That's a story shared with us by Melissa, and just one example of the kindness that's happening every day here in Madison. In Melissa's case, she engaged in a little self-kindness following a stay in the hospital, and then shared her good fortune with her community.

That's what I like to see!

We're planning to celebrate stories like Melissa's at the end of this month, and I hope to see you there. Be the Good: Celebrating Kindness in Our Community will be a heartwarming – and fun – night of storytelling and joy. You don't want to miss it. Get your tickets today! (We'd love to see this event sell out. Help us make that happen!)

I hope you're enjoying this sunny week, and I will see you soon.

Take care,

P.S. I want to make sure anyone who would like to attend this event is able to, so tickets are pay what you can, including free.

In just two weeks, we'll be pulling off the biggest party we've thrown since before the pandemic, and we hope to see you there!

Be the Good: Celebrating Kindness in Our Community will be a fun and heartwarming evening of storytelling, hosted by John Urban of Big Dreamers United. You don't want to miss it!

Tickets are pay what you can, including free.

Girls Inc. is bringing youth together to share in activities that explore the six principles of the Girls Inc. Bill of Rights.

On Saturday, May 13, Girls Inc. of Greater Madison is hosting a professional, grown-up conference for Girls Inc. members and community youth. It'll be a full day of learning, exploring and a whole lot of fun.

Parents will drop off children in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. All snacks and meals are provided.

This conference is open to girls and nonbinary youth in grades 1-12. Tickets are free for Girls Inc. members and just $5 for nonmembers.

If you don't have a child who would love to attend this conference, please take a minute to share this info with a parent who does!

Over spring break, members of our Lussier LOFT high school team packed up a van and headed south with seven LOFT teens. Their destination: four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).

For some of the youth on the trip, HBCUs were top of their list when considering where to go after high school. For others, they weren't even on their radar. By the end of the weeklong road trip, they all were energized and excited about what they had seen and learned.

We asked the youth to share their thoughts on the trip, and that article will appear in the next issue of Eastside News. Keep an eye out for it in mailboxes and on newsstands in early May. 

On Monday, when Madison schools were closed, our friends at MSCR brought a group of their Girls Inc. participants to Goodman, where they were treated to a day of activities planned by GIGM teens.

A week ago, the teen facilitators met at Goodman for a training and planning day to prepare for Monday's fun and learning. Then on Monday, these youth took the lead in guiding more than 60 elementary-age Girls Inc. participants through get-to-know-you games, leadership-building activities, and something called Wizards Giants Elves. (Think: rock, paper, scissors meets tag. That had to be fun, right?)

Overall, it was a pro-girl and nonbinary youth day filled with fun, mentorship, great food and learning.  

Our elementary after-school program was excited to welcome our friends at FoodWIse back after spring break. FoodWIse is stopping by every Monday to talk about nutrition with our kids, and they always bring a little something to sample.

This week, Holly visited to talk about beverages, and the lesson ended with some tasty mango smoothies. Yum! 

FYI Summer Sports Camps – Register Today!

Fit Youth Initiative (FYI) is offering two summer sessions of co-ed instructional sports camps for basketball, soccer and volleyball. Registration for Session 1 is now open.

These sports camps will teach children and youth from kindergarten through eighth grade the fundamental aspects of the sport with a splash of game play so players can implement their new skills. Each camp will also cover the benefits of healthy nutrition and how to best incorporate that into everyday life.

Your child will have a fantastic time learning the sport while also building self-confidence through physical activity.

Session 1 runs May 15 through June 23. Scholarships are available.

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

Our Fritz Food Pantry is hosting a COVID vaccine clinic in partnership with Community Action Coalition and Dane County Public Health. First, second or booster shots will be available. No appointment necessary, and a Spanish translator will be available on site.

This event is open to the public – all are welcome! 

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

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.

One of our newest neighbors, Bloom Bake Shop in Northstreet, has started dropping off leftover goodies for use in our food pantry. These delicious pastries have been an extra treat for customers to enjoy as they wait for their turn to shop. Bloom didn't stop there. They also hosted a Meet Your Neighbor event when they opened and donated all of the proceeds to Goodman.

Thank you, Bloom, and welcome to the neighborhood!

608.241.1574 | info@goodmancenter.org | goodmancenter.org

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