A Note From Lana Swartzwelder, CEO
Hello,
Every January 1st, over the years, many of us embark on new adventures and goals with gusto. Then, by the 15th, much of the new energy has subsided and we get back into the regular swing of things, demands, and events. At least, that has been my experience. I anticipate that this year may be a little different based on the past year, where we quickly learned that change demanded action that was often out of our comfort zone. As hard as it was, we did it. Hopefully, we will continue embellishing on the positive changes and making new ones. As we all look forward to personal changes that we will make this year, we want to share the change that The Libertore Fund for Children is making in 2021.
- Our commitment – To continue partnering with non-profit charities that provide quality, accountable programs and services for at-risk children and families.
- Change – Our focus is changing from funding at-risk youth 0-18 years of age to more funding going to 0-8 years of age, the early childhood years.
At-risk, disadvantaged youth, of all ages, need support, but we feel that we can make a bigger impact by giving to agencies that serve the early childhood years. A focus on early childhood development provides an important window of opportunity to prepare the foundation for life-long learning while preventing potential delays in development and disabilities. Research shows that early intervention is more efficient and produces more favorable outcomes than remediation later in life. Read more about the early childhood development years, here.
- No Change – The Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship Program will continue to give young, disadvantaged athletes, ages 11-18, the opportunity to participate in sports camps, clinics, and travel teams.
This year the children continue to need your support. We know that we are stronger and bolder when we stand united. Please unite with us on our journey to make 2021 a better year for our at-risk children and families.
Sincerely,
Lana Swartzwelder
CEO, Libertore Fund
January is National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month
How to spot human trafficking
While not an exhaustive list, these are some key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported.
- Living with employer
- Poor living conditions
- Multiple people in cramped space
- Inability to speak to individual alone
- Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
- Employer is holding identity documents
- Signs of physical abuse
- Submissive or fearful
- Unpaid or paid very little
- Under 18 and in prostitution
Learn more about questions to ask or where to get help, here.
Help Stop Human Trafficking
National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Managing health conditions when starting a family and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on your child’s life. Starting a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just impact you, it affects your children, too.
Learn more
Don't Miss World Read Aloud Day - February 3rd
Why stories matter & #WRAD
By helping kids become powerful storytellers, we also help them to develop positive reader and writer identities, thrive in school, contribute to their communities, and build lives of dignity, hope, and joy. -LitWorld
“Learning to sing one’s own songs, to trust the particular cadences of one’s voices, is also the goal of any writer.” - Henry Louis Gates
Why Stories Matter
The Larry Libertore Youth Sports Scholarship Update
We have partnered with Alpha & Omega Sports to bring Champions4Life to fifteen (15) sixth graders. These ‘Champions-In-Training’ will routinely be held accountable for their attendance, academic and behavioral progress in school. An organized sports basketball team, that underserved students generally do not have access to in middle school, will also be included, providing participants the opportunity to build athletic as well as academic skills. Ultimately, through membership in the Champions 4LIFE, positive relationships will be established, the bridge between home and school will be strengthened, and strategically planned activities will foster the overall growth of an individual.
Elements in the Program:
- Educational- Tutoring/Homework/Reinforcement & Extension/Test Prep/College Awareness & Resources/Problem Solving Activities & field trips
- Recreational- Organized Skill Building Thru Various Sports & Arts/Dance Activities, & College/Professional Sporting Events
- Developmental- Intentional Character Development Thru Speakers/Role Play Activities/Large & Small Group Sessions
- Advantageous- By Invitation & Application/Need Based/Short & Long-Term Measurable
