October 2023 // A Community Newsletter

Dear friends and neighbors,

Where did September go?!? Here we are in the first week of October, and it feels like summer only just ended! At Goodman, the first week of October means we've started to transform our center into Turkey Central.

In less than two months, 4,000 families will come by to pick up their Thanksgiving Basket. It's my absolute favorite weekend of the year because it is a portrait of community care in action. Thanks to our generous community (that includes you!), we've been providing holiday groceries to thousands of families in Dane County for the last 35 years.


Every year, I tell you the need is greater than ever, unfortunately the story is true once again this year. Our food pantry has seen unprecedented numbers since January. We're averaging more than 100 households per day – that's 300+ households each week. These numbers are higher than what we saw during the peak of COVID.


It's not hard to imagine that for so many in our community, a big holiday meal simply won't be in the budget this year.


If you're in a place where you can help out, head on over to our Thanksgiving homepage to learn more about how you can get involved and make a gift. And if you're someone who could use a little help this year, visit that same page starting Oct. 16-27 to register for a basket. 

Take care,
Letesha Nelson 
CEO & Executive Director

P.S. I'll be hosting my first Check In with Letesha, new office hours that will happen periodically throughout the year, next Thursday. Keep scrolling to learn more and RSVP.


Photo by Beth Skogen Photography

EVENTS



Check In with Letesha

Introducing Check In with Letesha, virtual public office hours with Goodman CEO / Executive Director Letesha Nelson. In this first session, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 12 at noon, Letesha will talk about our Living Wage Initiative – how it's been going and her vision for the future – and answer your questions. 


This event will happen via Zoom and will be recorded. RSVP below. Amie Hoag, Director of Communications, will email you a link to the Zoom meeting on Monday, Oct. 9. 


RSVP here.


Photo by SV Heart Photography

PROGRAMS



Nature Nuts are Back!

Our preschool and 4K programs welcomed back Nature Nuts, a partnership with Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Representatives from Aldo Leopold visit every week with a new outdoor and nature-inspired activity for our kiddos to enjoy.


This week, Ms. Kaitlyn led the kids on an outdoor exploration where they used their senses to make observations about the world around them. 

Exploring Gold Room

What does an average afternoon look like in our elementary after-school program? In Gold Room, kids start the day with a family meeting, aka "Ice Cream on the Rug." The kids talk about their days and have a chance to express all their feelings. Ms. Nicole or Ms. Carol also use this time to read a story while the kids listen and color, braid hair or just chill after a long day at school.


After that, kids are free to explore the room's maker space, science center and dramatic play area. 

Fall Bike Rides

Our middle school is fortunate to partner with Lussier Family Heritage Center this fall to go on two scenic bike rides that will immerse youth in the beautiful changes of autumn.


In September, 12 youth went on a ride with Education Coordinator Angela Rivera around the Madison area's gorgeous bike paths and across the Lake Waubesa boardwalk into McFarland.


In October, another group will ride with Colleen Hayes, city of Madison pedestrian and bicycle outreach specialist. 

A Tasty Collaboration

This year, our middle and high school teens are collaborating on our popular Cooking Club! Four high schoolers will create their own menu to cook up with Youth Culinary Career Coordinator Chynna's help and expertise. Then the older teens will help lead the middle schoolers through each recipe.


In preparation for the official Oct. 2 start of the series, our middle schoolers whipped up some scrumptious peach tarts. 

WORK AT GCC



Make an Impact

The Goodman Center has some of the best benefits in town – no joke. In addition to a $20/hour minimum wage, an incredible health care plan (better than what some much bigger businesses in town offer, we've been told by our staff) and retirement matching, Goodman also offers more than 5 weeks of paid time off in your first year, free child care for kids in preschool and attending Lowell or Emerson elementary schools, and more.


Check out our current open positions and apply today:

  • Meals on Wheels Coordinator
  • Girls Inc. STEM Coordinator
  • Girls Inc. Middle & High School Coordinator
  • Child Care Assistant Director
  • Preschool Substitute Teachers 


Learn more and apply here.

FOOD PROGRAMS



Fritz Food Pantry

Our food pantry is open three days a week to anyone who needs it.


Hours:  

  • Tuesday 9:30am to noon, drive-thru 1-2pm 
  • Wednesday 6-8pm  
  • Thursday 12:30-3pm


Interested in helping our food pantry serve our community? Check out our list of most-needed items.


Questions? Contact Francesca at francesca@goodmancenter.org or 608-204-8049.

Fall is a magical time at the Goodman Center, and we have a lot of work ahead of us. Thank you for caring for your community! ❤️

Make a Gift
GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
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