Q1 Report - An Update from CAC

Greetings, Friends of CAC!

Let me start by expressing the power of prayer! We started the quarter by welcoming two new staff members to the CAC: Ms. Teresa Cherry and Mrs. Cleopatra Prayer-Bullard. Both ladies play pivotal roles in helping us achieve the CAC mission which is to embrace kids with the love of Christ and equip them to thrive. Ms. Cherry, a CAC alumnus, serves as our faith and wellness coach and ensures our students are learning biblical values that will help them develop emotionally and spiritually. Mrs. Prayer-Bullard brings a robust background in early childhood education to equip our kindergarten through third grade students with the skills they need to meet and exceed grade-level academic proficiencies.

Our organization remains dedicated to academic success. For example, one of our second graders started our program reading at a level that is below the desired proficiency. After a few months of intense tutoring her reading improved greatly, which in turn has boosted her self-confidence. Data on overall student proficiency levels will be available in our Q2 report, as our students just completed a week of state testing. 

This quarter I’m pleased to introduce you to Braiden (pictured above middle)! Braiden is quiet and small in stature; however, this second grader can bring loudness and laughter when he is having fun. His daily routine is simple: come in, get a snack, work on his homework until completion, find his class, and then play, play, play. He has a twinkling yet mischievous smile which makes him even more adorable. Braiden is just one of the many students your generosity helps to support!

Our middle and high school students continue to thrive in our Renaissance Program. In partnership with Go! International, the students hone their entrepreneurial skills, refine their speaking and social skills, and develop financial literacy skills. To assist in this endeavor, members from the Missouri Botanical Garden will be working with our students in the CAC community garden in preparation for the upcoming rotating Farmer’s Market. This is just one of many partnerships that we maintain with community organizations in an effort to further enrich our programming opportunities. Additionally, our youth will begin preparing a short documentary which will be featured later this year at the International Film Festival. More details are forthcoming!   

It is our prayer to continue these programs and more in the years to come for the youth in East St. Louis. While many after school agencies are being impacted by the withholding of federal funds, which has an impact on their day to day operations, the CAC continues to operate with steadiness and confidence due to your financial support and prayers.  

Many people see the CAC as a safe place for children to have fun – but it is more than that.  The CAC is a place where we address the holistic needs of the child. It is a place to help reduce the strain on families, fill the gaps in learning and support, and reduce the risk of youth involvement in crime. Our approach wraps around the child and the family!

I invite you to learn about and explore the CAC at our next Tour & Tea event on Thursday, April 23rd at 11:00am. If it has been a while since your last visit, I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to meet our staff, tour the Center, and see for yourself our mission in action. You may RSVP by contacting Karcia Robins (Karcia.Robins@cacesl.org) or by calling the office (618-874-5615).

In the coming weeks you’ll also hear more about the 19th Annual Golf for a Future Tournament, which will be held at Stonewolf Golf Club on Friday, June 19th. Registration will open in a few weeks – we’re looking forward to a great morning of golf! And if you are interested in volunteering at the CAC, please send a note to volunteer@cacesl.org. We will send you a package with additional information and find an opportunity to match your skills and interests with our greatest needs.   

Please continue to pray for us as we embrace kids with the love of Christ and equip them to thrive, and know that we are

Gratefully yours,

Dr. Jef Williams

Executive Director