WHO WE ARE:We are a non-profit urban ministry dedicated to expressing the love of Christ to underserved children, youth, and families in Washington, DC, particularly at Potomac Gardens public housing in Southeast.

MISSION:Little Lights Urban Ministries empowers underserved youth and families in Washington, DC with the love of Christ. We seek to develop their God-given potential spiritually, socially, and intellectually through academics, life skills, the arts, and discipleship.

VISION:We envision a place where underserved children and youth in Washington, DC find compassion, empowerment, and resources to thrive and grow into young adults of character, emotional health, creativity, and responsibility.

We envision a place of racial and class reconciliation where diverse people come together to strengthen the community and support families in need.

We envision a place of learning, laughter, grace, and celebration where the potential of children and youth is realized, and where caring adults find community and purpose.

We envision lives transformed daily by hope, compassion, and the commitment of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

760 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 • 202.548.4021 • www.littlelights.org

In 2010, Little Lights Urban Ministries (LLUM) celebrated 15 years of ministry and service to children, youth, and families

in Washington, DC. When the first group of students came through the doors of my parents’ Tae Kwon Do studio for

tutoring and Bible studies in 1995, I had no idea the journey and the adventure starting Little Lights would entail.

Starting with no budget, no staff, and not even a plan, it is amazing that Little Lights has grown to be a solid, long-term

urban ministry with a wonderful team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors. Many children have since

participated in our programs, and even after many years, I see youth glow with smiles when I see them on the street or

when they stop by to visit. Almost anyone who has spent significant time at Little Lights views the ministry as part of

their extended family.

Compassion, racial reconciliation, sacrificial service, and caring relationships were and still stand as the foundation

of the ministry. We have come a long way from our humble beginnings in the fall of 1995, but we know we have many

more challenges ahead to fight on behalf of the children and families who suffer in our city.

2010 marked the beginning of a new chapter at Little Lights with the start of our new Family Center. With a donation

of space inside Potomac Gardens by the DC Housing Authority, we embarked on creating more formal services and

ministry to the adults in the community. We are now committed to providing a top-notch resource center, adult

education classes, and employment services as well as providing meeting space for the larger community.

In 2010, we also made great strides in improving our academic programs with the addition of our new Academic

Director, and we are poised for even greater things in all of our youth programming.

We ventured by faith to expand our programs and services even during the down economy, and God has answered our

prayers at every turn. We are committed as ever to being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Our

staff members make great sacrifices to be at Little Lights, and the loyalty of our donors and volunteers has made us a

sustaining and even award-winning organization.

Thank you for your loyalty and support to Little Lights during our first 15 years. We hope you will join us for the ride of

the next 15!

With gratitude,

Steven Park, Executive Director

irst 15 years. We hope you will join us for the ride of

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1995

1996 1999 2001

1997 2000 2002

2003

CAPITAL TAE KWON DO ACADEMYIn 1995, Steve Park began tutoring students from his parents' Tae Kwon Do studio in Northwest DC. In October of 1995, Steve and Joan Kim began Little Lights Urban Ministries.

CAMP HEAVENSteve was introduced to Potomac Gardens in 1997, and that summer Little Lights launched Camp Heaven for kids ages 5-14.

HOPE CENTERIn 2000, Little Lights rented office space at the Hope Center. (now known as the Little Lights Center)

YOUNG PEACEMAKERS CAMPMack Myers and Steve Park held the Young Peacemakerssummer camp for boys in 1996. The success of this camp led to Camp Heaven.

1211 I STREETIn 1999, Steve first received a small stipend to become the first paid staff person at Little Lights. The decison was made to focus on Potomac Gardens public housing year-round,and Little Lights rented a townhouse at 1211 I Street SE, just across the street from Potomac Gardens.

GOSPEL CHOIRThe Little Lights Gospel Choir is led by Ms. Linda Rice, who joined the Little Lights staff in 2003. The choir and loves praising God through song and dance, and performs at various events in and around DC (and even traveled to California in 2002, with funding from Little Lights’ first ever grant, from the Department of Human Services)!

CAMP HOPEIn 2002, Valerie Chow (now Tao) began Camp Hope as a high school student. Since then, Angelo Capili and youth group and church members from Chinese Bible Church have held Camp Hope annually during spring break.

READING HEROESMarnie Nair started Reading Heroes in 2001. Today, this reading tutoring program takes place on Tuesday evenings, where committed volunteers provide one-to-one reading help for students.

STEVE & MARY’S WEDDINGSteve Park and Mary Hwang were married in 2001 by Pastor Samuel Sierra. Mary had become a Little Lights volunteer in 1998, the same year that Little Lights became legally incorporated and received 501(c)3 status with the IRS. Mary joined Little Lights staff in 2002.

CHRISTMAS PARTYThe annual Little Lights Christmas party is a perennial favorite for Little Lights kids and families!

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2005 2006

2007

2008 2010

2009

LITTLE LIGHTS CENTERChristian Fellowship Church donated the controlling interest of the Hope Center to Little Lights in 2005, and changed its name to the Little Lights Center. Today the red brick building at 7th and I Streets SE houses our offices and Elementary programs.

MENTORINGFormally started in 2006.

BOY’S NIGHTOn Wednesdays, young men develop character and leadership skills.

GIRLS’ NIGHTGirls’ Night meets on Wednesday evenings, with Bible study, leadership development, service projects, and fun for Middle School girls.

MATH HEROESMath Heroes began in 2003, and takes place on Thursdays nights during the school year.

TALENT SHOWstarted in 2007 to showcase the talents and abilities of LLUM kids. Has since become part of Community Day.

TEEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAMbegan in 2008, where teenagers from the community receive job training and work as part-time program assistants for Elementary and Middle School academic programs.

URBAN DIPreplaced Camp Heaven in the summer of 2009. During the school year, volunteer groups at Saturday DiP hang out with kids and provide lunch and a craft activity at our 1212 Units.

FIRST LADY OF SOUTH KOREAThe First Lady of South Korea, Kim Yoon-ok, visited the 1212 Units at Potomac Gardens during her trip to DC in June of 2009. What an honor!

COMMUNITY DAYLLUM organized Potomac Gardens Community Day, in conjunction with the Residents Council, in 2009. In 2010, the event expanded to include Hopkins housing complex and several other organizations.

1212 UNITSThe DC Housing Authority (DCHA) donated rent-free use of two side-by-side apartment units in Potomac Gardens to Little Lights in 2009. With the help of many volunteers and donors, the Units were renovated to become a program site for Middle and High School students.

THE FAMILY CENTERDCHA gave Little Lights the use of a third apartment unit in Potomac Gardens in the summer of 2010. Summer visiting groups worked hard to clean up the space, previously used as a police holding cell, and the Family Center was born. We hope to partner with other organizations and churches to create an employment initiative and other resources for adults in the Family Center.

THE MINISTRY HOUSEIn 2003, Little Lights purchased the Ministry House in Anacostia for staff and summer counselors with the down payment coming from a generous donor, Nancy Chan.

HOMEWORK CLUBAt Homework Club on weekday afternoons, kids receive academic help, participate in enrichment classes like Art and Photography, and enjoy “chill” time.

YOUTH NIGHTprovides the chance for high school students to relax, hang out at the 1212 Units, play games, and get into Bible study.

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CHESTERBROOK TAIWANESE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • CHINESE BIBLE CHURCH OF MARYLAND • CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

IN SOMERSET (NJ) • CHRIST CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH • CORRIDOR CHURCH OF THE

NAZARENE • COVENANT GRACEWAY CHURCH • FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF JUNIATA COUNTY (PA) • FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT

BROCK HALL • GRACE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP • GRACE DC • JUBILEE COMMUNITY CHURCH (MO) • KOREAN UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH OF GREATER WASHINGTON • OPEN DOOR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • DC CHILDREN AND YOUTH INVESTMENT TRUST CORPORATION • EMBASSY OF KOREA

OVERSEAS KOREAN FOUNDATION • EUGENE AND AGNES E. MEYER FOUNDATION • FOR KIDS ONLY, INC./FOUNDATION FOR

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP • GLOBAL CHILDREN FOUNDATION • HATTIE M. STRONG FOUNDATION • HENRY W. BULL FOUNDATION •

MORRIS AND GWENDOLYN CAFRITZ FOUNDATION • SMBC GLOBAL FOUNDATION • SMI FOUNDATION • THE JURIE FOUNDATION •

T. ROWE PRICE FOUNDATION • U.S. DREAM ACADEMY • V & S FOUNDATION • ANONYMOUS

INCOME EXPENSES$639,344 $663,631

PRIVATE GRANTS49%

PERSONNEL59%

SUPPLIES6%

PRINTING/POSTAGE

4%

EQUIPMENT1%

PHONE/INTERNET2%

TRANSPORTATION4%

BUILDING6%

SPECIAL EVENTS3%

ADMIN.3%

DEPRECIATION7%

OTHER5%

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

27%

ITL MONTHLYDONORS

13%

CHURCH6%

CORPORATE 2%

MORE THAN 500 INDIVIDUALS AND DOZENS OF CHURCHES AND FOUNDATIONS GAVE TO LITTLE LIGHTS IN 2010.

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STEVEN PARK, President: Executive Director, Little Lights Urban Ministries

REV. KENNETH BALCH, Chairman: Missional Leadership Specialist, Mid-Atlantic District Church of the Nazarene

DR. PATRICK LEE, Vice Chairman: Lee, Patrick D DDS- Cosmetic & Implant Dental

MICHAEL OH, Treasurer: Vice President, T.Rowe Price

REV. DAVE FLANDERS, Secretary: Founder/Audio Engineer, MissionMan Studios LLC

DAVE CHO: Business Reporter, The Washington Post

MICHAEL HOEHN: Attorney, Self-Employed

LAURA INGALLS: Director of Communications, World Learning

DANIEL LI: Director of Interactive & Creative Services, International Justice Mission

CHARLA EVERHART LUM: Human Resources Manager, Community of Hope

MARY PARK: Deputy Director, Little Lights Urban Ministries

STEVE YUN: Attorney, Evergreen Law Group, PLC

DAVID MONTANARI: Patent Examiner, United States Patent & Trademark Office

TIM BOSSON: Attorney, Simms Shower, LLP

FULL TIMELEAH ARCHER • DIANA BANTU • BETH DEWHURST • TIFFANY GIBSON • VIVIAN MAH • KATI MAPA* • ANDREW MILLER* • MARTHA

MCNEELY • JOSIE ORTEGA • MICHELLE OSBORNE* • MIJIN PAIK* • JANE PAK* • MARY PARK • STEVE PARK • JERRY REDFIELD III •

LINDA RICE • TIM RODGERS JR.

PART TIMEVINCE BANTU • KATHLEEN BROWN • WILLIA BUTLER • BYRON CHIU • PETER CHUN • NANCY COLBERT • ERIC COURTS • JASON

EDWARDS • SHIRLEY FORD • NATHAN GIBSON • BONITA GUERRERO • NANCY HARLAN • ALLYN LLOYD • SEAN MILLS • THOMAS

RICE • DEBORAH ROBINSON

TEEN INTERNSJAMAL ALSTON • RACHEL BLOUNT • DWAINE BROWN • RAPHAEL DODSON • JESSICA EDWARDS • TYEISHA FORD •

LAKENYA GRAVES • GEIZEL GUERRERO • JOHNATHAN HEWITT • LAQUINTE HILL • TYRONE JOHNSON • MIA MACK • CHEYTAN

MARSHALL • ROCHELLE MONROE • CRYSTAL MORRIS • MARKISHA PARKS • CIERRA PETERSON • DEJA REELS • LESLIE ROWE •

CHELSEY SHELTON

*Employees who worked under the Americorps Vista Program - www.americorps.gov

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IGNITE THE LIGHT MONTHLY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMIgnite the Light is an initiative to build closer relationships between our supporters and the children and families we serve

in Southeast Washington, DC. Ignite the Light members commit to provide stability to the kids’ lives by donating at a

particular level each month. We are so grateful for the consistency and faithfulness of these committed friends, who, like

all our supporters, are investing in the futures of the youth served here.

Contributions to Little Lights help the children, youth, and families particularly from Potomac Gardens public housing, a

neighborhood where the annual household income is less than $8,000 per year. These gifts allow us to continue, improve,

and expand our after-school, summer, and mentoring programs and services as well as support full- and part-time staff

who build meaningful relationships with youth and families.

87 INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES CONTRIBUTED AS

IGNITE THE LIGHT PARTNERS DURING A PORTION

OR ALL OF 2010. THAT’S AN 89 PERCENT INCREASE

IN THE NUMBER OF IGNITE THE LIGHT PARTNERS

OVER 2009. AND THE REVENUE FROM THEIR GIFTS

INCREASED 72 PERCENT IN 2010!

IGNITE THE LIGHT BANQUET & AUCTIONOn October 22, the Little Lights family (including volunteers,

students, supporters, and staff old and new!) got together to

celebrate our 15th anniversary in style at the Ignite the Light

Banquet and Auction. After a competitive silent auction, former

Little Lights student Frankie Wright greeted guests and began the

program with a prayer. Guests enjoyed dinner at their tables,

each named for an event or place from Little Lights’ 15 year history,

while LLUM’s Gospel Choir, the Brothers Handsome Trio, and Dr.

Allyn Lloyd provided musical entertainment. Steve Park reflected

on 15 years of ministry and shared his vision for the future, and guests enjoyed testimonies from student Bryant Wheeler

and parent Shirley Ford. One of the evening’s highlights was the live auction, where auctioneer Pat Haggerty, along with

his assistant, Little Lights student Nate Parks, sold a catered dinner for 12, a romantic sunset sail, wine tasting, and a stay

at a five-star resort to the highest bidders. So exciting! With returns from the auction, tickets, sponsors, and donations,

attendees raised more than $30,000 for Little Lights, and 26 new partners joined Ignite the Light and committed to giving

to LLUM each month!

87IG

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THE FAMILY CENTERLittle Lights was thrilled to receive the use of a third apartment unit in Potomac Gardens from DC HOUSING AUTHORITY

(DCHA) in the summer of 2010. What a blessing to be able to use 714 12th Street, SE #11 to reach out to families

and adults in the community. Before we could get started, however, a lot of work was needed. The apartment had

been sitting empty for several years and had fallen into disrepair. Work groups from two churches (FIRST BAPTIST OF

JUNIATA COUNTY, Pennsylvania and CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN SOMERSET, New Jersey) along with other

volunteers and staff renovated the space from a hazard into a beautiful new center.

In the fall of 2010, the Family Center was ready to host several events, including two parent workshops provided by

ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE AND EDUCATION, on the topics of understanding ADHD and Individualized Learning Plans.

Approximately 25 parents participated in these workshops. Additionally, we held several parent meetings and Parent

Orientation to let parents of our after-school program students know about things happening in our elementary and

middle school programs.

We have installed a computer lab with broadband internet access to provide adult residents access to computers, job

searches, and basic computer training. The DC CHILDREN AND YOUTH INVESTMENT TRUST CORPORATION (CYITC)

awarded Little Lights a grant in their “Encouraging Innovation” category to develop services to help adults become more

effective parents and caregivers, with the ultimate goal of creating wrap-around support services for families.

We envision a Family Center where caring people inside and outside of Potomac Gardens collaborate and mobilize

resources to provide job training, micro-enterprise, parent classes and workshops, as well as an informational

clearinghouse and community-building space. Thank you to all those who helped make the Family Center a reality.

Please continue to keep it and the families of Potomac Gardens in your prayers!

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. PSALM 37:5

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THE FAMILY CENTER: BEFORE & AFTER

“Cleaning out the new unit made me realize how much filth I kept hidden in my character over the past year.”JEREMY TING, CHINESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN SOMERSET

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LITTLE LIGHTS CENTER RENOVATIONSREBUILDING TOGETHER, the WASHINGTON NATIONALS DREAM FOUNDATION, and NATIONALS STAFF MEMBERS

dedicated two days in November to repairing and renovating the Little Lights Center, a building which was last renovated

in 1997, and donated to Little Lights by Christian Fellowship Church in 2005.

The amazing Rebuilding Together/Nationals team provided much needed maintenance and updates to the building that

houses our Elementary Programs and LLUM offices, hosts visiting volunteer groups, and provides a site for

various community events. They fixed leaks, replaced ceiling tiles, updated windows, replaced doors, painted, patched

walls, repaired our furnace and improved insulation to keep us warm during the cold winter!

We’re so grateful to the Nationals for being dedicated to improving their community, and to Rebuilding Together for their

work connecting resources to needs in DC. We also appreciate the volunteers and neighbors who helped us pack up to

prepare for the renovation, and then put everything back together again! All this help allows us to maintain high quality

facilities and provide resources to our community for years to come.

“The donated renovations saved Little Lights thousands of dollars and helped create a more

beautiful and safer space for the kids and staff.” — MARY PARK, DEPUTY DIRECTOR

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EXCEL AWARDIn November, Little Lights Executive Director Steve

Park was named a winner of the The Center for

Nonprofit Advancement’s sixth annual GELMAN,

ROSENBERG AND FREEDMAN EXCEL AWARD.

This award recognizes outstanding leadership

among Washington-area nonprofit chief executives,

whose organizations have an annual budget under

$10 million. Scott Beale of ATLAS SERVICE CORPS

and Michael Curtin of DC CENTRAL KITCHEN

also received the award; and Andrea Powell of FAIR FUND and Kristine Thompson of CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES

received honorable mentions.

THE EXCEL AWARD selection committee evaluated candidates on their leadership excellence in the areas of innovation,

motivation, community building, inclusiveness/diversity and ethical integrity. Little Lights Board Members Laura Ingalls

and Michael Oh nominated Steve, and the three winners were selected from a record 41 nominations through a competi-

tive three-step judging process, which included an interview with Steve and other staff members and a visit to see Little

Lights programs in action.

The Little Lights family is proud of Steve and grateful for the attention this award draws to our work with children and

families in DC. It’s an opportunity for the larger community to see the positive work and life-changing transformations

that are taking place because of churches, volunteers, and Little Lights supporters who are mobilized by God’s love to

help those in need. Along with this recognition, Steve received funds for professional development for himself and the

Little Lights staff. He was also invited to participate in CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT events to share

leadership strategies and best practices with other area nonprofits.

CCDA EMERGING LEADERS COHORTSteve Park and Vince Bantu (formerly Campbell) were both selected to participate in the CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (CCDA) EMERGING LEADERS COHORT. CCDA is a premier national network of urban

ministries and community development organizations. The Cohort is geared for leaders ages 23-40.

The first Cohort gathering took place in Mendocino, CA where Steve and Vince joined 21 other young leaders to receive

training and develop relationships with one another. The trainers included CCDA President Wayne Gordon and

Executive Director Noel Castellanos. The Cohort members learned about the principles of CCDA and received wisdom

from seasoned veterans. Vince and Steve, along with staff member Tim Rodgers, also attended the National Conference

in Chicago in September.

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ANNUAL EVENTSCAMP HOPE (SPRING BREAK)

I was paired with Terrence, who turned out to be the same age as my nephew and for me that was already a starting

point. I felt I could relate to him better because I was used to hanging out with kids his age. After talking to him on the first

day I found out that like me, Terrence is a bit shy. It was not long, though, before he opened up and we were able to talk

about a lot of things. I really liked the quiet times we had each day to split up and have one-on-one time with the kids. I

think that it helped us get to know each other better faster, which helped create a better, more personal experience.

As a result, I believe that Camp Hope impacted me more deeply and profoundly than a normal camp. . . I am surprised

at the level of friendships that result from it. In a very short time, both kids and counselors were able to open up to each

other and actually talk about fears and concerns, which at least for me, is not something that usually happens very

quickly. — PIERCE SMITH, 2010 CAMP HOPE COUNSELOR

IMPACT CONFERENCE

11 Teen Interns attended the IMPACT YOUTH CONFERENCE in Ocean City in March, where they had a great time with

more than 2,000 other youth and heard messages on how God’s word applies to issues they deal with as teenagers.

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COMMUNITY DAY AND TALENT SHOW

July saw the second annual Community Day and Talent Show at Potomac Gardens, which also included nearby Hopkins

housing complex this year. Little Lights led a collaboration of many organizations to bring a day of carnival games, food,

music, fun and of course, talent! to Potomac Gardens and the surrounding neighborhood. Partner and Supporting

organizations included: POTOMAC GARDENS RESIDENCE COUNCIL, HOPKINS RESIDENCE COUNCIL, TOTAL FAMILY

CARE COALITION, DCHA, PEACEOHOLICS, MOSAIC LOVE, CAPITOL HILL GROUP MINISTRY, SASHA BRUCE YOUTH-

WORK INC, URBAN BRIDGER BUILDERS, CESAR CHAVEZ PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL, THE SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY

UNITY FORUM, WIN, FAITHWORKS, DCHA BOC, CT ASSOCIATES, KIDS MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC, BOYS AND GIRLS

CLUB, COUNCILMAN TOMMY WELLS.

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ALIVE CONFERENCE

In November, 13 Middle School students attended the ALIVE Conference in Ocean City, MD. The theme, Faces, encour-

aged kids to take off the masks they end up wearing. Our kids had a blast and enjoyed their time, thanks to the generosity

of the Marcie Arnold Memorial Scholarship Fund.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

On Saturday December 4, Little Lights celebrated our annual Christmas Party at CHINESE BIBLE CHURCH in Rockville,

Maryland. More than 225 attendees enjoyed jokes by MC’s Jason Edwards and student Beverly Walker; music from

PEACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH; a message from Little Lights staff member Diana Mojica; performances by the Little Lights

Choir, Dr. Allyn Lloyd’s music class, and elementary Homework Club with a special alphabet song; and, of course, gifts

and delicious food from generous donors and volunteers! The V & S FOUNDATION donated funds for winter coats, food

and transportation for our Christmas Party, and gift cards for parents. Thank you for your generosity and all the help you

have provided Little Lights Urban Ministries!

87% said the staff consistently expects me to try hard and do my best.77% said that I could go to a staff member at Little Lights for advice if I had a serious problem.

YEAR END STUDENT SURVEY RESULTS

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ELEMENTARY PROGRAMSHomework Club / Reading & Math Heroes / Gospel Choir / Mentoring2010 was a great year for our elementary students at Little

Lights. At Homework Club, students received homework

help, ate nutritious snacks and dinners (provided by

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK), hung out in the chill station

playing board games and video games, and participated in

various activities, including Bible study (where they

memorized different Bible verses every month), art class,

and music class where kids learned how to play recorders

and xylophones. Twice a week, the students were able

to use computers to go on academic websites. About 45

elementary students participated in Homework Club.

At Reading and Math Heroes, where students work one-on-one with volunteer tutors, we conducted assessments in

reading and math, which showed that our students had made significant academic gains by the end of the 2009-2010

school year. AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR, 44% OF STUDENTS COULD RECOGNIZE WORDS ON GRADE LEVEL,

COMPARED TO 23% AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. Of the students who were not on grade level at the beginning of

the school year, 79% improved by at least one grade in word recognition. On average, students improved by 22% in

their phonics skills over the course of the 2009-2010 school year. On average, STUDENTS GAINED 3.7 NEW MATH

SKILLS OVER THE SCHOOL YEAR.

With the start of the 2010-2011 school year in the fall, we implemented several new changes into our Reading and Math

Heroes programs. At Reading Heroes, we started a phonics station where our students who are just learning to read

got in-depth tutoring on the concepts central to the foundation of reading. More advanced students are learning skills

central to comprehension and fluency. At Math Heroes, students are working with hands-on manipulatives to help them

grasp important math concepts. Students are also working with new math software that tests their computation skills.

Students are able to earn awards once they have mastered certain skills.

“The Elementary students learned about other cultures in Homework Club during our ‘World Cultures Class.’ During one of the classes where I did an overview of what the Chinese New Year is all about, Brittany was asking questions left and right! Her interest in the Chinese culture and people really impressed me! It was exciting to see her curiosity motivate her to ask questions to learn more.” — VIVIAN MAH, FELLOW

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MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMSHomework Club / Reading & Math Heroes / Gospel Choir / Boys’ & Girls’ Night / Mentoring

This is my first year working at Little Lights, and although I accepted the position with much excitement, my role as Middle

School Specialist was also assumed with its fair share of nervous anticipation. Coming into the position with experience

primarily as a Middle School English classroom teacher, I wondered how much academic impact I would have with the

students at Little Lights, a program that is far more holistically-oriented than the primarily academically-based environ-

ment in which I previously worked. I specifically pondered how receptive the students at Potomac Gardens would be to

the activities I had planned for the semester; activities that while being potentially engaging still often required the use

of critical thinking skills; skills that they ostensibly had just finished utilizing at school just moments before afternoon

programs. Would they be too exhausted to want to participate? Would they simply opt out, or zone out? Would they see

these activities as just, well, work? If I had just returned home from a difficult day at school, how responsive would I be

to trying something potentially challenging?

I was overwhelmed at how quickly the students’ collective receptiveness dismissed my fears. On Tuesdays and Thurs-

days from September through December, students willingly participated in planned activities ranging from creative

writing exercises to word games and logic puzzles. Students read and responded to poetry, wrote original compositions,

stretched their logic and reasoning skills, enjoyed hands-on activities, learned new games, gained awareness of literary

terms, and even created crafts that required no small measure of patience. Response to the activities was indeed over-

whelmingly positive; oftentimes students would even verbally make connections between the activities in which we

were engaged and related concepts they had learned about at school.

I continually consider how amazingly effective extra-curricular programming — even programming of an academic

nature — can be, perhaps simply by virtue of its existence outside of the traditional classroom setting; a place where far

too many of our students have encountered difficult, damaging, and discouraging experiences. I am grateful for the role

of Little Lights as a more edifying, empathetic, and hopefully more effective arena in encouraging the academic success

of our students. — JASON EDWARDS, MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM SPECIALIST

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HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMSTeen Internship / Youth Night In 2010 our teen interns focused on many different training topics, each falling under one of three main areas: team

building, understanding child development stages, and leadership. Teens met weekly for a one-hour training, with each

meeting consisting of a team building exercise (such as a competitive game or ice breaker activity) and a discussion and

training on a particular topic. A few we covered were: how to help with homework, how to discipline kids, praise versus

encouragement, professionalism, and “What does it take to be a leader?”

Understanding child development stages was a strong focus in the fall semester as we’ve been training teens to

look at the developmental characteristics of children in the different age brackets. As we learn the social, physical,

and emotional stages that children are going through, we then compare that with how we approach programs, communi-

cation, and discipline. It has been very helpful for the teens to better understand why kids act or process things a certain

way, depending on their age. This has helped teens, in turn, better understand how to more lovingly and appropriately

approach the children they work with on a daily basis.

We also focused a great deal on leadership training. We undertook an in-depth evaluation process, where each teen

filled out a personal questionnaire with each one’s opinion on his or her job performance. Then, their corresponding

supervisors also filled out the same questionnaire for them. After filling out these forms, we had one-to-one conversa-

tions with each teen to compare and discuss the results. Many of the teens admitted that they were nervous and

challenged at the same time to really look at their job performance. More often than not, they were harder on

themselves than their supervisor and were a little relieved to get a better evaluation than they expected.

In the future, we will continue focusing on these three areas, as well as looking more closely at the characteristics

of a well-rounded leader. We want to instill a lifestyle discipline that understands that a leader in a teen internship

program should be acting like a leader in every aspect of his or her life, and not only when on the clock.

— DIANA BANTU, MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM COORDINATOR

In April and May, more than 135 individuals donated toward our 31x31 campaign ($31,000 by May 31) to allow the Teen Internship Program to continue for the 2010-2011 school year, after the grant that started the program was not renewed.

$31,000 by May 31st$$$$$3333111,,00000000000000 bbbyyyy MMMMMaaayyy 33331111ssssttt

MAKE ROOM FOR TEENS

THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

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TEEN INTERNS: IN THEIR OWN WORDSI was referred to this job because it is in my community. • I started working for Little Lights so I can have something to do with my time. • [If I didn’t work here] I might be outside not doing anything good. • I have learned how to give back to people in my community through Little Lights. • I’ve learned to be patient when working with children. • I’ve learned how each child has their own particular needs. • I have learned how to be a better person and some life lessons on the side. • My experience at Little Lights as an intern is heartwarming and mind-boggling because you would never know how smart a kid is. • I learn something new from the kids each and every day. • The most challenging thing would be role modeling because I know that I make mistakes. • It helps me be prepared about what life brings you. • I love the fact of being able to be a positive role model for the kids that attend the program. • Every moment is fun working here.

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Little Lights couldn’t function without the enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to jump in and help wherever extra

hands are needed. Volunteers are the encouragers who help our students through difficult homework assignments.

The cheerleaders when a new math skill is conquered. The gifted hands that teach a new craft or skill at our Saturday

URBAN DIP (DROP-IN PROGRAM). Volunteers help with homework tutoring, one-on-one spiritual mentoring, teaching

Bible studies and classes, leading creative and instructive activities, one-on-one math and reading tutoring, playing

in “Chill Station”, serving food, maintenance and construction projects, IT assistance, mailings, the annual Christmas

party, and much, much more.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEI looked around to find myself clearly in a minority. The staff members were all younger than I and many were either of

Asian descent or African American, and the vast majority of the children were African American. So, I wondered how I

would fit in; a Caucasian senior citizen. But, children are children. Some wanted to do their homework; others did not.

The challenge was narrowing down the task so they could feel a sense of accomplishment, and they liked my help in

doing that. I distinctly remember the day Beverly plunked down in her chair and dramatically informed me there was no

way she could do her math homework. Despite her initial lack of confidence, she enthusiastically completed her as-

signment by locating the cost of items on packaged goods in a nearby cupboard. In the spring we had an even greater

accomplishment when she completed a math assignment on probabilities. Well, it was a stretch for me to help Beverly

figure out what was expected, but ultimately she came up with the correct fractions to the delight of both of us! And then

there is my little kindergarten friend for whom learning is truly challenging. But he has learned to follow instructions, to

450 + volunteers helped Little Lights in 2010!

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Are you interested in helping us invest in the kids of Potomac Gardens? Check out www.littlelights.org or contact volunteer@littlelights.org.

sit and listen to a story, and he is beginning to identify some of the letters. Now the children say “Hi, Ms. Nancy,” instead

of “What’s your name?” or “Are you a Grandma?”

Besides the staff and the children, there was another group of people at Homework Club. Their ages seemed to be some-

where between those of the children and the staff. They wore Little Lights t-shirts and they helped the children with their

homework. Executive Director Steve Park explained to me that these high school students are Teen Interns, who are paid

to help with the younger children. He stated that drug dealers are actually paid very little but many teens fall victim to this

kind of activity. Thus Little Lights attempts to provide an alternate source of income for the teens in the community. Many

of these interns have gone through Little Lights’ programs as elementary and middle school students. Being an intern

requires attendance at weekly staff-lead meetings where the students participate in Bible study, learn ways to interact

with the younger children, and gain job related skills, such as writing resumes. These high school students know the

ropes and are willing hands. At the conclusion of Homework Club, they serve and clean up after the meal that is prepared

for the children who stay for Reading and Math Heroes.

The Little Lights staff were from the beginning very welcoming, eager to include me, and helpful as I learned how things

were done. A loving, caring demeanor characterizes their way of interacting with volunteers as well as the children. And

over time the Teen Interns also warmed up to me; seeing that I really was planning to stick around a while. One young

man in particular gives me such a warm smile and friendly “Hi” that it just makes me glad I’m there.

I have found Little Lights to be a very special place where children from a difficult neighborhood can grow up in a nurtur-

ing environment and ultimately become nurturers themselves. In 2009, the First Lady of South Korea visited Little Lights

programs and heard its Gospel Choir. What she said is certainly true, “I know that God is present here.” The Lord guided

my steps to Little Lights; I am doing His work here.

— NANCY HARLAN, HOMEWORK CLUB & READING HERO VOLUNTEER.

80 + volunteered with weekly after-school and evening programs.

VOLUNTEER STATS

15-29 yrs: 66%30-49 yrs: 23%50+ yrs: 11%

Female: 61%Male: 39%

4 volunteer groups helped monthly at Saturday DiP, and 10 more groups visited to help throughout the year.

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760 7th Street SE, Washington, DC. 20003 • 202.548.4021 • CFC# 89156 • www.littlelights.org

“Ms. Caitlin treated me like I was very important to her.”Shadia, age 9, on her Reading Hero