Heart House Austin
July 2008

Note: If you have problems viewing the graphics included in this email, a copy of this
e-newsletter can be seen online at http://www.hearthouse.org/newsletter.htm
  

In this issue:

• Summer Interns Lend their Talent and Enthusiasm to the Heart House Tribe

• Heard at Heart House

• Upcoming Events!

  • Make Your Girls Night Out our Fundraiser at Tiara Tuesday 

  • Celebrity Designers Showcased at Angels on the Runway

• Student Spotlights

• Heart House Angels: Friends and Supporters Who Make Our Program Possible

• What We're Studying This Month

• This Month's Photo Scrapbook 

• Volunteer in Austin

• Major Heart House Sponsors

Summer Interns Lend their Talent and Enthusiasm to the Heart House Tribe

This year marked a highly successful year for Heart House, including the addition of several interns who have worked incredibly hard on many projects for our program! They have taken on some amazing leadership roles, resulting in added creativity, productivity, and advocacy for Heart House. 

A friendly working atmosphere and a healthy degree of responsibility balance the intern experience while at Heart House. "Because the interns are accepted and respected as peers, after having a great summer experience, many opt to continue volunteering during the school year,” said Diane Cannon, Executive Director. “This year's interns represent the 'cream of the crop. I am very pleased that our internship program benefits these young people and provides a solid foundation of training as they proceed on their career paths. Imparting these young people with new skills, entrusting them with responsibilities and providing new opportunities are part of a commitment that Heart House is proud to make."

Our summer interns are:

Kendra Kaderka, Program Assistant 
Kendra works closely with our Program Director to assist in various programming projects. “My time here has given me the opportunity to learn all about the program, including creating the curriculum, getting guest speakers, and teaching the classes," said Kendra. "This summer I am having a lot of fun leading the Mad Science activities at the South site. Being with the kids and watching them learn in a fun environment is definitely my favorite aspect of Heart House!”  Since the addition of her to our team in the early spring, she has connected us with a handful of awesome guest speakers from organizations all over Austin, she has taught several classes, maintained contact with important community collaborators and volunteers, and created her own Mad Science class to teach at our Heart House South site this summer! Kendra is a rising senior in the Plan II program at the University of Texas, majoring in biology. "She really is a dynamite lady, full of dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism," says Monica Armendariz, Heart House Program Director.

Ella Daniels, Anthropological Intern 
Ella first contacted Heart House with a curiosity for learning more about the inside workings of a non-profit. In doing so, she created a special research project to observe the characteristics of our Heart House culture. Says Kendra, “Above all the skills and knowledge gained from Heart House, I enjoyed my experience being around the children. While I was supposed to be jotting down notes for the observation study, I found myself reading or coloring with the kids. Heart House's afterschool [program] has a good-hearted atmosphere. Kids are willing to learn even after school hours and they are having fun doing it! Heart House is a positive influence on these kids and helps build the community. I am glad to be part of it.”   During the spring semester, she spent her time observing both Heart House locations in Austin to discover the many facets of our Heart House family and this summer she is putting it all together to present her findings.  She holds an anthropology degree and is currently interested in pursuing future opportunities in a non-profit environment.

Timothy McCarthy, PR/Branding Intern 
Tim is an MBA student at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University specializing in marketing. He returned to school after six years in the record industry hoping to change careers and become involved with non profit organizations. Tim learned about Heart House through Idealist.org and applied for a summer internship. He was excited to work with an organization that focuses on helping children as he has taught second graders about business in their community with Junior Achievement and participated in the Big Brother program and really enjoyed those opportunities. The Heart House opportunity gives Tim the chance to work directly with Founder Anna Land and Development Director Megan Heredia.  Tim feels his internship experience has been nothing short of incredible as Anna and Megan have allowed him to work on exciting assignments and given him great access to everybody in the Heart House family.  

Alexa Wagner & Yuri Hattori
Summer Program Interns
The Heart House Staff is super excited to have two fantastic summer program interns this year! These ladies share a passion for serving children and give 110% every day. Alexa Wagner is a Junior at Notre Dame University with a double major in Environmental Science and Political Science. She joined Heart House in Mid-May and provided much-appreciated support to the staff during the summer planning session. The Austin native enjoys Jazz and African dance and going to movies. She has a passion for the environment and has been teaching a summer class at Heart House called “Enviro-kids.” Alexa is teaching them how “their actions can have an impact on the earth and its inhabitants.” The kids have already made recycling boxes for paper, plastic and aluminum and recycle their lunch trash every day. After graduation, Alexa plans to volunteer at a South American orphanage for a couple of years. We’re so glad she decided to share her talents and passions with Heart House! We will bid Alexa bon voyage in late July as she leaves for a semester abroad in London.

Yuri Hattori hails from Takarazuka, Japan, about 30 minutes from Osaka. She travelled to the US in order to learn about American Non-Profits that serve children. At home, she teaches Japanese as a Second Language to children from China, Korea, Peru and Brazil. She enjoys teaching one-on-one. “It’s very easy to develop a relationship with the kids. We don’t have program leaders (like at Heart House) so when we’re short on volunteers it’s difficult. When we have events their parents cook Peruvian food and it’s great!” Yuri enjoys recruiting volunteers at her university to work with the children. “There are some college student volunteers and others who are professionals. It’s interesting to meet them and learn from them.” Yuri has been teaching Japanese and Origami to the kids at Heart House. “The kids are interested in paper crafts and in Japanese culture; lots want to visit Japan. It’s very important for the kids to know other cultures and expand their minds. I am very happy they feel that way.” The staff is very happy Yuri traveled across the world to work with Heart House this summer! We wish her all the best as she returns to Japan in August to complete her Masters in Policy Studies at Kwansei Gakuin University.

Erik Jensen, Board Development Intern
Erik Jensen is a graduate of Cornell College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English & Philosophy and his passion for service began. He later combined his passion for service with education while working as a housing official at the University of South Carolina, producing extensive programming to better serve international students living in his building. He loves bringing out the inner potential of each individual and actively seeks out opportunities to help others. While not busy with Heart House's board development materials, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife (Kelly) and friends, cooking, travel and volunteering.

Abraham Arevalo
Abe served as a volunteer last school year working with the children in our afterschool program.  This summer he is serving as an intern working with founder Anna Land to complete an organizational capacity study and help the Board of Directors analyze the results of this study.  Abe is also working on the Heart House Texas growth plan by which Heart House will expand to 20 Heart House centers in 5 Texas cities by the year 2020.  

George Freeborn Jr. and David Matthews, Heart House Culture Interns
The Heart House staff would like to offer a special thanks to George Freeborn Jr. and David Matthews for their outstanding work this spring and summer!  These MBA students from St. Edwards University have undertaken a special project for their class in organizational management.  They are studying Heart House culture and assisting the staff in developing a strategic plan to export our culture to the new sites in Houston and around Texas.  David has previous experience as a swim coach and school volunteer and was drawn to Heart House by our mission to serve low-income youth.  He discovered a perfect match between his class assignment to study organizational culture and our own need to expand our cultural knowledge.  “Everyone at Heart House really cares.  They’re personally vested in the organization.  They bring smiles to work and are really involved with the kids.  This is an indication of success.”  George agrees.  He has encouraged the staff to read “Throw Out All the Rules” and his regular presence at Heart House has encouraged the staff to take a deeper look at the way our organization operates.  Every member of the senior staff has been interviewed by George and this process has helped put words to the elusive notion of organizational culture.  He and David will continue to work with Heart House as we refine our vision and prepare to open the new site in Houston.  We’re so glad to have these excellent volunteers on board!

“Heart House is the most fun summer camp I have ever been to!” — Anisa, dropped in our “Ear that Hears” box.

“I had a great today!”  — Anonymous note dropped in our “Ear that Hears” box.

Student in Badgerpup:“Ms. Monica, why can’t we write poetry every day?”
Monica, our Program Director: “You can!”
Student: [Thinking hard] “Oh….yeah…I guess I can!”

Being a Heart House volunteer is an opportunity to play an influential role in keeping kids safe, engaged in positive learning experiences, and interacting with caring role models.  Volunteering at Heart House is a fun and uplifting experience, and all it takes is a few hours a month.  

• Camp Heart House will continue through August 8th, Monday-Friday from 9 am - 3 pm.

• It's not too early to be thinking about our fall program which starts in September!   

• We're also looking for about 20 volunteers to help us the night of our big event, August 23.  

For more information, contact Kimberly Truitt at volunteer@hearthouse.org or 929-8187.  Or fill out an online application for Austin today!

Upcoming orientations at Heart House are listed below.  You may attend either location for an orientation, regardless of which Heart House you plan to volunteer at!

Heart House has two fantastic fundraising and friend-celebrating opportunities coming up on our calendar.  

Make Your Girls Night Out our Fundraiser at Tiara Tuesday, July 22nd 

Heart House would like to extend a special thanks to the lovely ladies at austinwoman magazine for selecting Heart House as the charitable recipient of funds generated from their monthly "Tiara Tuesday" happy hour and social gathering in July.

austinwoman has been a wonderful friend and partner to Heart House, sponsoring our fashion show event last year and generating funds from Tiara Tuesday both last year and again this year.  Not only does Tiara Tuesday generate donations that help to fund Heart House's programs, but it also introduces Heart House to a new group of vibrant women at the event. 

Additionally, the August issue of austinwoman will focus on Fashion & Family, and there will be a spread on Heart House and our 2nd Annual Charity Fashion Show: Angels on the Runway which will be held on August 23 - perfect timing!  Be sure to check out the August issue of austinwoman to read all about it.

Please consider joining us (sorry, men -- ladies only!) and austinwoman on Tuesday, July 22 at Cuba Libre (4th & Colorado) from 6-8pm to celebrate Tiara Tuesday with these great ladies and benefit Heart House at the same time!  This event features free admission and a not-to-be-missed raffle.

Celebrity Designers Showcased at Angels on the Runway charity fashion show benefiting Heart House, August 23rd

Heart House is thrilled to announce that Robert Comstock will be the featured menswear designer in the Heart House Charity Fashion Show to be held on August 23 at the Austin Music Hall.

The international designer will showcase his upscale sportswear line for men in the fashion show, and has also made an exceptionally generous donation to the event's silent auction. Robert will design a custom, one-of-a-kind piece for the winning bidder (male or female). He will even have a one-on-one consultation and meet-and-greet with the winner to understand his/her tastes and lifestyle.

You will not want to miss seeing Robert's beautiful designs live nor having the opportunity to bid on this one-of-a-kind piece on August 23.  Tickets to this lush event are on sale now and going fast.  Click here to purchase tickets.

Heart House would like to thank Keepers exceptional men's apparel for sponsoring Robert's participation in the show. Robert Comstock's fashions can be found/purchased at Keepers.  Here are a few pictures of Robert's work:

   

Heart House is delighted to introduce our second lead designer, Joanna Ruley-Garza.  Joanna is an upscale eveningwear/bridal couture designer and celebrity fashion stylist. She is also a professional makeup artist and advanced aesthetician. She loves all things beautiful and wishes to beautify the world one woman at a time. She has over 15 years experience primarily in the NYC and international markets.

 

Joanna relocated to the Hill Country in 2007 with her husband and three beautiful children. She was attracted to the natural beauty of the area, culturally hip and diverse group of people and the growing business opportunities in the Texas print and film industries. She shows her line, by appointment only, in her South Austin Studio to private clients and boutiques and also bases her commercial Makeup Artistry/Advanced Aesthetics and Costume Design business here. She is presently Creative Director of the "Angels On the Runway" 2nd Annual Heart House Fashion Show benefiting the children of Heart House. She also can be seen making guest appearances on FOX "Good Day Austin" as a celebrity stylist.  

Joanna's holiday collection was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's Garden Oasis Home in Marrakech, Morocco, where she had the pleasure of visiting the garden and often dream of that special place. The color palette of gold, black, red and ivory are symbolic of Moorish Textiles and tile work. The feathered detailing is an ode to the exotic birds that make the garden their home. The faux snake skin is an ode to the garden snake that startled her one day in the garden, and the beaded floral detailing on some of the pieces is an ode to the beautiful and lush flora that makes the garden so unforgettable.

   
    

Heart House North: Gabi 

Gabi, pictured below, is a rising 5th grader who has shown tremendous improvement in her effort and attitude at Heart House! Gabi has been attending our program for the past year. She has had some rough times, but recently decided to make some positive changes in her life by joining our Badgerpups creative writing workshop and learning how to deal with her feelings in a healthier manner through journaling in her spare time. She is also a current Heart House Idol contestant, bravely performing by herself and motivated to do the best she can by spending extra time working on her act during and outside of the program. She has truly matured over the past semester, and we are very proud of the progress she has made in just a few short months! We think she is a true testament to the unique role Heart House is able to play in allowing children to make better decisions and express themselves openly and honestly!

Heart House South: Peyton, Nhya, and Keishaun

Peyton Atchinson
Peyton is always listening and trying to help out in any way she can. Her participation is awesome and she is always very respectful. (no photo available)

Nhya Harper
Nhya is always on task and super focused. She lends a helping hand to all of the students (without being asked) and has amazing manners. She is a fierce competitor and a good sport. Nhya has a fantastic sense of humor and she is a joy to have in the summer program! (pictured below)

Keishaun Holt
If a question is asked of the class or a volunteer is needed, Keishaun is always the first to display daily examples of critical thinking with his quest for information. Furthermore, he is always respectful and supportive of his fellow classmates. (pictured below)

Thank you to our many donors and friends who donated funds, time, and talent to our organization this month!   Heart House especially thanks our new friends who attended the Keepers MODA/VINO event and purchased items at the silent auction in support of Heart House.  For more information on donating to Heart House, please visit our website at http://www.hearthouse.org/giving.htm.

New and Recurring Donors:

Anonymous Donors
Scott Bils
Rob Collins
Stacy Ehrlich
Foundation Communities
James Gallagher
Adeline Gobin
Susan Gobin
Grant & Amy Hansen
Stuart Hobbie
IBM Employee Service Center
Jack Land
Ann Laubach
Charles & Jeanne MacArthur
McCormick Foundation
Richardson Miller
Matthew Morgan
Emeka Obianwu
Stephen & Linda Oprendek III
Katy Gallagher Parker
Sunil Patel
CeCe Ridder
Jay Rogers
Jeff & Sydney Searcy
Shari Shivers
Martin Strobel
Visa International's Employee Campaign
Amy Wilson

Lights……Camera…….Action! The first part of our summer program consisted of allowing the students to choose certain projects to work on—theatre, music videos, or television. The second part of our summer focuses on allowing the students to be the driving force in the creation and production of these various types of performance and filming. Each group has chosen its desired end product—and we look forward to seeing the amazing experience they will gain from working as a team towards a final product! Projects already in the works include: a music video for “Cupid Shuffle”, Heart House News Show, Heart House SportsCenter, and two plays!

We had such a spectacular group of guests for the first half of summer and would like to thank them for sharing their time and talents with us:

• Bill and Chris from Gorilla Productions dropped by the North site to teach the kids about storyboarding for their music video.

• Luke McClory visited both centers and shared his love and experience with scriptwriting.

• Students of the Holy Cross High School visited both centers to help out at Heart House North. They even performed, judged, and filmed for our first Heart House Idol show!

• Fermin Navar, entrepreneur and business owner from Lakeway, showed the kids at both Heart House locations how to create their own special lotions!

• On Friday, June 22nd, Heart House North and South locations hosted groups of High School leadership students in town for a conference at St. Edwards University .  Thanks so much to the students who made Friday the most fun day of the week!

Here are some of the books we're reading this month as our literacy connection to our theme:

And previously we studied...

The first half of the summer, Heart House kids were working hard to build knowledge and skills related to different aspects of production. Different production groups brainstormed many of the roles and responsibilities required to make a performance and production successful. In addition, we had some very talented visitors drop by to share their skills in scriptwriting, storyboarding, and theatre improv. And all of this is in addition to our awesome line-up of other ongoing summer activities which include service learning, foreign language, cooking, health and exercise, science, and the beginning of Heart House Idol!

Heart House Program Sponsors and Diamond Sponsors provide core support for our mission. Please join us in recognizing and thanking them for making Heart House possible.

Program Heart Sponsors

Diamond Heart Sponsors

  
The Heart House Herald is an online publication of Heart House, a free afterschool program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens.  

www.hearthouse.org