Q3 Report - An Update from CAC
- Parker Tilley
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Greetings, CAC friends!
Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old he will not depart from it.”
This verse speaks to CAC’s vision of “healthy alumni transforming their communities”. To accomplish this vision we embrace our children with the unconditional love God has shown us. We make it our goal to ensure our children are equipped academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually because God has shown us that our labors are not in vain. Recently we shared two stories of how our alumni – Karcia and Blu –are truly making a difference. Click the links below to learn more on how CAC has impacted their lives.
This summer we were blessed to add Miss Lakesha Cole, Miss Kaitlyn Hayes, and Miss Brittney Brown to the CAC family. Their addition enhanced our ability to ensure our students were having fun while learning something new! There were so many opportunities for our children this summer – they could learn how to swim, become fluent in a foreign language, study the bible, participate in fitness exercises, work on improving their reading and math proficiency, visit a local history museum, or learn how to become an entrepreneur. Talk about an action packed summer!
The social emotional learning (SEL) of our students is also important. To measure this outcome, we used the Survey of Academic and Youth Outcomes Youth Survey (SAYO-Y), which was developed by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Survey results indicated that 96% of students surveyed have a very positive experience with the CAC program. Positive program experience refers to whether students are connecting, engaging, and enjoying their after-school spaces. There was a slight increase from 76.7% to 80.5% for a sense of school competence. School competence reflects the percentage of students who are showing real confidence in forming relationships and working in teams and are motivated to do well in school and try new things. Additionally 91.5% of survey respondents indicated a sense of social competence, which is an increase of 83.0% from 2024. Social competence refers to the ability to get along with others.
Just as the our kids were kicking summer fun into high gear, it was time to go back to school. Thanks to your donations, we were able to supply over 200 students with back-to-school supplies. The smiles on the kids’ faces certainly say “THANK YOU”!
An update on reading and math proficiency will be provided in our next report. In the meantime please meet Kylie, who started the school year doing great things!
Kylie is very outgoing and enjoys dance, girl’s bible study, and learning new things at the CAC. She is in the 4th grade and was recently inducted into the National Beta Club. National Beta Club is a non-profit educational organization for students in grades 4-12 that promotes the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership, and service. Members participate in local and national events, including leadership programs, community service projects, and academic competitions. Congratulations Kylie – we’re so proud of you!
It is important to us that you see the results of your prayers and financial support. They have and will continue to make a difference in the lives of our young people and community. Please consider joining us for Trivia Night on Thursday, October 23, at Metro Community Church. More information on the event, including how to purchase tickets, can be found by clicking here. It is sure to be a fun evening!
As unbelievable as it may seem, the end of the year is fast approaching. Please consider supporting our Adopt-A-Child for Christmas program, as so many of you have faithfully done for many years. Adopting a child for Christmas ensures that kids in East St. Louis wake up full of joy on Christmas morning! Keep an eye on your inbox for more information in the coming days.
In closing, 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us to “be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Thank you for walking alongside us!
Dr. Jeffrey A. Williams
Executive Director
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