The Leaven

June 9, 2010 – Bright, Bold, and Beautiful

This week, the children of The Leaven received a gift to kick off their summertime fun: a brand new T-shirt from The Leaven. This gift was manifested through the generous support from the members of the Harvest Society—their support is love in action.

These bright, bold T-shirts declare their involvement in The Leaven. These students have so little hope in their daily lives, and certainly very few random presents, so these gifts represent their belonging, their worth, and the joy they bring to others. They can wear their T-shirts as they travel around the community, to boldly tell others where they belong: at The Leaven.

We’re excited to share these Leaven T-shirts with the students, so they can excitedly invite their friends to share in the camaraderie of fitting in.

And there’s something bright, bold, and beautiful about fitting in.

"Solid and Steady" — June 2, 2010

Those are the words Joseph Lugo, a director of one of The Leaven’s tutoring centers, used to describe the students of The Leaven. The school year has drawn to a close, they are gearing up for summer, and the children are going strong.

Many students have enrolled in The Leaven’s Summer Success Program, and what a terrific season awaits them! Each week, the program will feature a schedule of events to keep them learning, expressing themselves with art, thinking, exercising, and eating right. Each day will include great practice with reading and math, and these summer days will enhance the students’ success in the fall.

As they rush into summer, these children are ready for fun, excitement, and continued learning. Together, we will fight the summer brain drain, to keep them on track.

Solid and steady.

Kara – May 26, 2010

It’s an important season for graduating seniors.

Four years finished, cap and gown, pomp and circumstance, imminent independence – it’s time for the payoff. They are scouting colleges, finishing exams, enjoying friends, and relishing the sunshine of a brand new spring. High school is complete.

Kara Lugo is one of the graduates of 2010, and she is the valedictorian of her class at Vanden High School. With her talents, skills, and accomplishments, Kara could choose to take advantage of her free time, capitalize on her abilities, and make some money in the meantime. Instead, Kara is one of the regular volunteers who offers free tutoring to the students at The Leaven.

She shares her time, her talents, and her intelligence with these students, and in the meantime, she models a life that’s put together. Kara has finished a chapter of her dream: she has graduated from high school. But her dreams have only just begun, and she can show these students a pattern of goals, accomplishments, and hope.

Every role model matters, and Kara is making an imprint to last.

Community Support – May 19, 2010

Community support is a powerful thing — and contagious.

In the Fairfield and Vacaville area, in the surrounding cities, and even extending across other states, adults are signing up to support The Leaven’s efforts to create a safe haven for struggling students and families.

“I have one child of my own, but I believe it is our job to care for all children. We are called to care for mankind,” says Gwyn Runnels, a member of the Harvest Society, a community of monthly contributors who support individual children of The Leaven.

Jim Dunbar, a fellow community leader, is delighted by the pure benefit of giving back to the community: first to the kids, then to their families, and ultimately to the community. He said, “I wish I could tell anyone who is thinking of joining the Harvest Society: the return on the investment is infinite.”

Tim Ridosh, an effective supporter of the program, believes these children are worth the investment, their value is immeasurable, and their potential cannot be contained. He has said, “I want to tell them: You are not hopeless. You may have to work harder to achieve your dreams, but you can do it.”

Martha Lacy, a principal of one of the schools in The Leaven community, has shared, “I appreciate their positive impact, and I love that I can see exactly where my dollars are going. When I make a contribution anywhere, I want to know that they will invest it wisely. With The Leaven, there is no question.”

People are telling people. The investment is multiplying. The joy is contagious.

Real Families — May 12, 2010

Real families work hard, everyday.
Real families cut corners, snip coupons,
choose carefully, and spend wisely—
all to make ends meet.
Real families wait for paycheck.
Real families wish for more time together.
Real families want the best for their children—
better than their parents had,
better than what surrounds them,
better than what they can find.
Real families struggle.
Real families hurt.
Real families laugh.
Real families love hard.
Real families want to remember some of it,
forget parts of it, survive all of it.
Sometimes, real families fall through the cracks.

~

At The Leaven, we seek to serve real families, to love them through their day-to-day demands, to give their children a safe place to belong each day, just in case that’s the safest part of their twenty-four hours. With tangible, practical solutions, we treat their intangible, untouchable pain.

At The Leaven, we love real families. 
Everyday.

Danny– May 5, 2010

“Thank you for your honesty, Danny,” Principal Lacy affirms her third grade student. “I’m disappointed that you were disrespectful, but thank you for telling the truth. I want to keep your for recess tomorrow, and you need to show respect from now on. But I am proud of your honesty.”

He’s come a long way. Danny’s attitude and actions once got him in trouble on a daily basis, and his confessions were hardly sincere. He pointed the finger at others, showed the spotlight on their mistakes instead of his own, and refused to take ownership for his choices.

But since Danny has become involved at The Leaven, he has begun to change.

He has learned self control in many ways – in his actions, but also in his honesty. Although his behavior is still peppered with frequent poor choices, he now takes responsibility for them. When he is called to account for his behavior, he is quick to identify what went wrong, how he could change, and what he’ll do differently next time. Anyone can make poor choices, but an honest confession takes true integrity.

Danny is surrounded by a supportive teacher, engaged parents, and helpful community at The Leaven — a network of people who see the best in him.

And he’s really beginning to shine.

The Groves – April 28, 2010

As The Leaven changes the lives of children, they affect whole families and even communities at large.

Take The Groves, for example. Before, this was a community of timid, afraid neighbors, who lived isolated lives of protection and seclusion. Crime rates were escalated, and frightened families sought to stay inside their homes, rarely venturing out to get to know those who lived among them. Sidewalks were empty, streets were vacant, and a sense of community was absent.

But then: The Leaven moved in, and the ripple effect has been immeasurable.

With after-school care and tutoring for the children in The Groves, children have a place to belong, a productive way to spend their time, and a safe environment to call their own. The crime rate is at a record-breaking low, and families have begun to feel safe again. They are venturing out, getting to know one another, and living life together. Sidewalks are scattered with hopscotch and games of tag. Neighbors are mingling, talking, and growing.

Children are laughing and playing, and there is no safer sound.

A community has been restored.

Mary – April 21, 2010

Mary was terrified to spend a moment away from her mother’s side. She needed her within reach at all times, even during her school day and throughout the night. Other children made fun of Mary, she was held captive by fear and anxiety, and together she and her mother lived in bondage to one another. Mary couldn’t handle a moment of independence, and her mother was exhausted by the absence of freedom.

Not long ago, all of this changed when The Leaven intervened.

At The Leaven after-school center, the Leaven staff and community volunteers helped Mary develop her self-reliance. She kept track of her progress on a daily chart, and she earned enough points for a trip to an ice cream shop with an adult and a small group of children from The Leaven. To everyone’s great delight, Mary felt confident to go without her mom! She attended the outing with her friends, and she participated in a children’s program afterward — all without Mom by her side. Imagine the confidence Mary felt as she earned a reward and new confidence, all at once.

The Leaven has helped Mary to find self-assurance, self-reliance in new situations, and self discovery of her own capabilities.

And this particular milestone came with a cherry on top.

Michael – April 14, 2010

Tragically, a child was very badly injured one afternoon near The Leaven’s site. Even though the accident didn’t happen during their programming or under their supervision, the adults and the children of The Leaven were alarmed and concerned for the care of their friend, Michael.

A handful of children gathered to hear the news, and they asked if they could pray together for Michael. Closing her eyes and bowing her head, a little girl prayed with precious vulnerability, “Dear, God, please make Michael alive. And please make him your friend.”

What beautiful words. So transparent, real, and trusting.

At The Leaven, children learn about the love, presence, and power of God in their lives and in the world around them. In an otherwise secular community, they’re not afraid to join hands and say so.

Renae – April 7, 2009

Between track practice, piano lessons, and the demanding schoolwork of her senior year, Renae volunteers regularly at The Leaven. She began attending The Leaven when her English teacher, a former director at The Leaven, invited her to give it a try. Before long, she was committed to the afternoon routine, and it has become one of the highlights of her week.

Renae loves investing in the children, watching their growth, and knowing she is making a difference. In a culture where high school students are often concerned only with themselves, she exemplifies leadership and sacrifice as she pours into the students who will follow in her footsteps.

Graduating this spring, Renae has big plans to attend college in the fall. She is debating between a major in biology or kinesiology, and her future is bright and promising. Renae offers the children of The Leaven help with their homework, encouragement in their day, and an example of the fruit of good choices.

As one of their community, she models what they may become. A leader of the future, Renae is leading today – at The Leaven.

(Renae recently won the Soroptimist International of Solano County Violet Richardson Award! Congratulations, Renae, from all of us at The Leaven!)

Edmondo – March 31, 2010

There’s a schedule to follow at The Leaven: there is time for homework help, reading together, and finally playing. The children know the routine, they follow the rules, and they are ready—especially to earn their playtime at the end of the day.

But Edmondo’s afternoon happens a little differently. He spends the entire time on his homework, working away the afternoon. He earns good grades and he has the desire to succeed, but he needs a good long while to finish his homework. Still, he doesn’t mind. He is focused and engaged, so much so that The Leaven adults often need to remind him to wrap up his homework and join the community playtime.

At The Leaven, Edmondo finds the time and help he needs, for as long as he needs it. And he’s not the only one.

Big Brother – March 24, 2010

The Leaven site at The Groves is nestled inside an apartment complex, and each of the children can travel independently from the center to their homes in a safe environment. Still, one young boy was escorted home by his Big Brother every afternoon. Even in a safe environment with minimal variables, the family carefully sought to look out for the little one all throughout the day.

One day, after many weeks of escorting his younger brother home from the center, the Big Brother asked if he could stick around. He asked the volunteers if they needed any help; he offered to give his time.

In no time at all, Big Brother was coming every day, not merely to walk his sibling home, but to help the other children. He showed commendable patience with distractible children, he helped them with their homework, and he exemplified responsibility and respect. He doesn’t have to spend his time this way; there are certainly many more popular ways for a young teenage boy to spend his time after school. But he chooses to invest in the children of The Leaven.

Imagine where he might be if The Leaven weren’t close by.

Sometimes, the biggest part of the investment in the community is merely showing up. The Leaven reaches out to young children, but also to this Big Brother, by merely being present, by offering a place, by showing up.

Manuel — March 17, 2010

Grateful.

This is the word to describe Manuel. His heart is saturated with a spirit of gratitude, and it pours out through his joyful countenance. He is thankful for his friends, for a place to come after school, for help with his homework, and especially for a snack at the end of his afternoon at The Leaven. He says thank you through his words, his smile, and even through plentiful hugs.

Some children enter the world with an attitude of entitlement: they believe the world is theirs, and they must merely convince someone to hand it to them. Hard work is optional, ‘no’ is merely a delayed yes, and help from someone else can be taken for granted.

Manuel is not this child. In his spirit, there is a deep well of gratitude. He expects no help at all, and yet adults at The Leaven support him with love, encouragement, and even an afternoon snack.

You’re welcome, Manuel.

In Their Own Words – March 10, 2010

Recent studies have shown once again the implications of socioeconomic status on the long-term growth and success of children and families.

Mr. Jeffery Canada, Director of the Harlem Children’s Zone, offers these statistics about families in low socioeconomic communities, those whom The Leaven targets:

In 1970’s, there were fewer than 100,000 in jail; now there are 2.5 million people in jail. The cost is about $40,000/year, and we reap no benefits of them being there.

75% of military applicants can’t pass the exam, 50% have no high school diploma, and 25% have committed felonies.

Studies from Harvard University reveal that within the first three years of life, children from families on welfare have vocabularies of only 400 words, while the children of high school graduates had vocabularies of 600 words, and even greater still – the children of college graduates have vocabularies of 1200 words. Children from parents on welfare were already behind at only 18 months of age.

Developmental delays are created by minority status, low education of parents, single parents, poverty, domestic violence, spousal abuse, and neglect.

If we wait until these children are five years old, students will have fallen so far behind that they may never catch up. But if we start early, we can make a difference.

The children who attend The Leaven need to be there. Their participation is crucial to their growth, as they seek to overcome the challenges surrounding them. Even still, though they truly need to come, they also really seem to like it! We recently captured the words of some of the students at The Leaven, as they spoke openly about what they love most about the after-school tutoring center.

“Multiplication and division are my favorites, and I like how the teachers at The Leaven help me get it done faster.”
~ Raina, age 9 ½

“I like helping the younger kids and Ms. Paulina. I wish I could tell lots of kids: come check it out. Meet new people and learn a lot.”
~ Alex, age 13

“I am learning how to be responsible and how to help others. We have a great time, and everyone is so nice.”
~ Ernie, age 8

“The teachers help me with my math, and that helps me at school.”
~ Daniel, age 9

“They teach you about God. It’s a good place to be.”
~ Janet, age 9

The students are eager to come and excited to learn, and this contagious enthusiasm can only further their future growth as well.

Mario – March 3, 2010

“Look! I did it!” he proclaims, with a broad smile stretching across his six-year-old face. Raising an arm in mighty victory, he proudly shows off a small strip of paper with his name written on it. He traces a finger over each letter and spells with new confidence: M-A-R-I-O.

Only weeks before, Mario couldn’t spell his name. He was silently falling behind as his classmates began working on more complex words. A volunteer with The Leaven discovered his deficiency and offered him the necessary help, and now Mario sits at his table, spelling words out loud as he enthusiastically writes the letters onto his paper.

The Leaven offers care, encouraging attention, academic help, and future hope to the children of their community. Without this extra help, Mario might have continued to fall behind—possibly losing further confidence in himself and interest in school during such a critical stage of development. Instead, Mario is smiling – and spelling! – because he belongs to The Leaven.

Dr. Laguerre – February 24, 2010

Dr. Laguerre, now the President of Solano Community College, knows firsthand about the benefits of a supportive community. He has found his role as a leader with the help of so many throughout his lifetime. A native to the country of Haiti, he attended schooling all the way through his years in the university. His heart for education led him to the field of teaching, and he continued his career in the United States in 1982.

Now, as a leader in the community, he seeks to return the investment by pouring into those around him. He said, “So many have invested in me, and it is my turn to invest in others. Whether it is financial, educational, or moral, I have the responsibility to make an investment every single day.”

As you might imagine, Dr. Laguerre’s heart has been torn over the recent destruction of his home. On Thursday, February 11, 2010, Dr. Laguerre visited the children of The Leaven. He spoke openly about the heartache in Haiti, the damage to his home town, and the deaths of many of his friends. In the face of the international crisis, he challenged the children to pursue their dreams, to take control of their lives, and to make decisions everyday that will guide them toward a bright future. He offered them the promise of hope and the belief that they can make a difference in their lives and in the world.

As a result of Dr. Laguerre’s visit, the children of The Leaven have started counting their pennies for their own fundraiser. Paulina, The Leaven site director, encouraged the children with the story of the widow who gave all she had. Paulina said, “I didn’t want the children to give because I told them to. I wanted it to be a decision from their hearts.” Sure enough, the children have exemplified truly heart-felt giving: they have over one hundred dollars in their piggy bank, and all of the money will serve children in a Haitian orphanage.

Dr. Laguerre’s principles align with those of The Leaven: he believes in their transformational approach to students’ lives. “After all,” he said, “today’s students will become tomorrow’s leaders, and we must work together to make sure their foundation is solid.”

At The Leaven, today’s leaders ensure the future of those who will lead tomorrow.

A Principal Sees The Leaven's Value – February 17, 2010

David Weir Elementary School is located near The Leaven, and many of this school’s troubled students spend their afternoons inside the caring community of The Leaven.

As the principal, Martha Lacy knows firsthand the impact of The Leaven in her community, and her joy is contagious as she lists her many students who have been impacted by the outreach. The list goes on and on. “I wish all of our children could belong to The Leaven. They’ll take in any child. They aren’t afraid of behaviors, emotions, and real lives.”

Martha has been in the field of education for more than ten years, and she has seen many programs come and go. Still, of all the passing efforts, she says The Leaven makes the biggest difference of all.

“They focus on the whole child,” she said. “They target homework completion, of course, but that is one small piece. They also help shape the children’s character with effective, positive role models.”

Martha’s school has been transformed by the impact of the Leaven, and she loves to tell about the students whose lives have been turned around.

Her joy is contagious.

Anna – February 10, 2010

Even in the inner city, even in pockets of poverty, there are children who thrive amidst the struggle. Anna is one of those. She was a great kid from the start – never a problem with discipline, anger, attitude, or academics. Her childhood has been a solid, healthy beginning, which is more than many children receive. Anna is an exceptional child, a shining star.

Still, The Leaven has furthered her growth. With positive support, promising role models, and a place to belong, The Leaven has offered one more beam in the foundation for her success in life. You can’t go wrong, with just one more.

To the top of her class, to the path for success, Anna is well on her way.

Olivia – February 3, 2010

When you impact a child, you impact a family. The Leaven exemplifies this truth through their influence on a sweet little girl, Olivia. Her life at home was difficult, broken, inconsistent, and troubled. Olivia carried a burden far greater than her capacity, and the weight of those worries affected her everyday skills. Child Protective Services had been contacted more than once, as many adults worried on behalf of Olivia’s well being. Quite simply, her life was too much.

But now, Olivia is a different little girl. She has confidence, courage, and creativity that nobody had seen before. Her choices have changed, her behavior has improved, and she has a new attitude in her every day. And what is more, her parents have learned new ways to love her. As others saw her value and affirmed her worth, they began to see the difference. They spoke with Martha Lacy, Olivia’s school principal. With tears in their eyes, they talked about the change they could see in their child, their little girl, their Olivia.

The Leaven seeks to empower an entire community, and they’re beginning with one child, one family at a time. 

And Olivia’s family is forever changed.

Austin – January 27, 2010

Anger so often overcame Austin. With five suspensions in a school year and finally expulsion from summer school as well, he seemed to land in a heap of trouble nearly every day. So many adults had given up hope; his anger seemed greater than his possibility. Few options remained.

When so many had overlooked him and others simply tried to exist around him, The Leaven invited him in. He found warmth, acceptance, accountability, and consistency. With small strides, Austin began to change. His grades improved, he turned in his homework on time, and he learned how to control himself. This year, he hasn’t been sent to the principal a single time! He is learning to cooperate with his peers, and when anger creeps in, Austin doesn’t lose control. With help from the adults at The Leaven, a community of people he has learned to trust, Austin has learned to process his emotions in a healthy, acceptable way.

Martha Lacy, the principal at Austin’s school, said, “That’s what I love about The Leaven.  They’ll take in any child. They aren’t afraid of behaviors, emotions, and real lives. I wish all of our children could belong to The Leaven.”

No violence. Controlled anger. Changed boy. At The Leaven.

Malia – January 20, 2010

When a child’s basic needs are unmet, the ramifications are broad and fierce.

Life has dealt Malia a rough hand. Her home life is challenging and unstable, and daily inconsistencies had begun to affect her academics. She was retained in second grade, and her confidence was fading fast. Malia needed a change; she needed someone to find her. When she began attending The Leaven, Malia found people who cared about her, who could fill her emotional void. She found a huggable community, and she began to come alive.

Last fall, The Leaven featured a picture of Malia at their Wine and Cheese Festival. Martha Lacy, the principal at David Wier Elementary school, fell in love with the picture that so beautifully portrayed her student. She asked if she could have the picture, and she proudly displayed Malia’s smile in the front office at the school. Now, Malia visits the principal’s office for a different reason: in search of her picture on display. She beams every time she sees that framed photo of herself, and her confidence has soared. She is important, special, valued, and loved, and this discovery has impacted her whole family.

In that picture and in the world around her, Malia is finding herself.

And it all began at The Leaven.