What's NEW at Cabrini Connections!!!

As the 2009-2010 tutoring/mentoring year came to an end a little over a month ago, we pretty much were already planning and brainstorming ideas of how to make Cabrini Connections bigger and better for the 2010-2011 tutoring/mentoring year. We are always looking for feedback from our students, volunteers, parents, and other staff on the team so we can continue to provide the best possible services that we can!

As the summer is continuing to wind down and the school year is quickly approaching we have already began making A LOT of changes that we feel will be well received! Here are a few of the many changes that we have made in the program so far:

-The computer lab in the program has been expanded with more laptops AND we have 2 DePaul University volunteers who have been cleaning up the computers and making sure all of the technology in the computer is working properly!

-We have updated our Student and Volunteer History and Tracking System (SVHATS) so our students now only have to complete their EXIT page before leaving the program on any given night.

-We have slightly changed the overall layout of the desk and big table patterns within the program to provide more space between rows and group sitting on tutoring/mentoring nights.

-We have been meeting with all returning volunteers and students (and parents) over the summer as "Annual Review Meetings" to discuss the pros and cons of the past year and to set goals and expectations for the upcoming year. These meetings have been extremely helpful and assist with promoting the new concept we're looking to incorporate in the program and that is getting everybody in the program to get in the mindset of Cabrini Connections being a job where the students are "employees" in their mentors are their "career coaches" or "supervisors."

-We have been recruiting more and more dedicated students and volunteers to join our team...so there are definitely some new faces in the program!

-Along with some new faces joining the leadership ranks in the program. By the first day of the 2010-2011 tutoring/mentoring sessions we will have 4 new Volunteer Coordinators in the program!!!

As you can see we are definitely doing a lot behind the scenes to continue advancing our program and provide the best possible services so that volunteer and students are not only getting the resources they need, but enjoying their experiences in the program also. We have Monthly Mixers coming, Monthly Engagement "Workshops," NEW College Tours ideas and MUCH MUCH MORE in store for the 2010-2011 year and beyond!!! If you would like to be a part of the change and/or know others that want to be a part or support that would only add to the program's success. Prospective volunteers and students and donors can visit our website to see how you can get involved.