Community Matters: April 2022
Welcome to NECC's Community Matters Newsletter. We’ve had quite a unique spring from hail showers to even snow! But here we are having literally having weathered the storm and gearing up for that gorgeous summer sun. This month’s newsletter includes information about local community events, our Community Fund Spring Appeal, youth volleyball volunteer spotlight, and an update on our NECC Board of Directors committee structure. Check it out!
Upcoming Community Events
NECC Board of Directors Committee Volunteers Wanted
Do you have a particular set of finely honed skills you'd love to share with your community? We want your expertise!

The Board of Directors has recently reorganized its working committees to open them up for public participation. With this change we hope to increase community engagement, develop a stronger organization, and build on our commitment to equity as part of our Strategic Plan.

If you are looking for a place to apply your skills or learn new ones, all while helping build community, please consider volunteering for one of our three committees: Internal Affairs, External Affairs, and Governance. Click here to read each group's description and learn how to get involved.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kim Nixon
When her daughter began playing volleyball here at NECC and the previous coach moved on, Kim Nixon stepped in and stepped up to be the volunteer instructor. She wanted to be a part of her daughter's learning experience and share her love of the sport with eager to learn young players. 

For three years now Kim, a former high school varsity volleyball player, has enjoyed teaching the basic fundamentals of the sport and watching her players recognize their own achievements.  

“It's an amazing feeling to see the kids go from shanking the ball to passing on target. It almost brings tears to my eyes with pride and excitement when they get their first serve over the net and they quietly say ‘yes!’ That's the feeling I have when I play and I love that they are feeling it too,” Nixon said.
Team sports for young players for has been particularly crucial to not only the physical but also social and overall well-being of younger community members during the pandemic. Kim remarks that she was so grateful when her players could finally get back on the court and release all their pent-up energy. 
 
“I've learned to balance the skills with relevant games to keep it interesting. These kids have so much to deal with these days, so much seriousness in the world. It's important to me that they are still able to be kids, have fun, and learn these skills in a more creative way,” she said.
Photo Booth Thank You!

We were thrilled to have more than 150 community members participate in the photo booth last week! Keep an eye on the lobby in early May when the art piece featuring all of your smiling faces will be installed. If you would like a digital copy of your photo, please contact Kim Ositis, Development Manager, at [email protected]

This special project is a kick-off to The Community Fund Spring Appeal that will launch in May. Learn more here about how The Community Fund is helping to provide access to health and wellness for more of our neighbors!
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Northeast Community Center
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