April 2024 // A Community Newsletter | |
Dear friends and neighbors, | |
We hosted our second annual Be the God storytelling event April 18, and this one was extra special because it was also Goodman's 70th birthday party. We celebrated the wonderful work the center has been doing for the last seven decades, and even more importantly, we celebrated the people who have made that work possible: volunteers, donors, staff and community members. | |
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We heard from Peter and David Vogel, a family who has been supporting our center for as long as it's existed (That's right! David was a member of the Kiwanis Club that helped open the Atwood Community Center back in 1954.) Becky Steinhoff took the stage, and we all know the unbelievable impact she had on Goodman's growth in the 30 years she led the organization. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for her dedication and vision.
Edith Hilliard — former staff member, current volunteer and participant, and all-around Madison icon — shared a beautiful story about cake and how it has created community at Goodman. And OG Goodman staffer Arthur Morgan looked back on the 30+ years he's spent getting to know youth through his work at the center, including his current role as Family Advocacy Manager.
Each story shared wisdom and love, and I left the evening feeling inspired and invigorated. If you were there, I hope you did too!
Here's to 70 more years of strengthening lives and securing futures while building community in Madison!
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Thank you to our Be the Good sponsors! | |
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EASTSIDE NEWS
A Closer Look at the Food Crisis
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In the latest issue of Eastside News, on newsstands today and hitting mailboxes this week, we took a closer look at food insecurity facing so many in our community. Goodman's pantry has seen a huge increase in demand in the last three years — a trend that's continuing with each new month — and our pantry is not unique. With soaring housing costs throughout Madison, as well as an increased cost in all consumer goods, families throughout Dane County are having a hard time making ends meet. Thousands of them turn to pantries like Goodman for help, and those pantries are having a hard time keeping up.
Check out the latest issue for the full story, and visit the Goodman pantry website for the list of most-needed items. (Read on below if you're interested in hosting food drives in your neighborhood!)
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VOLUNTEERS
Our Pantry Needs Your Help
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Like pantries across the county, Goodman's food pantry has seen record numbers of people shopping for their weekly groceries. We're having a hard time keeping our shelves stocked, and we need your help! Introducing the Friends of the Food Pantry program, an organized effort designed to mobilize volunteers to help make giving to Goodman's pantry easier.
When you sign up to be a Friend of the Food Pantry, you'll run monthly food drives that will inspire your neighbors, friends and family to give, and make a difference for your community. We'll support you with imagery and themed food drive ideas, and we invite you to bring your own creativity to the mix as well!
If this sounds like fun, fill out our interest form. Our volunteer manager, Susan, will be in touch with more information. Thank you for your support!
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Every year, more than 1,300 people give their time to their community, coming through our center in some volunteer capacity. For some, they come by weekly; for others, it's a few times a year. However much time they can give, they're making a difference in this place we all call home — and they've told us they get as much as they give, sometimes more.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every person who has given their time to Goodman over the years. The center wouldn't be what it is without volunteers, and we wouldn't be able to do all the wonderful work we do without you.
Photo by SV Heart Photography
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PROGRAMS
Mark Your Calendar: 50+ Meet & Mingle
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It's party time! Our Older Adult program is getting ready for another Meet & Mingle, and if this party is anything like last year, it's one you won't want to miss!
Enjoy an evening of music by DJ Diego, dancing, food and fun activities. Come mingle with your program friends and make new ones. Guests and friends are HIGHLY encouraged to attend! We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Cost is $10 (covers food, a drink ticket, activities and entertainment). To register, call 608-241-1574.
This event is proudly sponsored by Madison Investments
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Toothpicks + Marshmallows = Science Fun | |
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The kiddos in our elementary program's Teal House put their heads together to build the tallest toothpick tower, and they had a lot of fun and learned about science in the process.
The kids split off into groups to see who could come up with the best design. It took a lot of communication and patience with each other, and they all worked together to build stable, sustainable towers.
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Prepping for Summer with Lego Printmaking | |
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Earlier this month, Scott and Jerry from Art & Sons stopped by to teach our middle school staff Lego printmaking. Printing with Legos is an easy, low-pressure way to get youth engaged in art and creativity — it's a fun process with fun results! Our middle school staff are looking forward to trying this with students as part of a mini course this summer.
Art & Sons has a long history of collaborating with Goodman. Fifteen years ago, Scott and Jerry volunteered with Mess Hall Press, teaching youth screen printing in what is now Goodman's fitness center. Our LOFT team loved welcoming them back to Goodman!
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WORK AT GCC
Come work with us!
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Make an impact on your community while feeling great about the work you do. The Goodman Center has some of the best benefits in town — no joke. In addition to an in-house minimum wage of $20 per hour and an incredible health care plan (better than what some much bigger businesses in town offer, we've been told by our staff), Goodman offers retirement matching, more than five weeks of paid time off in your first year, free child care for kids in preschool and attending Lowell or Emerson elementary schools, and more.
Check out our current open positions and apply today:
- Director of Communications & Annual Giving
- Elementary Programs Lead Teacher
- Program Kitchen Manager
- Catering Chef & Manager
- Girls Inc. Summer LTE
- Middle School Enrichment Coordinator
Check out all positions and apply today!
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EASTSIDE NEWS CENTENNIAL
What Do You Love about Eastside News?
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With Eastside News celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, we're asking that you please take a moment to share with us what it has meant to you over the years. We'll print some of your answers in our special 100th Anniversary Edition in July 2024.
Show Eastside News some love! Fill out our very short survey.
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AT THE CENTER
'We are All Related'
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Opening May 1 at the Ballweg Gallery is Charlotte Easterling's collection of work under the title "Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ," which is Lakota for "We are all related." From the artist's statement:
"This refers not only to people but also to animals, plants, the Earth, the sky — everything living and nonliving. All that exists is made up of what Carl Sagan called 'star stuff,' the elements that were created in the hearts of ancient stars that grew old, died and went supernova, spreading their star stuff throughout the universe."
Charlotte's art will be up through the end of May, and there is a reception at Ironworks on May 3, 6-8pm.
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FOOD PROGRAMS
Fritz Food Pantry
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Thank you for all you do to support your community! We're all stronger when everyone has the resources they need to be successful ❤️ | |
GOODMAN COMMUNITY CENTER
214 Waubesa Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
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