Milagro Mentor Messenger

February 2025

Volume IV, Issue 2

On Thursday evening, February 6^th, we showed the world the talent that abounds at Milagro Center as our students and staff took to the professional stage at The Lake Worth Playhouse - and wow, did we put on a show! “That Milagro Show, Season One” featured our very own students from the STARS k-5^th grade program, the Jr. Teen Leadership Program, and our Teen Leadership Program, along with members of Milagro Center’s very talented professional staff. After a welcome by our President & CEO Barbara Stark to our parents, mentors, supporters, sponsors, community friends, and volunteers in the audience, the fabulous talent show kicked off with a rousing performance by our Jr. Drumline. Emcee Mr. Mychael then introduced the roster of performances, including the Milagro STARS Steppers, our elementary school music ensemble, the super talented Teen band, our Teen dancers, and wonderful vocal and musical solos by our extraordinary teen singers, musicians, and staff. The enthusiatic audience was wowed by the talent nurtured by Milagro Center. Stay tuned for “That Milagro Show, Season 2” coming next year!

In late January I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the 2025 National Mentor Summit in Washington, DC. There’s always something new and exciting in the word of mentoring and I am excited to share with you the tools and resources I came away with when you next visit Milagro Center for your mentoring session.

We appreciate and celebrate you as a Milagro Mentor! And what better way to express this than to invite you to our “Miracle Monday Mentor Appreciation Event” on Monday, March 10^th at 6pm at “The Rose Delray”, a new lovely art gallery venue. Look for the invitation in your email inbox and kindly RSVP! We hope you will join us and your fellow Mentors for an evening of fun and camaraderie.

Reminders:

· If you have not yet been featured in this monthly newsletter’s “Mentor Spotlight”, please make sure I get your photo taken with your mentee so we can celebrate YOU. I am looking for candidates for March so let’s put you and your mentee in the spotlight!

· We are CLOSED FEBRUARY 17 for President’s Day. Please remember to check other “important dates to remember” below, so that you can mark camp days and closure dates on your calendar.

With gratitude,

Ms. Laurie,

Director of Volunteers and Mentors

FEBRUARY 2025 MENTOR Spotlight!!!

Being able to share life experiences and guidance with my mentee, Kaycen, is both rewarding and challenging. We have developed a bond that has allowed him to be open and accepting to new ideas.

In today’s world, young children face many challenges. I feel privileged to be able to take part in Kaycen’s growth path. We try to explore new avenues. His willingness and curiosity to learn something new will lead to a broader and richer future. He knows I stand ready to help him in any of his endeavors and am looking forward to our continuing relationship.

Mr. Freddie

In The Words of a Milagro Mentor

"Sometimes I feel like I benefit more from the program than my mentee. I get a rush from the smile on his face when he spots me looking for him when I arrive." - Mr. Alan

Support our Reading Intervention Program! https://www.milagrocenter.org/code-read/

· Mentored teenagers earn better grades.
· 27 percent of mentored youth are less likely to begin using alcohol.
· 52 percent of mentored youth are less likely to skip school.
· Youth with mentors have increased likelihood of going to college, better attitudes toward school, increased social and emotional development, and improved self-esteem.

Courtesy of https://socialworklicensemap.com/

If you feel that your mentee could benefit emotionally from play, take this free course to understand better the benefits of play as therapy. The 2-hour course is provided free from Alison.

ALISON is an online education platform for higher education that provides free certificate courses in teaching & education, as well as IT, health, business and more.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb 17 – we are CLOSED for Presidents’ Day.
Feb 24 – camp day, 8:30am-5:30pm
March 10 - Miracle Monday Mentor Appreciation Event - please rsvp!
Mar 24-31 – spring break camp 8:30am-5:30pm. Please remember that some kids may be traveling, so check with your mentee in advance.
Apr 18 – Milagro Center closed for Good Friday
May 3 – Milagro Center presents "Milagro Vibe", our annual spring fundraising gala at the beautiful Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach. Please purchase your tickets and sponsorships at Milagro Vibe Feel Good Gala. Cocktails, dinner, dancing, auctions, entertainment, and open bar!
May 6 – closed for Memorial Day
May 30 - last day of school
June 2 – first day of our 10-week full day summer camp!