AVDA's Race for Hope

On Saturday, October 15th in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SOWSA will be participating in the AVDA 12th Annual Race for Hope.

Announcements

Hello Social Work Students! 

We hope to see you at our next SOWSA meeting on Thursday March 24th at 7PM in SO285. If you can make this meeting, please RSVP by email to SOWSA.FAU@comcast.net.

In addition, we still need volunteers to support the Aging Academy Inception Event on Tuesday March 22nd at 4PM. Please note that the location of this event has been changed to the LIVE OAK PAVILLION.  We also need volunteers to assist with the Career Fair on Thursday March 31st from 10 to 3PM for any amount of time that you may be available. If you are able to volunteer for either of these events, please send an email to SOWSA.FAU@comcast.net.

Please see the announcements below regarding upcoming events for the remainder of Social Work Month.

Thank you!

Phoenix Adams

SOWSA President  

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BROWARD COUNTY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OUTPATIENT CLINIC

In honor of Social Work Month, the VA Broward OPC presents:

LIONESS

"There for the Action - Missing from History"    

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & the Combat Veteran  

             

March 21, 2011 8:00am to 3:30pm

6 CEUs for Social Workers and Nurses

9800 West Commercial Blvd, Sunrise, FL 954-475-5500

No Charge - Registration Required - Seats are Limited

Please call to confirm Attendance:
Direct: 954-625-8734 Ask for Emily
or email: Emily.Sherman@va.gov

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FAU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AGING ACADEMY INCEPTION EVENT –

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM 

The FAU School of Social Work is launching an Aging Academy to expand geriatric competency-driven education, field instruction, training and research in an effort to produce skilled geriatric leaders and practitioners to meet growing aging and caregiver population needs. The Aging Academy, to be directed by Stephen Ferrante, M.S.W., will recruit, coach and stipend students, designated as Geriatric Scholars, to specialize in aging. 

The official Inception Event for the Aging Academy will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM in the LIVE OAK PAVILION. This ceremony will offer faculty, students, and community stakeholders the chance to learn about Aging Academy goals, activities and giving opportunities. Ms. Corinne H. Rieder, John A. Hartford Foundation Executive Director, will provide a keynote presentation regarding the emerging requirement for geriatric social work competence and initiatives.

To register for the event, please click here.

Please contact Stephen Ferrante by email at ferrante@fau.edu if you have any questions.

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Educational Presentation on Homelessness for Students –

Wednesday March 23^rd 7:10 PM SO111

Legislative Advocacy class with Dr. LeaAnne DeRinge

  

The Homelessness Coalition of Palm Beach County will be presenting a public education program called the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers in our Legislative Advocacy Class on Wednesday March 23rd at 7:10 PM.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County firmly believes that they cannot truly end homelessness or advocate for change without the direct and continued involvement of those who have experienced homelessness.  The mission of the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers is to provide a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; break down the myths/stereotypes about the homeless; foster a greater awareness of the reality of homelessness; and to spark the interest of audiences in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on local, state, and national levels. They believe that educating the community on this personal level will help produce positive feedback from the audience by allowing them to hear the stories of how people became homeless, the impact it had on their lives, and how they were able to break out of homelessness. 

This presentation is great for any and all Social Work students to get first-hand knowledge of homelessness and experiences related to homelessness since it is becoming such an epidemic nationally and locally, especially in the world of Social Work. 

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please contact Tanisha Julias by email at tjulias@fau.edu. Limited space is available, and requests will be confirmed on a first come - first serve basis.

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SOWSA Next Meeting Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at 7:00 pm SO285   

             

Please join us for SOWSA's next meeting on Thursday March 24th, 2011 at 7PM in SO285. We will be reviewing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team, and planning our final events for the semester. We hope to see you there!

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SOCIAL WORK CAREER FAIR - Thursday March 31st 2010 from 10am to 3PM Social Science Building Rotunda  

This year FAU's School of Social Work Student Association (SOWSA) will be holding its Career Fair on Thursday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on its Boca Raton campus at the Social Science Building Rotunda.

Over 25 social service agencies and organizations will be present to create awareness of their organizations, to promote job openings and internship opportunities, and to network with graduating MSW students and students

who will be seeking field placements in the near future. 

Don't miss this excellent opportunity to meet executives from leading social service agencies in South Florida.

If you have questions about the Career Fair, Please send an email to Ethel Alvarado at sowsa.fau@comcast.net. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 31^st! 

SOCIAL WORK MONTH / MARCH EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hello Social Work Students and Faculty!

In recognition of Social Work Month, SOWSA would like to inform you about several important events that will occur in the month of March. 

Please see the announcements below with details concerning volunteer opportunities for Family Promise, The School of Social Work Aging Academy Inception Event, an educational presentation on homelessness, SOWSA's next monthly meeting, and the Social Work Career Fair.  The announcements are listed in order of event date.

This is your month to celebrate social work and to create awareness about our profession. We hope that you can participate in these exciting events!

Have a great month, and enjoy your spring break! 

Phoenix Adams

SOWSA President  

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FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events. Volunteers are currently being sought for the following events during the month of March:

Sunday, March 6th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday, March 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday March 13th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Sunday, March 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Please contact Tanisha Julias by email tjulias@fau.edu if you are able to volunteer or if you have additional questions.

Remember, the student that accumulates the most volunteer hours for Family Promise will win a $50.00 gift card at the end of the semester!

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FAU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AGING ACADEMY INCEPTION EVENT –

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM 

The FAU School of Social Work is launching an Aging Academy to expand geriatric competency-driven education, field instruction, training and research in an effort to produce skilled geriatric leaders and practitioners to meet growing aging and caregiver population needs. The Aging Academy, to be directed by Stephen Ferrante, M.S.W., will recruit, coach and stipend students, designated as Geriatric Scholars, to specialize in aging. 

The official Inception Event for the Aging Academy will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM in the FAU Alumni Center. This ceremony will offer faculty, students, and community stakeholders the chance to learn about Aging Academy goals, activities and giving opportunities. Ms. Corinne H. Rieder, John A. Hartford Foundation Executive Director, will provide a keynote presentation regarding the emerging requirement for geriatric social work competence and initiatives.

To register for the event, please click here.

Please contact Stephen Ferrante by email at ferrante@fau.edu if you have any questions.

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Educational Presentation on Homelessness for Students –

Wednesday March 23^rd 7:10 PM SO111

Legislative Advocacy class with Dr. LeaAnne DeRinge

  

The Homelessness Coalition of Palm Beach County will be presenting a public education program called the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers in our Legislative Advocacy Class on Wednesday March 23rd at 7:10 PM.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County firmly believes that they cannot truly end homelessness or advocate for change without the direct and continued involvement of those who have experienced homelessness.  The mission of the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers is to provide a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; break down the myths/stereotypes about the homeless; foster a greater awareness of the reality of homelessness; and to spark the interest of audiences in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on local, state, and national levels. They believe that educating the community on this personal level will help produce positive feedback from the audience by allowing them to hear the stories of how people became homeless, the impact it had on their lives, and how they were able to break out of homelessness. 

This presentation is great for any and all Social Work students to get first-hand knowledge of homelessness and experiences related to homelessness since it is becoming such an epidemic nationally and locally, especially in the world of Social Work. 

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please contact Tanisha Julias by email at tjulias@fau.edu. Limited space is available, and requests will be confirmed on a first come - first serve basis.

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SOWSA Next Meeting Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at 7:00 pm SO285   

             

Please join us for SOWSA's next meeting on Thursday March 24th, 2011 at 7PM in SO285. We will be reviewing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team, and planning our final events for the semester. We hope to see you there!

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SOCIAL WORK CAREER FAIR - Thursday March 31st 2010 from 10am to 3PM Social Science Building Rotunda  

This year FAU's School of Social Work Student Association (SOWSA) will be holding its Career Fair on Thursday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on its Boca Raton campus at the Social Science Building Rotunda.

Over 25 social service agencies and organizations will be present to create awareness of their organizations, to promote job openings and internship opportunities, and to network with graduating MSW students and students

who will be seeking field placements in the near future. 

Don't miss this excellent opportunity to meet executives from leading social service agencies in South Florida.

If you have questions about the Career Fair, Please send an email to Ethel Alvarado at sowsa.fau@comcast.net. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 31^st! 

Kick Ball Game and All Embrace Walk Information and Instructions

I am sure you have received a lot of communication about the walk for Stand Among Friends and the Kickball game, but I am sending a recap of important information and instructions since the events are this weekend.

If you have not registered yet, please register by clicking this link:

http://standamongfriends.myetap.org/fundraiser/embrace/team.do?participationRef=1371.0.97329178

Stand Among Friends recommends that participants arrive about 45 minutes before the walk, park, and get comfortable by going through the runners check-in area, register, pick up your bib number (Accuchip),T-Shirt and gift bag.  Then enjoy the pre-race activities and warm-up routines..

To find the race: its inside the Florida Atlantic University Campus, off Glades Road in Boca Raton Florida… use the address of 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton FL 33431, specifically use the NW13th / Florida Atlantic Blvd entrance from Glades Road, just East of I95.  For information about Stand Among Friends go to http://www.standamongfriends.org/

REGISTRATION check-in opens at 6AM,

START TIME for 1 Mile Family Walk is 8:30am.

We will proceed to the Kickball game after the walk.

Please note, the location of the Kickball game has changed. This time, the kickball event will be held Sunday February 27th at 10:30AM at:

Patch Reef Park, Field 1 - 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton.

For directions to the location, please click the link below:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2000+Yamato+Road,+Boca+Raton,+FL+33431&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.974572,50.800781&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you need to reach me by phone, my cell number is 954-257-7048.

Thanks, and have a great weekend, and see you on Sunday!

Phoenix Adams

Volunteer Opportunities

Hello All!....

I hope the semester has started out well for everyone! SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events.
As things stand at the present moment, volunteers are being sought for the following events during the month of March:

Sunday, March 6th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday, March 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday March 13th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Sunday, March 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

  ***** Also, during the month of February, we are seeking volunteers who are able to stay with the families on Saturday, February 26th, on either shift: 9:30-1:00 and/or 1:00-5:00 at the day center **********

Please contact me if you are interested and/or have additional questions!
I would also like to thank the individuals who volunteered their time during the month of February!... It's greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Tanisha Julias
tjulias@fau.edu

Announcements

Hello SOWSA members,  

SOWSA would like to invite you to our next meeting, which is scheduled for
Thursday February 17th 2011 at 7PM in SO285.  

We will be discussing the planning of our Career Fair and events surrounding Social Work Awareness month and our end of the year celebration.

We will also be discussing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team.
Please bring your ideas - we look forward to your participation at the meeting.

We will also provide information regarding the upcoming summer elective class: International Social Work in London for any student that is interested in taking the class and was not able to make it to the information sessions.

Please RSVP to sowsa.fau@comcast.net if you are able to attend the meeting.

We hope to see you at the meeting. Please see below for additional SOWSA announcements.

Thanks!

Phoenix Adams
SOWSA President

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Attention all Social Work Students: 

In recognition of Black History month, SOWSA has invited Linda Graham,  President of The Association of Black Social Workers- Palm Beach County chapter, to do a presentation to all interested students and faculty.
Mrs. Graham will be presenting information about the organization and ways, anyone who is interested, can become involved with the work the organization does in the community!

The event will take place on Thursday, February 17th at 6:00 pm in RM SO 112

We have space available for 15 additional social work students in the classroom. If you are interested in attending this presentation or you would like more information, please send a request by email to Tanisha Julias at tjulias@fau.edu. Requests will be confirmed on a first come first serve basis.   

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To All Graduating MSW's!

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete a brief survey on the following link so that we can capture your preferences regarding an end of the year graduation/induction celebration: 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GYWGG82

We will be reviewing the survey results at our next SOWSA meeting on February 17th at 7PM in SO285 so that we can begin the planning of the event.

If you have any additional ideas or you would like to be part of the planning committee, please come to the meeting or send your ideas to us by email

at SOWSA.FAU@COMCAST.NET.

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Attention all Social Work Students, Faculty, and Staff -

Stand Among Friends has organized a community wide event that came about as an opportunity for all of us in the community to come together to learn about each other and to emb(race) our differences as individuals.  The day will focus on everyone's abilities and celebrate the uniqueness of us all. 

We have registered as "Team FAU School of Social Work/SOWSA" for the 1K family walk, which will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 8:30 AM and will take place on a course located a the Disability Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.  

We will hold our SOWSA Kickball game for Faculty/Staff/Students/ and Alumni immediately after at
10:30 AM at a location to be determined and announced prior to the game (either Sugar Sand Park or FAU Field). 

If you would like to join the walk, please click on this link to join our team:

http://standamongfriends.myetap.org/fundraiser/embrace/team.do?participationRef=1371.0.97329178

from this page, you may click on "Join Our Team" on the right of the page and then follow the instructions to register. There is a $15 registration fee. You may also forward the link to anyone that may want to sponsor our team. 

For additional information on the event, you may click on the button at the top of the page "MAIN PAGE." 
I have also pasted information below. 

If you would like to participate in the kickball game, please RSVP to Jessica Ponn at Jponn@fau.edu.

We hope that you can participate in the walk and the kickball game, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks!

Phoenix

 
Stand Among Friends

First Annual emb(race)

Many of you may be asking what the emb(race) is all about.  The emb(race) is a community wide event that came about as an opportunity for all of us in the community to come together to learn about each other and to emb(race) our differences as individuals.  The day will focus on everyone's abilities and celebrate the uniqueness of us all. 

At this website, whether you want to run, walk, stroll or roll, you can register to participate in the emb(race), or you can support someone already participating.  You can also create or join a team.  For those of you who want to help us get the word out and make the emb(race) an amazing experience, you will be able to send emails to your friends and family asking them to help you raise money to support the emb(race).

The emb(race) will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2011.  All of our races will take place on a course located at our Disability Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.  For all you serious runners, the 10k and 5k are on courses certified by local running icon Gene Witkowski and the scoring will be handled by Accuchip Timing.
Please join us as we celebrate the human spirit and emb(race) each other’s differences!

The 10K course is open to any runner, jogger, racewalker, walker, or wheeled participant who can complete the 10K course in 2 1/2 hours or less.

REGISTRATION check-in 6AM, START TIME for 10K is 7:15am, START TIME FOR 5K is 7:20am, AND THE START TIME FOR 1 mile is 8:30am.

RUN 10K and 5K
Top 3 Male/Female Overall, Top 3 Male/Female Masters
3 Deep 5 year age groups, 9 under, 10–14, 15–19, to 70+
RACEWALK 10K and 5K (Judged)
Top 3 Male/Female Overall
PERSON WITH A DISABILITY
Visually Impaired, Mobility Impaired Non-Wheelchair,
Wheelchairs, and Handcycles
Top 3 Male/Female Overall for each category
CORPORATE TEAM AWARDS
Awarding Both 10K and 5K
Male/Female Team – Top 3 best times
Co-Ed Team – Top 2 Female and Top 2 Male best time

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities!

Hello All!


I hope the semester has started out well for everyone!  I am writing because, as you may be aware, SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events. As things stand at the present moment, volunteers are being sought for the following events during the month of February:

• Sunday, Feb. 13th: Individuals to assist with "breaking down" furniture items at organization's shelter home, to allow for installation of new carpet.
• Tuesday, Feb. 15th: Individuals to assist with the reassembling of items
• Friday, Feb. 18th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families overnight from 5:00 pm-8:00 am
• Sunday, Feb. 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm
• Sunday, Feb. 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

We are hoping to have a successful semester working with Family Promise! I hope that you are able to participate in one or more of the events listed!.... It is really a worthy cause!


All the best!!!


Tanisha Julias
tjulias@fau.edu


***Message from Phoenix Adams, President of SOWSA***

I want to encourage all of you to volunteer some time to this organization that is in great need of our support. I volunteered over Thanksgiving, and it was a great experience. I promise you, if you volunteer, it will be very rewarding.

I believe in this organization and their needs so much, that I am personally going to donate a 50 dollar gift card to the student that logs the most amount of volunteer hours for Family Promise between now and the end of the school year. I will present the gift card at our last SOWSA meeting in April.

Happy Volunteering!!!!

Phoenix Adams
SOWSA, President

Volunteer Opportunity through the Holidays

 

We all made it through another semester!

I know this is a time when many people will be leaving town to spend time with family and friends, but for those of us who will remain local, I just wanted to inform you about some events Family Promise has requested our assistance with:

On Monday, December 27 Family Promise is looking for volunteers to help sell 50/50 Lucky Drawing tickets at the Florida Panthers game at the Bank Atlantic Center. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 6:00 p.m., to allow early entrance into the arena, and will be allowed to stay and watch the game afterwards. Of the tickets sold, Family Promise will get 25% proceeds!... This is a great way to help out the organization and get into a game free!

SPACE LIMITED to the first 8 people!

During the week of December 20^th, Family Promise would like any available volunteers to stay with families at the designated home, to have dinner and socialize with them from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.

There is also a great need for volunteers to remain with the families overnight from 7:30 pm to 7:00 am. I, personally, have done this over the Thanksgiving holiday and if you would like additional information as to what this entails, please feel free to contact me.

If you are interested in working with the families in another capacity, volunteer opportunities are available driving the agency van and/or spending time with the families at the day center.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at tjulias@fau.edu

Thank You, but our work is not done…

SOWSA would like to thank all the volunteers who helped out with the recent event on November 4^th in support of our adopted agency Family Promise.

Your help was greatly appreciated!

But our work is not done…..

In the Spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and in our continued partnership with Family Promise, SOWSA is looking for volunteers to stay with the families of the program at a designated shelter on Friday, November 26^th and/or at the day center on Saturday, November 27^th

Hours vary from morning to overnight!

Please help us support this great agency that does so much for homeless families in Palm Beach County!

Time spent with these families will be much more than a few hours out of your day… it could be a life changing experience!

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact SOWSA’s Community events committee chairperson: Tanisha Julias at: tjulias@fau.edu

Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness

SOWSA @ FAU would like to take a moment to promote Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Please spread the word and check out the S. FL event below.

PurpleStride South Florida 2010 Is Right Around the Corner - Don't Miss the Excitement!

November 6, 2010
Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL
Registration opens at 7:15 a.m.

Register at www.purplestride.org or register at the event. Sign up today for PurpleStride South Florida on Saturday, November 6! Join hundreds of other Florida citizens and help us advance research, support patients and create hope for tens of thousands of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

• 5K walk
• Musical entertainment
• Face-painting for kids
• Prize drawings
• Breakfast will be served!

Join us for a day of inspiration and hope. Together we can make a difference. Register today at www.purplestride.org.

Proceeds of PurpleStride benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. In addition to PurpleStride South Florida, there are many other ways to support the pancreatic cancer community:

• Become an advocate.
• Raise awareness.
• Share your story.

Learn more at www.pancan.org.

Volunteer Needs!

Hello Social Work Faculty and Students!

As you know, SOWSA has "adopted" Family Promise as an agency that we will support throughout the 2010-2011 academic year through volunteer events, fundraising events, food and clothing drives and other organized activities.

Family Promise will commemorate its second anniversary with a “One Night Away” fundraiser at Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, November 4, 2010, from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at  201 Plaza Real, Mizner Park,  Boca Raton, FL 33432 (former Cartoon Museum).  At this event, Family Promise will celebrate their achievements, recognize their sponsors and volunteers, and support their mission through fundraising and a silent auction.  

Family Promise needs many volunteers to support them through this event. SOWSA's November meeting, which is also scheduled for November 4th, will be devoted to supporting Family Promise through this volunteer opportunity. In place of our monthly meeting, SOWSA's officers. Committee chairs, and members will sign up for volunteer shifts based on the needs identified below. We would like to ask you to join us in support of these efforts. Family Promise needs volunteers on November 4th starting at Noon through 9PM.  

If you or any of your contacts can volunteer, please send an email to our Volunteers Committee Chairperson, Alexandra Jolly, at ajolly@fau.edu. Please indicate the shift that you would like to sign up for in your email request. For additional information, you may contact Alexandra or email SOWSA at SOWSA.FAU@comcast.net

The shifts and number of volunteers needed for each shift are indicated below: 

• From Noon to 3 - The noon people will  help roll in tables and set up chairs (5 people)
• From 3-5, we need people to set up the silent auction.  (3 people) 
• From 4-5:30 we need to set up the bars and front entrance.   (4 people)
• From 5:00 to 6:30, we need greeters to welcome guests and make sure people get on the elevators.  (4 people)
• From 6:00- 8:00, we need people to casually walk around and make sure tables are cleaned, pick up cups, etc - host (3 people)
• From 6:00-8:00, we need people to say good night to the guests and make sure they get on the elevators (4 people)
• After 7:30, we need people to move the tables out, help people with silent auction items, clean up. 

Please see our updated Volunteer page for some great opportunities to assist the Office Depot Foundation, as well.

Thank you for your consideration, on behalf of SOWSA and Family Promise!

SOWSA Meeting Recap: October 5, 2010

On Tuesday, October 5, 2010, SOWSA welcomed Kokie Dinnan, Network Director of Family Promise of South Palm Beach County – our new Community Partner! Family Promise is an organization that assists homeless families. They work with local churches that provide facilities in which to feed and house the guests. Family Promise works daily with the families, the faith community network, and social service agencies to transition the families back into the community on a self sufficient basis. The supporting congregations also provide volunteer and fundraising support, as well.

Here’s are the meeting minutes:

SOWSA Meeting October 5^th , 2010 meeting called to order at 7:15 pm

• Guest Speaker Kokie Dinnan from Family Promise
• Care typically provided for 30-90 days, Working towards preventing homelessness, Provide mentoring and aftercare,
• 1^st skills training for mentors Oct 17t
• Interfaith partnership (23 hosting congregations: Providing 4-5 weeks of hosting a yea
• Needs Assessment – Kokie and member: 14% increase in shelter requests since last year alone, Homeless children in Palm Beach County exceed 1400
• VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• One Night Away (volunteers needed): Contact Gerry at 561-265-3370 ext 103, 11/4/10, 5:30-8:30pm, Silent Auction
• Guest Speakers (one Sunday per month)
• Take donations from individuals at day center 8-5pm
• Volunteers Needed (training required, online)
• Day Center Opportunities: Weekends (9:30-1, 1:00-5)
• Drivers Needed
• Host Guest Families
• Committee members needed

• Reviewed changes to Blog and Facebook page – 3 cheers for Ash (Great job!)

• Announcements:
• Habitat for Humanity Event: http://sowsafau.blogspot.com/2010/09/habitat-for-humanity-recap.html 
• Great Event
• Recipient was so grateful
• Learned new skills, did lots of finish work
• Livability Study - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
• Sat 10/10 8a-5p: Will receive a total of 9 field hours, Two sessions morning and afternoon, Must have training to participate(training at 8am), No jeans please (wear walking shoes, Contact Tanisha for tracking tjulias@fau.edu
• Office Depot Foundation –
• Partnership: Can come speak with us, Initiatives focus on child welfare
• VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
• Golf In Event: Tues 11/9, NFL players and alum will be present, Doral Golf Resort and Spa, Could benefit FAU with scholarships towards future SOW students
• AVDA: 10/10/10: 5 K, $20 to attend, Contact tanisha at tjulias@fau.edu
• Committee Updates
• Membership (Jody):
• Membership tally: 52 Members
• Membership ID: Will be printed at one time for total membership to be included
• Try to mention SOWSA in classes and remind others of meeting times
• Service Committee – (Tanisha) – tjulias@fau.edu
• Domestic Violence Awareness month: Contacted Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (ABDA) who will do presentation for us. Tentatively Wed 10/20 or 10/27 at 4:30. More to come. RSVP to Tanisha – tjulias@fau.edu. Contact your professors to see if they can allow students to attend. Would your professors be willing to host?
• Family Promise: Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit to graduated families.
• Will approach Office Depot and Publix for turkeys and food donations.
• Food Drive among multiple campuses
• Public Announcement on Owl radio
• Social Events – (Jessica)
• Looking for more committee members, Contact Jessica at jponn@fau.edu
• Comedy Club in Boca: Possible Mixer/Fundraiser
• Fundraising (Lilly)
• Will work in conjunction with social events
• Will investigate with whole foods for donation opportunities
• Peer Support (Emily): No report
• Meeting adjourned at 9:07pm.

 

Next Meeting: Thursday, November 4^th , 2010 at 7:00 pm SO285

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Please check out our new Volunteer and Community Partnership pages (above)!

Habitat for Humanity Recap!

On Sunday, September 26, 10 SOWSA members helped put finishing touches on a new house for a family in need. It was a “first” for many members, and while it was blazing hot outside, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. SOWSA wants to thank all who were able to participate in the event. I will let the pictures do the talking. :)

We look forward to seeing you at future SOWSA events!

Exciting announcements!

SOWSA would like to invite you to our next meeting which will take place on Tuesday, October 5^th at 7PM in room SO 285 (FAU Boca). We will have a guest speaker from Family Promise, and we be discussing our “Adopt an Agency” initiative and planning related events. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please see the following related announcements and information on upcoming events and community service opportunities:

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During our first meeting on September 9, members voted on a community organization to “adopt.” Through this initiative, our goal is to support a local social service agency throughout the 2010-2011 academic year. Based on the needs of the selected agency, SOWSA will arrange a number of activities to benefit the agency, including food and clothing drives, holiday toy drives, and volunteer events. The organization that the members selected was Family Promise of South Palm Beach County.

Family Promise is an organization that assists homeless families. They work with local churches that provide facilities in which to feed and house the guests. Family Promise works daily with the families, the faith community network, and social service agencies to transition the families back into the community on a self sufficient basis. The supporting congregations also provide volunteer and fundraising support, as well.

We are excited to announce that Family Promise has accepted our offer and the Network Director, Kokie Dinnan, will be attending our next meeting on Tuesday, October 5 at 7 PM in SO 285. Kokie will introduce the agency to SOWSA and explain the organization’s needs. This is an exciting partnership for SOWSA and we hope that you join us in welcoming Family Promise at our next meeting. With your input, we can work together to plan appropriate activities and events that best fit the needs of Family Promise. 

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SOWSA is excited to announce a new partnership with a national philanthropic organization. The Office Depot Foundation will provide SOWSA with volunteer opportunities to support them in impacting the community through their initiatives listed below:  

Office Depot is known throughout the world as a company with a heart. They have distinguished themselves through consistent support of charitable organizations and worthy causes on a local and national scale. Today, the independent Office Depot Foundation is continuing this tradition. The Office Depot Foundation is focusing on the following five strategic priorities for a period of five years:

• Helping children get ready for life and work.
  The Foundation will seek to help 50,000 at-risk children in 50 states to get the tools and support they need to graduate high school and either get an advanced education or find a meaningful job.
• Helping non-profit (civil society) organizations become more professional and productive.
  The Foundation will endeavor to help 5,000 non-profit (civil society) organizations to get tools and support to increase their capacity to fulfill their missions.
• Enhancing disaster relief and recovery.
  The Foundation will assist local communities in the wake of hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes and the like – and will continue to be involved through the rebuilding process
• Strengthening local communities.
  The Foundation will endeavor to enhance the quality of life and provide opportunities to deserving children and families at a local level.
• Promoting global development
  The Foundation will seek to promote entrepreneurship, economic and community development programs to help improve economic and social conditions around the world.

The Office Depot Foundation has also launched a website to help connect volunteers to opportunities they would be interested in pursuing. This website is called Caring Connection – check it out! http://caringconnection.volunteermatch.org/.

Please continue to check our blog and Facebook page for more information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities through this exciting new partnership.

Macro Community Service Opportunity

EARN 9 EXTRA HOURS OF FIELD TIME

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2010

8 AM – 5 PM

Get experience with community organizing and being involved in a multi-disciplinary macro project. You can earn 9 extra field hours by working with Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Kaplan who will be conducting a Livability Study with the residents of Broward County. Dr. Hawkins and Dr. Kaplan are participating in a collaborative community involvement process involving the School of Social Work, the School of Architecture, the School of Urban and Regional Planning and the Broward Metropolitan Organization. Students are needed to assist with the community engagement process by participating in a short walking tour with community participants from Sunrise and Plantation and then leading a small group to process the participants’ observations.  The purpose of the project is to empower the community to participate in the conceptual approach of identifying areas that need improvement in shaping the future use of communities.  

The event will take place on Saturday, October 9 from 9:00 am-5:00 PM at a location to be determined in the Sunrise/ Plantation area. From 8 AM – 9 AM we will provide training to the students on what they will need to do for the day. Please RSVP to Dr. Kaplan at afkaplan@fau.edu if you are interested in participating or if you have any questions.

Habitat for Humanity Build: September 26, 2010

SOWSA is excited to announce our Kickoff Community Service Event for the 2010-2011 academic year. On Sunday, September 26th from 1PM to 5PM, SOWSA will participate in a community building event with Habitat for Humanity. If you are interested in participating, please send an email request to sowsa.fau@comcast.net and you will receive a response with instructions on how to register. There is limited space available, and participants will be confirmed on a first come first serve basis. 


We hope to see you at this exciting event!