Summer Newsletter - 2011
College - Dreams & Reality
I saw Chicago for the first time in 1983. I was 17 years old flying over the Windy City on the cheapest red-eye flight my mom could find. The city lights blinked as far as I could see in any direction, which, for an Arizona farm girl, was both exciting and terrifying. I was excited to be fulfilling my dream of going to college, and terrified because I had no idea what I'd gotten myself into.
I had enough money for a one-way plane ticket and tuition for one semester. I'd emptied my savings account and borrowed from my grandfather. I didn't know what I would do after the semester ended, but I knew that college was important, and that gave me courage.
Things have changed considerably in the last 28 years. Our country is in economic shambles. The wealth gap between white and minority households has swelled to the point that whites have 20 times the wealth of minority households. It is more difficult for young people to get a solid, affordable college education, despite the fact that one is required for most entry-level employment.
In the child welfare system, teenage boys face even greater challenges: over half will not graduate from high school; over 25% will become incarcerated less than 2 years after leaving the system; and less than 10% will enroll in college.
This is not good news for our boys here at Geneva, but most of them continue to dream that one day college and a decent job will be possible. This fall semester we anticipate sending five courageous boys off to colleges like Wright and Northeastern. They will need all of our support and guidance as they take this enormous step. I invite you to participate in their quest by offering encouragement, wisdom and/or sharing your college memories on our Facebook page by clicking the "Find us on Facebook" button to the left. Good luck guys!
Lisa Boone, M.Ed., QMHP
Founder & Executive Director
Click here to read Chris' application essay to Northeastern Illinois University.
Geneva Awarded Technology Grant
Geneva has been awarded a technology grant from The Service Club of Chicago. The grant money will be used to repair our broken security surveillance system, purchase new software and upgrade our electronic data backup system. These are all critical improvements that will enable us to conduct the business of the agency more efficiently and provide a safer, more secure living environment for the kid.
The Service Club of Chicago is a charitable organization of women, which has continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities since 1890. Their policy of giving is to assist, improve and enlarge upon agency programs. The Service Club helps recipients to expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs that will better serve a large number of people. Every single dollar raised goes directly to charity.
On behalf of Geneva's Board of Directors, staff and youth, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to The Service Club of Chicago for their generous contribution.
Click here to learn more about The Service Club of Chicago.
On a Personal Note: A Journal Entry From One of Our Boys
I am who I am - not what people want me to be
You are who you are - because you choose to be
No grudges
No anger
No darkness
Dwelling in my bones
Just a lot of pain that I wish would go away
~Geneva Youth, age 18
10 Years / 10 Stories Gala Anniversary Celebration
On June 23rd, Geneva Foundation's 10 Years / 10 Stories Anniversary Celebration culminated with a festive Gala event. Guests boarded the Anita Dee II at Navy Pier and set off on a spectacular three-hour cruise along Chicago's shoreline. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, desserts and drinks. Jazz music filled the air as Jason Steele performed with his critically acclaimed quartet.
Founder and Executive Director, Lisa Boone, spoke about how she started Geneva Foundation and how far the organization has come in just 10 years. Otis, one of the boys living at Geneva, got up and shared his experience. Otis said that when he thinks of the qualities of a true family he thinks of trust, loyalty, respect and love. Otis said that at Geneva Foundation, he is part of a true family. He sees these qualities demonstrated in the daily interactions between youth and staff.
During the course of the cruise, guests were able to bid on over 20 silent auction items ranging from a 5-day resort vacation to a certificate for pet sitting to a signed Derek Rose jersey. Enthusiastic auction winners left $3,000 in their wake that will go towards the purchase of school clothes & shoes, educational materials, bed linens, YMCA memberships, auxiliary staff time, and other program expenses.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Gala, as well as silent auction bidders, donors, sponsors (click here for listing), volunteers, Jason Steele Quartet, and Chez Vous Catering.
A complete photo gallery is available on the Geneva Facebook Page. While you're there, become a fan by clicking the "Like" button at the top of the main page.
HamBINGO Night
Geneva's Program Director, Lori Darugar, hosted the second HamBingo fundraising event on May 23rd. Geneva supporters and Hamburger Mary's patrons filled the restaurant to capacity raising $679.
Lively conversation between old and new friends filled the room as players laughed and joked with caller Diva Velicity Metropolis. All proceeds from the $5 Bingo cards went towards the purchase of new furniture for the boy's house. Bingo winners received prizes donated by a variety of vendors including salon services, lessons for Middle Eastern belly dancing, bowling tickets, jewelry, and a session with a personal trainer.
Thanks to everyone who attended and to the vendors who generously donated prizes.
