Brian Morin
Educational Director
Futures School

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Futures School is deeply committed to diversity in all we do and stand for. It is at the heart of our work to provide opportunities and empower students with disabilities and those who are disadvantaged to pursue life to its fullest and know the satisfaction of personal accomplishments.

Archive for February, 2010

Futures Joins in on National Effort – Give a Day, Get a Day with Disney

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Disney set out on a mission to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a non-profit organization in their community. By early February they already had 600,000 volunteers.  Their goal to reach 1 million volunteers by the end of the year seems more than attainable.

Futures joined in on this effort offering volunteers the opportunity to provide some well needed support with our Futures School and office buildings. Since posting our first opportunity in early February we have had over 70 volunteers’ requests for information, 20 commitments have been scheduled, and 14 people have already volunteered. In this short month, we have met some great people who truly want to make a difference. Some have offered to take their efforts further and organize fundraising efforts for Futures School. Now that’s expansion of the program.

Volunteer opportunities through Futures include hosting home shows where participants sell items from Futures Gift Shop. All money raised goes towards recreational activities, computer hardware and software, and educational materials for Futures students and clients.  Office cleaning, painting and carpentry are some of the other volunteer opportunities available.

To learn more about the Disney Give a Day, Get a Day program and the volunteer opportunities available visit www.disneyparks.com or contact Mary McNelis at mmcnelis@futures-ct.org

Futures Receives $8000 from Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

On a cold wintery morning our Executive Director Pam DonAroma opened a letter from the Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation and sure enough Futures had been awarded $8000 for the continued development of the Berlin/Kensington Out and About Club.  This $8000 grant would take Futures work with this group to the next level.

The Out & About club consists of young adults with special needs. Their mission is to offer a social club where new friendships can be formed and new social experiences can be had.

With this funding Futures will create social and cultural events, organize trips and host special parties for the recreation club. Further program development includes gathering participant’s ideas and recommendations for activities that support their interests and expanding upon the calendar of events currently in place.

The Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation was established in 1957 to support and promote quality educational, cultural, human services, environmental and health care programming for undeserved populations. The Marjorie Moore Charitable Foundation specifically serves the people in the Kensington and Berlin Communities—a perfect match for Futures work with The Out and About Club.

To learn more about the Kensington/Berlin Out & About Club contact Mary Greene at mgreene@futures-ct.org.

New Curricula added to Supplemental Educational Services Program

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

In 2003 Supplemental Education Services was introduced to Connecticut.  Futures was one of the first providers approved by the Department of Education and we have consistently served CT students since its inception.

Futures SES program continues to grow and we now serve over 400 students throughout Connecticut.  With this growth comes change to our curricula, which continues to be aligned with the Connecticut Department of Educational Standards.

The new curricula is the result of an increased number of students being served by Futures and our continued efforts to stay at the fore front of tutoring services throughout Connecticut.  Staying true to our mission of teaching each individual child Futures customizes individual programs based on student’s needs.

The research-based curriculum provides team leaders and tutors with several different curriculums including Voyages in Reading, CMT Coach, CAPT Coach, Focus on Math, Focus on Reading, and Language for Learning. Offering multiple curriculum options allows our staff to meet a variety of learning needs.

To learn more about Futures Supplemental Services Program, Contact Shellie Zaniewski at Szaniewski@futures-ct.org or Amy Eaton at aeaton@futures-ct.org

Futures Gift Shop Now Open In Middletown, CT

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

As of March 1st Futures Middletown office is sporting a new look.  As you enter Sweet Harmony Café located on the first floor of Futures Office you will find a new gift shop.

Supporting a good cause close to home will be easy as the store is packed with unique gifts for family and friends. All proceeds benefit Futures special needs students and clients who may come from economically disadvantaged families.  Recreational activities, computer hardware and software, and educational materials will be purchased with the money raised.

Staffed by students and clients the shop offers a wide selection of gifts and special services including, woman’s accessories: such as jewelry and purses, home furnishings; including hostess gifts and gardening products, and specialty foods. Custom gift baskets and wedding and shower favors can be ordered for that special occasion.  Stop by often as specialty products will be added each season.

Gift Shop hours are Monday though Saturday 11-3:00p.m.  Private appointments can be scheduled by calling Mary Greene at (860) 347-5099 ext. 211.