by Shirley Heck, Site Supervisor, John XXIII Educational Center
As site supervisor during the initial year of John XXIII Educational Center’s existence in Racine, Wisconsin and now during the second year, I have been blessed and inspired by the dedication and commitment of the Lasallian Volunteers. The success and strength of the support programs offered at John XXIII Educational Center are a tribute to the Lasallian Volunteers who work collaboratively with the staff, parents, and mentors in helping each student succeed in his/her educational journey as a life -long learner and leader. I feel a very strong component of the program is the initial nation-wide orientation session and the retreats for the LVs. While in attendance, LVs grow in their understanding of the basic Lasallian principles and their applications to the mission of our Educational Center. They also return with an informed and renewed commitment to living out the spirit of St. John Baptist de la Salle.
Both the personal and professional qualities of the Lasallian Volunteers contribute to their success in fostering the mission of the John XXIII Educational Center. On a personal basis, the Lasallian community-life provides an excellent support system to make a difference in the lives of the students. Being connected to the Lasallian world exposes the LVs to many great values, opportunities and relationships. Often the Lasallian Volunteers share with me how serving as an LV is one of the best decisions they made in their lives. Everyday provides a new challenge and opportunity for growth, not only in the lives of the students and the families they serve but also in their own lives. Through their creative and personal efforts, initiative, enthusiasm and energy they help each child to believe in his/her potential, thus affirming their self-confidence, motivation, and, resiliency to respond successfully to life’s challenges and choices. They enrich the lives of the students, inform their choices, and prepare them for further educational opportunities and meaningful employment.
On a professional basis, the Lasallian Volunteers come very well prepared academically. They assume a wide-array of professional responsibilities. They supervise the study hall, tutoring and mentoring sessions which are scheduled from 3:30-5:30 and 7:00-8:30 Mondays through Thursdays. They also visit the counselors and teachers at the schools where students attend during the day. They receive information about the progress the students are making and any behavioral or academic areas in need of improvement. They also review the progress and report cards of the students. This information assists the Lasallian Volunteers, the tutors and mentors in providing the individually-guided assistance to the students.
The Lasallian Volunteers work very closely with the Christian Brother whom they accompany to some of the out-reach programs for the needy and troubled students at various community sites that are scheduled during the day. As such, they participate in discussions about anger-management strategies and the skills necessary for making wise life decisions. They encourage the students to believe in themselves and their ability to change their lives.
As site supervisor, I try to focus on the strengths of the Lasallian Volunteers in assigning other general responsibilities. These include writing skills used in publishing monthly newsletters for the church bulletins and students’ newsletters which focus on the achievements of the middle and high school students. Their computer skills far exceed anyone of the staff members, so these are used in assisting with compiling the monthly financial data, development contributions and follow-up communications with all the donors. From my experience, documenting these roles in writing letters of recommendation for the Lasallian Volunteers plays a major part for them in securing career opportunities subsequent to their years of service as a Lasallian Volunteer. Despite their daily rigorous schedule, when unexpected or additional needs arise, the LVs often offer their services.
Because of their important instructional and supervisory responsibilities, the Lasallian Volunteers participate in our weekly administrative team meetings. It is so rewarding to see how their ideas and suggestions enrich the lives of the students we serve and how they guide the students to new horizons. Their college preparation often includes experiences in out-reach programs dealing with social justice issues. These experiences prepare them to take risks in planning projects related to John XXIII’s mission to assist students who are economically, educationally, and, often emotionally challenged students living in the impoverished neighborhoods in Racine. As such, they truly live out St. John Baptist de la Salle’s commitment to working with children living in poverty.
In summary, both the personal and professional qualities of the Lasallian Volunteers influence their unconditional commitment in achieving the following goals: reaching out to each of God’s children; believing in students’ potential to become life-long learners and leaders; calling forth the personal best in all children while celebrating their individual talents and abilities; developing a foundation for an individual who is committed to his/her values, thus, helping them develop the resiliency to respond effectively to the challenges and choices they encounter in their lives; assisting students to grow personally , morally, socially and academically so that they can graduate from high school; and, empowering and affirming students’ dreams, hopes and a brighter future marked with success and happiness. I can’t imagine a more rewarding professional opportunity than to serve as a site supervisor to guide and assist the Lasallian Volunteers in achieving these goals that define the mission of our John XXIII Educational Center.