HAPPY FALL and welcome to our October 2020 edition of our online newsletter (LAP) The Learning Academy Post
DonCARES Founder & Executive Director Donovan Forrest stands in a solemn mood outside of The U School in North Philadelphia where his non-profit mentored and tutored high school students for the past four school years. Read his address to our supporters here.

Photo Courtesy of Brandon Ballard
Mentoring Match Celebrates Three Years of Friendship
On Friday, October 2rd 2020, DonCARES Mentor Madison Brown and her 12th grade mentee India enjoyed a meal at Butcher and Singer in Rittenhouse Square. The purpose of DonCARES restaurant outings is to give positive dining experiences for both mentees and their mentors. As an organization, we make sure that mentee leave outings knowing how to calculate a percentage tip to their server.

As the middle child of a single mother, India (10th grade) always wanted a bigger sister. As an active Philadelphia Futures Scholar, India was in search for a mentor to help guide her through her high school experience. Madison (sophomore) is a motivated student at Temple and joined DonCARES in the summer of 2018. Both India and Madison were matched in October 2018. Since the two became friends, they've built a resume, completed school work, explored post-secondary education options, gone to the 2019 Philly Auto Show, the movies, TGI Fridays, The Dandelion, and Reading Termimal together.
Mentee of the Month: Lizandro Urena
DonCARES recognizes Lizandro Urena as the September 2020 DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. Mentee of the Month. Urena was selected because of his commitment to his education and his perseverance in dealing with life's challenges. Urena is currently a rising Senior at The U School and has been a member of DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. since October 2017.
 
DonCARES Executive Director Donovan Forrest met Urena after a Man Up Discussion at The U School in October 2017. Since knowing Urena, Forrest and his team introduced him to acting opportunities, Philadelphia based entrepreneurs, and professional development workshops. Forrest and Urena's teachers at The U School are proud of him and all of his accomplishments. 
DonCARES Black History Corner:
Nipsey Hussle
Ermias Joseph Asghedom known professionally as Nipsey Hussle, was an American hip hop artist, activist, and entrepreneur.

Emerging from the West Coast hip hop scene in the mid-2000s, Hussle independently released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, to moderate local success, which led to him being signed to Cinematic Music Group and Epic Records.

Hussle became known for his numerous mixtapes including The MarathonThe Marathon Continues, and Crenshaw, the last of which rapper Jay-Z bought 100 copies for $100 each.

Also known for his entrepreneurship, Hussle founded the Marathon Clothing store, which he founded along with partners Carless, the head of the agency, Karen Civil, and his brother Samiel Asghedom in 2017, and started a co-working environment which he named "Vector 90".


To read more of our DonCARES Black History Corners visit our social media pages and search the hashtag: #doncaresblackhistorycorner



“Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different… just try hard to be you.”

-Zendaya