THE DARLAND CONNECTION
2005-2006
ANNUAL REPORT
2005-2006 Accomplishments
- Fall Semester 2005 – 518 volunteers at 92 sites, compiling 25,475 hours of direct support.
- Spring Semester 2006 – 806 volunteers at 101 sites, compiling 15,684 hours of direct support.
These semester figures yield a total for 2005-2006 of 1,324 volunteers at 125 sites, compiling 31,159 hours of direct service to our community.
A comparison of the current figures to those of previous years highlight the increased number of volunteers the Darland Connection has been able to provide to a wider variety of community partners.
- 2004-2005 - 1,013 volunteers at 112 sites, compiling 54,342 hours of direct service.
- 2003-2004 - 1,118 volunteers at 119 sites, compiling 34,046 hours of direct service.
- 2002-2003 - 1,226 volunteers at 114 sites, compiling 33,243 hours of direct service.
Outcomes for Children Assisted
Based on data from semester evaluations completed by supervisors, over 97% of the pre-kindergarten through12th grade children tutored achieved academic improvements. In addition, teachers also noted increased self-esteem, improved attitudes towards learning, and timelier completion of assignments. Volunteer’s who were assisting in non-academic situations helped with an increase in self-esteem and improved attitudes.
Benefits for UMD Student Volunteers
Over 50% of the UMD student volunteers are from the College of Education and Human Service Professionals (CEHSP). These volunteers received useful hands-on experience pertinent to their future careers. Pre-Education majors used their Darland Connection volunteer hours to help satisfy CEHSP program admission requirements. UMD students enrolled in classes such as Human Diversity, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Elementary Education, Intro to Early Childhood, and Foundations in Early Childhood were able to satisfy class requirements.
Positive aspects of volunteering with the Darland Connection that UMD students cited in their evaluation comments included:
- Reinforcement of career goals
- Developing skills and increasing competency for future career and learning from a classroom teacher
- Building fun and caring relationships with kids
- Building self-confidence
- Satisfaction from supporting a child in academic need and the joy of watching them become more successful
- Increasing self-awareness
- Opening up of new career options
- Increasingly stronger ties with the Duluth community
Successful Partnerships
Numerous UMD faculty and staff, especially those in Education, Psychology, Communication, and Communication Science Disorders, work with the Darland Connection to promote volunteering with their students. These teachers and staff realize the value of volunteer experiences for their students, for UMD and for the Duluth community.
America Reads Work-Study Students
America Reads is a national program which aims to improve literacy among school children in grades K-8. This federal program has joined forces with the University system by offering work-study positions within the local community under the auspices of America Reads.
At the Darland Connection, we place UMD work-study students in local schools and agencies. These students provide an immense amount of service to the local community, working nearly 16,000 hours throughout the school year. This year, the Darland Connection placed 101 America Reads work-study students in the community. Teachers and agencies alike appreciate the consistent contact time provided by the America Reads work-study students, while the UMD students enjoy the work experience and financial gain.
Service Learning Advancements
The teaching methodology known as service-learning has seen some expansion among the faculty at UMD this past year. The Darland Connection has collaborated with many Education classes, such as Jane Dietrich’s Intro to Elementary Education, Lorraine Mitchell’s Early School Years, Kim Riordan’s Foundations in Early Childhood, and various Human Diversity classes, placing its students out into several of the area’s schools. Not only is this a great experience for the students who plan to continue on in the Education field and could really use the hands-on approach to learning, but it is a great partnership for the schools in the area. Many teachers are grateful for the extra help and for those students that receive one-on-one tutoring; they also appreciate the UMD students’ presence.
An additional course to embrace the service-learning teaching method was a Developmental Psychology course taught by Brenda Butterfield. Those students who were interested in the hands-on approach were given the opportunity to look at development across the lifespan as influenced by outside forces, such as poverty, and substance abuse, to name a few. These students were placed out in community organizations to do some service as well as to make some reflective observations.
Also in the works is adding a service-learning component to an introductory level Recreation course to be taught in the fall of 2006 by Julie Ernst. These students will also be placed out in community organizations, which for many of them, the help they receive from volunteers is what keeps them afloat.
Impacts of Community Grants
UMD and AmeriCorps, VISTA, and Promise Fellow provided the funds to staff the Darland Connection. Additional funding from Central High School PTSA, Chester Park PTSA, MacArthur PTSA, and Congdon Park PTSA, was used to cover expenses for printing, postage, telephone, travel stipends, and general operating supplies.
VISTA and AmeriCorps
This year we have been fortunate to have two full time VISTA’s, one full time True North AmeriCorps worker, and one full-time AmeriCorps Promise Fellow at the Darland Connection. Bree Johnson, the Darland Connection’s first AmeriCorps Promise Fellow worked as a volunteer coordinator for all placements made in the middle schools and high schools, as well as worked intensively with Ordean Middle School on service projects and tutoring needs. Chong Moua, the True North AmeriCorps volunteer at the Darland Connection, was responsible for all PreK-5th grade placements. Damen Heitmann, one of the AmeriCorps VISTAs, coordinated volunteers at the many community organizations that the Darland Connection has built relationships with. Lindsay Hoeft, our other AmeriCorps VISTA, coordinated service-learning projects in various classes as well as made practicum placements with the Education department.
Bree Johnson
AmeriCorps Promise Fellow
Middle/High School Volunteer Placement Coordinator
I have had an incredible year as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow through the Darland Connection. The Minnesota Promise Fellow Initiative was created to fulfill the Five Promises for today’s youth (Mentor, Protect, Nurture, Learn, and Serve) right here in Minnesota. While one organization may not be able to fulfill all five of these on their own, the Darland Connection definitely provides the mentoring and learning opportunities our youth need to succeed. I am grateful for the experiences that the Darland Connection and the Promise Fellow Initiative have provided me.
Responsibilities and Accomplishments
- Coordinated (recruited, interviewed, trained, and evaluated) the placement of UMD student volunteers and America Reads work-study students as tutors within local middle and high schools
- Corresponded with school faculty and staff regarding volunteer requests and placements
- Created and co-led America Reads training sessions
- Coordinated Summer 2006 volunteer placements
- Served as member of PF Mid-Year Retreat / Youth Summit planning committee
- Served on National Youth Service Day (NYSD) Planning Committee
- Attended monthly Darland Connection and Promise Fellow meetings
- Attended numerous workshops/trainings: Promise Fellow Orientation; Kids Plus Conference; Meth in the Community; Race, Culture and the Achievement Gap; Community Youth Programs: Hot Spots for Development, Service-Learning 101 and NYSD, MN Alliance with Youth Summit, Civic Engagement Celebration
- As per Promise Fellow requirements, created a Personal Growth Plan in efforts to develop skills in the areas of leadership, communication, conflict resolution, youth development, cultural competency, and civic engagement
- Worked intensively with Ordean Middle School
- Served as on-site coordinator for Darland Connection tutors and YMCA Five Points mentors
- Tutored individual and small groups of students in a variety of subjects
- Assisted in the FOCUS Science classrooms
- Created service-learning opportunities for FOCUS Science students (water quality study, park beautification, educational posters/brochures)
- Supervised after-school homework help sessions in media center
- Assisted faculty members with NYSD service-learning projects
Chong Moua
True North AmeriCorps
Pre-K and Elementary School Volunteer Coordinator
This past year as an AmeriCorps member was a great learning experience. Being a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) helped a lot with the adjustment part, but nothing can prepare me for all the other things. As an undergraduate I was never a person who thought about volunteering. I did not even know that the Darland Connection existed until my senior year when Jason Ellis (ex-AmeriCorps member) came into my class to talk about volunteering. Now as a member of the Darland Connection I learned more than I can ever hope for.
Duluth is a great community with many programs to help people in need. Duluth also has many amazing teachers who are willing to go the extra mile to nurture and reach out to the students. I have begun to realize that the reason why many of these teachers request volunteers and tutors is because they want their students to learn and comprehend what is being taught. I can tell that these teachers really care about their students by the amount of requests I received throughout the semester.
My job is to connect students from UMD with schools and teachers to volunteer as tutors. It started off fast and furious, but soon calmed down throughout the year. I learned that it takes a lot of people skills to manage and communicate with everyone. Sometimes when a student can not volunteer at the site of their first choice I always try to place them in a site that they will like and enjoy. Most of the time the students find that they love the new site, but I always have to keep on reminding myself that "you can’t please everyone."
My Duties:
- Screen and interview potential student volunteers
- Connect and place volunteers at an appropriate site
- Keep in touch with teachers and supervisors incase something happens
- Keep a record of all students volunteers and sites
- Send and collect evaluations about volunteers
- Attend trainings throughout the state
- Develop and lead a training session for the America Reads tutors
- Handle problems that may arise or direct it to an appropriate person
- Volunteer around the community
My Volunteering Activities:
- Tutor Hmong adults on English at Laura MacArthur with Bea Larson
- MC the Duluth Hmong new year celebration
- Help the UMD Asian Pacific American Association (APAA)
- Translate and interpret for the Hmong community
- Teach about Hmong culture to the area schools
Damen Heitmann
AmeriCorps VISTA
Community Agency Volunteer Coordinator
Well, the year is over and what have I learned? (1) Duluth needs help. (2) There are tons of organizations trying to help. (3) The value of a volunteer is easily underestimated. As a VISTA at the Darland Connection I have enjoyed the opportunity to help university students realize how easy it is to volunteer. Connecting students to organizations and people they enjoy serving has been very rewarding. I have also learned various life-skills as a VISTA, but those seem to be of little importance when I ponder how many citizens I have helped expose to the wonderful world of the volunteer.
- Placed and oriented UMD students as volunteers at various community agencies
- Placed and trained America Reads work study students to serve at community sites
- Recruited volunteers via class presentations, information kiosks, and word of mouth
- Attended monthly VISTA and Darland Connection Board meetings as well as monthly Minnesota Literacy Council in-services
- Volunteered at Ordean Middle School and YMCA Camp Kitchigami
- Updated the Darland Connection Database
- Established new partnerships with Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior Zoo, and Animal Rescue Federation of Superior
Lindsay Hoeft
AmeriCorps VISTA
Service-Learning Coordinator
This past year has been beyond a learning experience. Not having been a resident of Duluth, I came into this position with little knowledge of the community. In my work over the course of the year, I have become familiar with the great schools in the area as well as the many hard-working community organizations Duluth has to offer its citizens. I have also learned much from UMD’s faculty and staff. I am continually amazed at the energy professors put into what they do, and am inspired by the students who give their time for the greater good.
- Placed, oriented and oversaw UMD students in area preschools, and elementary and middle schools
- Acted as a liaison between students and teachers/supervisors through fax, e-mail, phone calls, and site visits
- Attended statewide Campus Compact Service Learning Workshops
- Co-led trainings for America Reads/Counts work study students
- Member of the National & Global Youth Service Day Planning Committee
- Attended monthly VISTA, Darland Council, and Duluth Service-Learning meetings as well as monthly Minnesota Literacy Council in-services, and quarterly Teacher Representative meetings
- Performed direct service at the Damiano Center’s Kid’s Café and Safe Haven’s Shelter for Battered Women
- Assisted Casey in multiple Civic Engagement workshops for faculty and community members
- Attended conferences and workshops on the issue of methamphetamine in the community
What Our Community Partners Are Saying…
- Josh is exceedingly talented in responding to whatever student need appeared. – Thomas Bersell (Central HS)
- Kari is an outstanding teacher candidate! She was wonderful with the children and they loved having her here. – Bernadette Burnham (Lincoln Park Elementary)
- [Andrew] related well with students and was able to help individuals understand and complete work. – Polly Palmer (Woodland)
- I appreciate all the services that are provided. The students benefit from their [Darland Connection volunteers] efforts. – Peggy Radovich (Lincoln Park MS)
- Maria has a great sense of humor, is kind and sensitive to a variety of individual student abilities. She arrived enthusiastic and ready to go! Very helpful to both students and staff. – Cheryl Beetcher (Lincoln Park Elementary)
- Very positive and excellent interaction with kids! You could tell he’d [Justin] had previous experience with kid programs. Great volunteer! – Mark Hanna (21st Century Learners program at Nettleton Elementary)
- Smiling, happy, willing to do and learn what ever was asked of her [Lisa]. – James Bogie (Union Gospel Mission)
- He [Scott] shows an enthusiasm of working with students in 6th grade. He’ll be a great doctor! It was a joy to have Scott in my class. – Amy Larson (Lincoln Park MS)
- Her [Jenna] intuitiveness is among the best I’ve seen! – Michele Carlson (Hermantown MS)
- Very reliable! [Brian] worked on engaging students in activities. Nice volunteer---good attitude! – Mark Hanna (21st Century Learners program at Nettleton Elementary)
- He [Mike] really set a good role model for some of my more difficult boys. – Heidi Mlynarczyk (Ordean MS)
- Thanks for the volunteers! – Lindsey Molstad (Denfeld)
What our tutors are saying…
- It was a great experience and it put me into a diverse environment of equality where all students were given equal opportunity and encouragement to succeed. – Jayme Bennett (Lincoln Park)
- I enjoyed my time thoroughly at my location. The kids were great and taught me a lot. – Nick Johnson (Mind 2Mind)
- It was a very grounding experience. – Dave Kerber (Damiano Center)
- I enjoyed working with the children. They are filled with so much energy and it rubs off on me when I am feeling tired after school. – Samantha Hicks (Mind 2 Mind)
- I would urge everyone to volunteer. It is an experience you won’t forget.– Stephanie Williams (Lakewood Elementary)
- I loved it, the kids were great and always excited to see us. They always put a smile on my face. – Jessica Tewalt (Grant Elementary)
- I really enjoyed working with the residents at Chris Jensen Nursing Home, it was a great experience. I learned to enjoy the simple things in life from the residents. – Jacquelyn Hartman
- It was a great experience for me and helped me figure out what I want to do in the future. – Kirstin Kavanaugh (Kenwood Edison)
- I really enjoyed my class, Mrs. Moore was so perfect to work along side, and I’d like to go back. – Heather Frye (Lincoln Park)
- Volunteering really made me feel like I had a stronger role in the community. The connections and relationships I developed will stay with me forever. – Paul Strommer (Grant Elementary)
- It opened my eyes to things/lives I never thought about before. – Beth Ensderlt
- It made me realize the profession that I’m working toward is really what I want to do. – Kaylee Mitchell (Kenwood Edison)
- Working with special needs children was definitely a different experience, but one I would recommend. – Sarah Mokrzycki (Piedmont)
The Darland Connection Council 2005-2006
John Evans
Duluth Bethel Society
23 Mesaba Avenue
Duluth, MN 55806
218-722-1724
Johnevan1@aol.com
Robert Falk
50 East St. Marie Street # 210
Duluth, MN 55813
218-724-6483
rfalk@kbjrmail.com
Joanne Fay
1815 Lakeview Drive
Duluth, MN 55803
218-728-5980
Djser5@charter.net
Julie Johnson
Lincoln Park School
2424 West 5th Street
Duluth, MN 55806
733-2046, Ext. 179
jajohn01@duluth.K12.mn.us
Karen Naslund
3273 Strand Road
Duluth, MN 55803
218-525-3880
natcon@cpinternet.com
Clyde Rogers
5731 Juniata
Duluth, MN 55804
218-525-5529
ARLY03@aol.com
Mary Ann Rotondi
HOCHS
215 North First Avenue East
Duluth, MN 55802
218-336-8700 x 1031
maryann.rotondi@duluth.K12.mn.us
Pat Stoddard
70 St. Marie St # 225
Duluth, MN 55803
218-722-2353
PATSTO320@YAHOO.COM
Kathy Bartsais
HOCHS
215 North First Avenue East
Duluth, MN 55802
336-8700 x 1041
Kathy.Bartsias@duluth.k12.mn.us
Frank Guldbrandsen
Mon H 252
UMD- Dept. of Education
fgulbra@d.umn.edu
Ann Harrington
5816 Glenwood St.
Duluth, MN 55804
218-525-7577
annwharrington@yahoo.com
Diane Rauschenfels
Proctor Public Schools
131 Ninth Ave.
Proctor, MN 55810
drausche@proctor.k12.mn.us