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WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL and welcome to the fourth edition of our online newsletter (LAP) The Learning Academy Post

On behalf of our Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteer Mentors, I would like to thank you for your support of DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. Your donations during our back to school/fourth anniversary fundraiser will go a long way in supporting DonCARES as we continue our mission in North Philadelphia.

-Donovan Forrest,

Executive Director of DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc.

CEO CORNER

For four years, DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. has been dedicated to providing quality mentoring services for high school students in North Philadelphia. Our many programs serve our community full circle, from working one-on-one with high school students to fighting food insecurity and prepping students for job placement, we take pride in the dedication of our mentors, community partners, donors, and volunteers to make this happen.

In September 2015, I founded DonCARES in attempt to give back to my North Philadelphia community. I never knew it would be such a successful attempt! Here at DonCARES, our mentors come from many different backgrounds but all have a similar passion and that is to mentor youth and give back to our communities. I wish you the best in your endeavors and I hope to see you at some of our programs during the 2019-2020 school year. Always remember that even if you don't mentor for our organization you can still be someone who matters to someone who matters.

All The Best,

Donovan W. Forrest

Founder & President

DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc.

Pre-Service Spotlight: Muhammad Hernandez

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Age: 20

Year Major: Junior/ English - Secondary Education

Favorite Quote: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

1. Why did you choose to get involved with DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc.?

I chose to get involved with DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. because I’m always looking for opportunities to impact younger communities in a positive light. It was also important to me that DonCARES puts a lot of focus on the relationship between minorities and mentors, more specifically, how the presence of a mentor can dramatically alter the lives of these children.

2. How has mentoring work influenced your career decisions?

As an aspiring high school educator, mentoring has impacted my career decisions immensely. Through working with my church and other mentoring opportunities, I’ve discovered a passion to working in schools and have decided to dedicate my life to youth!

3. How are you spending your summer?

I’ve been spending my summer working in retail and reading books. As an English major, I’ve been trying to expand my literary collection to become a better educator. I’ve also been trying to spend as much time with my family as possible before the school year takes up most of time.

UPCOMING EVENTS: 9/17/19

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, DonCARES Mentors Donovan Forrest, Anisa Ara, Kasey Bethea, Randell Daniels, and Aaron Williams will give advice and insight to seniors starting their senior projects and kicking off a successful year.

Moderated by Charlie McGheean, one of three humanities teachers at The U School, DonCARES will be joined by members of Philadelphia Cease Fire. Cease Fire is a Chicago based non-profit that was founded as a structured, deliberate and disciplined violence intervention program that is based on the premise that violence is a public health issue and can be prevented.

"I know how powerful it is to have representation. It's literally changed the path of my life and my career."

-Misty Copeland