and a third generation Oaklander, Johnson-Trammell is a fierce advocate for Oakland public schools, having attended Montclair Elementary and Montera Middle School. She holds […]
By Children Rising
May 1, 2017 | Read More
Over the past eleven years Children Rising has channeled thousands of Oakland/East Bay public school students into Mission Springs Outdoor Education (MSOE) camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. Our maiden voyage was February 21-23, 2006 when some 30 students from Burckhalter Elementary headed for Mission Springs. I’ll never forget the fifth-grade girl who upon arrival […]
By Pearl Wang
March 31, 2017 | Read More
Children Rising’s Annual Hope for Children Now Benefit Gala Register Here! Saturday, June 3, 2017 Scottish Rite Grand Ballroom Lake Merritt, Oakland For more information, call the office at 510.836.5100, or email chelsea@children-rising.org. Register Here! Back to BLOG posts
By Pearl Wang
March 31, 2017 | Read More
Once every month, every student at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary (MLK) gets a class visit to the STEAM-Coding Lab, which is led by Margena Wade-Green and Michelle Hutcherson, our Director and Assistant Director of Science Horizons. The STEAM-Coding lab allows students to work with hands-on science activities to augment what they’ve learned in their […]
By Children Rising
March 31, 2017 | Read More
Looking back on 16 years of outreach to East Bay schools, I find it mind-boggling to think that we’ve had the honor of knowing and supporting thousands of students. Where most of them are today, I wish I knew. In most cases a child comes into one of our programs for a year or two […]