February 2008

Thank you to all who participated in and donated to the 20^th annual Fannie Mae Foundations Help the Homeless Walkathon in November 2007. Thanks to your help, it was our most           successful year yet, bringing in $67,774. One hundred percent of  these funds will go to CFLS programs and services throughout the year. For over two hundred homeless and      low-income families and individuals who depend on Community Family Life Services  everyday, your      commitment has helped to ensure individuals have permanent     shelter; that families have a roof over their head and food in the   refrigerator; that children have superb educational opportunities and support; and that each person, each family, that enters our program will have the support they need to help lift them out of poverty and move them towards economic self-sufficiency.  Thank you again! We look forward to an even more successful Walkathon next fall!

All the Worlds a Stage...

On February 16^th 2008, Marcellos,  Andrea , and   Ralphael, auditioned for the Young Actors Ensemble at the Washington DCs Studio Theatre.  Last week we learned that all three have been accepted and will be receiving scholarship to attend!

The Young Actors Ensemble is a program of activities that introduces students to realistic acting.  Students will acquire and expand skills in concentration, observation, stimulus-response, and interplay by participating in theatre games, pantomimes, improvisations, ensemble work, monologues and scene study.  Exploration and development of the   actor's instrument is encouraged through exercises designed to free and expand physical response as well as vocal range and clarity.

Their curriculum provides disciplined, process-oriented training for young actors with or without prior experience or training. Registered students are carefully divided based on their placement auditions, enabling their instructors to develop individual students to their fullest potential.

Student Spotlight Andrea

Our students accomplishments are very important to us at Community Family Life Services (CFLS).

Andrea, 13, is an eighth grader at P.R Harris Education Center. An excellent student and CFLS team leader,    Andrea is active inside and outside of her school and community.

In addition to her participation at the Washington Tennis Foundation, Andrea will be auditioning at the Studio Theater for placement in their upcoming performances.   Andrea is also very excited about gaining valuable  experience in the non-profit field through the 2008 Youth Summer Employment Program, where she will work with CFLS as a Youth Counselor. Andreas duties will include establishing safety policies and procedures for programs, assisting with lessons, designing field trips, and assisting with day-to-day summer camp operations. She is also a mentor for the younger students participating in youth programs.

Andrea is currently on the honor roll and hopes to maintain good grades in order to become a Social Worker.  Andreas many activities attest to her willingness to give back to her community and to her overall persona of excellence.