 | Quarterly Newsletter: April 2009
Issue 1 | We are very excited to share with you our first quarterly newsletter. As our program participants are very talented, we wanted to share with you some of their personal stories, videos, and drawings that were created. As an additional bit of great news, WNA is one of the featured Oakland Earth Day projects that will be visited by Councilmember Nadel. Please join us for the festivities in giving back to the community on April 18, 2009 from 12-5 pm.
 | | | Join Us for Earth Day (Top^) | 
Renew Your Commitment to Better our Community
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Please join What Now America, KIPP Bridge Charter School and the City of Oakland on Saturday April 18th for EARTH DAY 2009. Spend your AM with us giving back to the community and making a difference. | | Meet Trish (Program Attendee/Volunteer) (Top^) |  Trish has been attending our program since our very first kickoff event. She came to our event with her nieces and nephews in hand allowing us to provide them with a fun filled, educational day. However, what we did not expect is to be able to build such a strong relationship and bond with Trish that would have her returning back to our programs on a weekly basis.
Trish has become an active member of her own community- she lives in the neighborhood and says she has never felt so motivated to giving back to her neighbors and is impressed with the board members of What Now America. "WNA is able to get parents and families to come and stick around during the program times on Saturdays, something that is just not typical as we are located in such a rough area," Trish says.
Attending our program on a routinely basis, not only does Trish help volunteer as a leader for the children who attend, but many of times she is also at the table participating in the many activities the younger children partake in.
According to Trish, "a day here is enlightening, empowering, and exciting. When you can change a kid's heart and show them something new- you know it just can't get any better than that." | | Meet Lela Mae (Program Attendee) (Top^) |  Lela Mae is not your typical senior in high school. At the age of 17, Mae attends our programs every Saturday with not only herself but her seven siblings and cousins in hand. Being one of our faithful returning high school students attending our weekly programs, we wonder what has kept her coming back.
According to Mae, "the interactions I have, the relationships I have formed with the volunteers and board members of WNA, is my most favorite part of this program." This is the place where she feels she is in a peaceful, fun and cool community where she can be in an environment free of chaos and arguing.
We asked her what her favorite activity has been so far, and it's the science experiment involving the mixing of vinegar, baking soda, hot water and tissue. She never had a clue that the mixing of these simple ingredients would make an explosive and she loved it. Fascinated by seeing something to erupt and learning the science causing these ingredients to react with one another was an experience she never had in all her academic career.
Mae has shown herself to be a responsible young adult who not only takes on a greater role in taking care of her family, but she is also willing to learn new subjects and partake in our activities no matter what our program for the day may be. Through her leadership in Church, family and involvement on Saturdays, we believe she is a perfect candidate for pursuing furthering her education provided the right tools. | | |
