Check delivered to Lapan staff by CHH President Sue Ann Obremski (far left) and Treasurer Kathi Krieg (in red sweater)
Connie Vaughan
On Jan. 23 members of Caring Hearts & Hands (CHH) carpooled to South Tucson to visit the headquarters of Lapan College and Career Club. Lapan College and Career Club is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3) that gives the opportunity to students from C.E. Rose, Hollinger, and Wakefield Middle Schools to earn money for post-secondary education through a unique incentive program of $50 for every “A” earned. CHH members toured the Lapan College and Career Club, which is housed next door to Wakefield Middle School. This after-school club is free to students and provides college and career readiness programs that encourage exploration, academic improvement, community service, and building life skills.
Lapan College and Career Club recognized the need for this type of mentorship program to level the playing field for disadvantaged youth who may not have the means or support at home to strive for college or a technical career. These middle schoolers earn $50 for every “A” they get on their report card, starting in middle school and continuing through graduation of high school. The funds are held in an account for each student and are provided after high school graduation. Of course, to receive these funds, the high school youth needs to complete the program and provide mentorship to middle schoolers who are “B” and “C” students to achieve “A”s.
Our members got to experience the various programs that are offered by Lapan College and Career Club, including El Jardin Community Garden where they grow and share food with their community residents, Soccer Scholar Learning Program, Robotics Club, music and art programs, pet therapy to promote enhancing emotional well-being, summer sports camps, and a very important program called Portfolio Project. The Portfolio Project is where the students develop a resume and professional portfolio as a tool to earn scholarships and admission to a post-secondary program of their choice.
At the end of the tour, Caring Hearts & Hands President Sue Ann Obremski and Treasurer Kathi Krieg presented a check for $3,800 to the staff of Lapan for their Music Program. The CHH members left feeling uplifted and excited to continue support of this worthwhile charity.
After the tour, our members enjoyed a group luncheon at Olive Garden at the Tucson Spectrum.
If you are interested in learning more about Quail Creek Caring Hearts & Hands and their philanthropic opportunities, please check us out at caringheartshandsqc.com. We welcome all Quail Creek ladies to join us.