Notes from the Director

I am excited each week to write a quick note to our readers about my personal insight on the program. I hope that my words spark your curiosity and interest in our program as well as make you look deeper into the needs of our community.

This week I'd like to brag about one of our partner schools. In January 2011 we opened the third SFLC campus at Frances Willard Elementary in Rock Island. This campus focuses on English Language Learners, many of whom are refugees, and provides an after-school program where they can play games, read, and socialize to reinforce the English language. This is a new and exciting opportunity for SFLC.

For the first time we are in a school, when we typically are housed in churches. At all campuses we work to build strong relationships with the school administration and staff. School personnel provide insight to the needs of the youth and their families and an overall base knowledge of what our organization needs to provide for the community. I can honestly attest that Frances Willard is one of the most comfortable buildings I have ever entered. You can see love pouring from the hearts of the teachers at Frances Willard. The students’ needs are always top priority and the staff is very unique in their level of interest with the students they serve. Building relationships with the administration and staff at Frances Willard has been one of the most pleasant and rewarding experiences I have had at SFLC. I call my office an “open door” office, anyone is welcome in my room at any time and I very seldom shut my door for any reason. I look at Frances Willard as an “open door” school. Everyone is welcoming and inviting. It is an exceptional school with exceptional staff members!

Take Care-

Katie Colbrese, Director