760 7th Street SEWashington, DC 20003 202. 548. 4021www.littlelights.orgCFC# 89156

LITTLE LIGHTS TIMESACT JUSTLY. LOVE MERCY. WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD.

LETTER FROM STEVE

This fall, Little Lights is celebrating its 15th birthday. Starting as a small, all-volunteer tutoring program inside my parents’ Tae Kwon Do studio, Little Lights has grown over the years to a strong local non-profit urban ministry with 11 full-time staff and over 80 weekly volunteers.

A writer once said, “As we try to teach children about life, children teach us what life is about.” That has been true of the work here at Little Lights. Almost all the staff and volunteers would probably say that the kids have taught us more meaningful lessons than we have taught them.

It is true that many of the children and youth we serve have suffered through tremendous financial hard-ship and have seen too much vio-lence first-hand. And rest assured that Little Lights is as committed as the first day of its existence to help-ing to alleviate unnecessary suffer-ing in children’s lives.

Yet, through the hardship, the chil-dren and youth still have so much love and life to give. Students still eagerly come after a long school day to generously share their lives with staff and volunteers.

Every day is a battle to teach kids about right and wrong, to not use violence or hostility to gain respect or advantage especially while they are at Little Lights. God has renewed our strength consistently so that we could have the longevity needed to truly make inroads into the commu-nity and establish a great founda-tion for ministry.

Please celebrate this birthday with us, our 15th! I want to invite you to join and partner with us so that the next 15 years and beyond will impact lives even more (exponen-tially more) that the past 15 years. Thanks for being part of the Little Lights community, bringing Christ’s hope and compassion into the most needed places in DC.

THANKS AGAINSteve Park, Executive Director

Drawing by Shadia (age 9), who takes part in Little Lights Homework Club.

IN THIS ISSUE

CALENDAR

LETTER FROM STEVE

CCDA EMERGING LEADERS COHORTSTEVE PARK

EXCEL AWARD

FALL ACADEMIC UPDATEBETH DEWHURST

THE FAMILY CENTERMARY PARK

IGNITE THE LIGHT BANQUETJOSIE ORTEGA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTMIJIN PAIK

NEW STAFF MEMBERS

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

WRITING: POETRY & PROSE

NOVEMBER 18

ALIVE CONFERENCE

DECEMBER 04

CHRISTMAS PARTY

DECEMBER 15

LAST DAY OF FALL PROGRAMS

DECEMBER 16

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

DECEMBER 20 - JANUARY 02

OFFICES CLOSED

BY THE NUMBERSAt TYLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, where the majority of our stu-dents attend, 13% of 3rd and 4th graders were proficient in reading, and 19% were profi-cient in math as of April 2010.

At ELIOT HINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 7 and 8), 40% of stu-dents were proficient in read-ing, and 40% were proficient in math as of April 2010.

In the DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS last year, 44% of elementary students were proficient in reading; 43% were proficient in math. Likewise, 43% of secondary students were pro-ficient in reading and in math.

INFORMATION FROM THE DC OFFICE OF THE STATE SUPERIN-TENDENT OF EDUCATION.

FALL ‘10.

“AS WE TRY TO TEACH

CHILDREN ABOUT LIFE,

CHILDREN TEACH US

WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT.”

ANGELA SCHWINDT

POETRY & PROSECheck out page 6 for our “poetry & prose” section, highlighting the writing of Little Lights kids!

2 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010

EMERGING LEADERS STEVE PARK

EXCEL AWARD JOSIE ORTEGA

This spring, Steve Park and part-time LLUM staff member Vince Campbell were accepted into the Christian Community Development Asso-ciation’s Emerging Leaders Cohort. CCDA is a respected national urban ministry association that supports grass-roots Christian community transformation. Steve and Vince join 21 other leaders nationwide in this two-year cohort to develop more effective leaders doing Christian community development. The first retreat took place in Mendocino, CA in July and training was provided by the President of CCDA Wayne Gordon and Executive Director Noel Castellanos. The next trip for Steve and Vince will be in January to Jackson, MS to meet and learn from John Perkins, one of the pri-mary founders of CCDA.

CCDA Restoring Under-Resourced communities: http://www.ccda.org

Little Lights Executive Director Steve Park has been named a winner of the The Center for Nonprofit Advance-ment’s sixth annual Gelman, Rosen-berg and Freedman EXCEL Award. This award recognizes outstanding leadership among Washington-area nonprofit chief executives, whose organizations have an annual budget under $10 million.

STEVE SHARES THIS HONOR WITH THE FOUR OTHER FINALISTS FOR THE 2010 AWARD:

• SCOTT BEALE ATLAS SERVICE CORPS (WINNER)

• MICHAEL CURTIN DC CENTRAL KITCHEN (WINNER)

• ANDREA POWELL (HONORABLE FAIR FUND (HONORABLE MENTION)

• KRISTINE THOMPSON CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES (HONORABLE MENTION)

Steve is honored to be in such excellent company! Little Lights Board Members Laura Ingalls and Michael Oh nominated Steve. The five finalists, and ultimately three winners, were selected from a record 41 nominations through a competitive three-step judging pro-

cess. The Award selection commit-tee evaluated candidates on their leadership excellence in the areas of innovation, motivation, community building, inclusiveness/diversity and ethical integrity.

The recipients of the 2010 Award were announced at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s Annual Celebration & Meeting on Novem-ber 9. The three award winners will each receive a $5,000 professional development account to be used for the individual’s continued pro-fessional development. In addition, each recipient’s organization will also receive a $2,000 grant to sup-port the professional development of the organization’s staff.

Way to go, Steve! The Little Lights family is proud of you!!

SINCE 1979, THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT ADVANCEMENT

HAS STRENGTHENED, PROMOTED AND REPRESENTED

ITS MEMBER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT

THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. WE CONNECT OUR MEMBERS

TO THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MEET

THEIR MISSIONS.

On an unseasonably warm Sep-tember afternoon in a room in the 1212 Units, a student sits at a table while his peers’ voices ebb and flow in their writing activity room just beyond a closed door. On every wall surrounding 12 year old “Marcus” there are inspiring posters and famous quotes on the importance of character and serv-ing others. Long-armed and legged, though not taller than my shoulder, Marcus’ demeanor most of the time is gentle and quiet, and a bit melan-choly. Almost always, his eyes look

FALL ACADEMIC UPDATE BETH DEWHURST

right into mine for a split second whenever I greet him, and he smiles behind his hand that usually moves to quickly cover his face.

On the table in front of him is an assessment that I’ve just finished apologetically explaining may sound somewhat “little kid-like” because I will have to ask him things like the names and sounds of let-ters. We’ve talked about how he feels when peers around him read and he can’t. Middle school is hard enough, with any “difference” as possible grounds for teasing and social exclusion--how much more so for someone like Marcus? He knows at the start of the year we test to see where each student is so that we can build an individualized learning plan, and continue to track their progress. The difference this year? New assessments designed to more deeply and thoroughly diagnose what students like Marcus

need and meet them where they are in far more specific and useful ways.

Marcus and I talk about how reading is a really, really complicated process and that I know he is intelligent--his reading level at the moment has nothing to do with how smart I know know he is. But no matter how I try to ease into finding out what we can do to support his time in Reading and Math Heroes with his tutor, the mere mention of where he’s really at academically brings up a lot of pain for Marcus. In these few moments, Marcus has a big choice--wade into the discomfort and allow me to do the assessment or avoid it altogeth-er. Thankfully, he cooperates with the assessment, with me encourag-ing him letter sound by letter sound at some points. By the end, he’s in a pretty bad mood and ultimately needs to head home early. Soon after he left, I called home and let his grandfather know what led to

his emotions, and his grandfather agrees to talk with Marcus and his mom. Later, going over the results and comparing them to Marcus’ spe-cial needs plan from his school, I see that there are lots of ways we can help Marcus move forward this fall and throughout the year. His tutor has also become his mentor. It’s in the context of their trusting relation-ship that Marcus stands the best chance of risking enough of himself to try, to make mistakes, and to keep trying. I believe he will learn to read this year, and that it will be a critical turning point in his life--especially in how he feels about himself and what may be possible. How amaz-ing that God has brought so many factors together in this one place and time to intervene in exactly the way Marcus needs. How amazing that we get to be a part of it.

Josie Ortega helps Mehki during Homework Club.

LLUM at The Center for Nonprofit Advancment’s Annual Celebration.

FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 3

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MIJIN PAIK

OUR FAMILY CENTER MARY PARK

ELIZABETH COURTMAN PARKSThe newly-wed Elizabeth Parks has been a cheerful and wonderful “chameleon” volunteer-- adapting to any of our needs with a smile! She’s helped out with Homework Club as a guest World Cultures speaker, a gift sponsor and volunteer for our annual Christmas Party, a one-to-one tutor at Reading Heroes, and is now involved with Girls’ Night on Wednesday nights. Her enthusiasm and passion for Little Lights encourages us and the families she is closest to. Thank you, Ms. Elizabeth!

FRANCIS LIRAFrancis has been working with our Reading Heroes program for almost four years now. The impact that he’s made is significant, as his relationship with his student, Bryant, continues to grow and blossom. Thanks to Mr. Francis and his hard work and willingness to work together with Bryant on his reading, Bryant has been able to improve significantly not only in read-ing, but also in his confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for your dedication, Mr. Francis!

Volunteers are the backbone of our after-school programs. We could not provide the same quality after-school and summer programs without the help of caring and compas-sionate individuals such as yourself! Consider joining our fun and supportive Little Lights’ family in helping out with any of the programs that we offer, and make a difference in the life of a child, a community, and a city.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact us at 202.548.4021 or email volunteer@littlelights.org.

Little Lights is very excited to announce the opening of the new Family Center at 714 12th Street SE #11. DC Housing Authority donated a third unit for Little Lights to use to reach out to families and adults.

The apartment had been sitting empty for several years and had gone into disrepair. Work groups from churches (First Baptist of Juniata County, Chinese Christian Church of Somerset), volunteers, and staff have helped renovate the space from a hazard to a beautiful new center.

We are starting to hold meetings and provide classes for adults. We have installed a computer lab with broadband internet access to provide adult residents access tocomputers, job searches, and basic computer training.

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

mobilize resources to provide job training, micro-enterprise, parentclasses and workshops, as well as an informational clearinghouse and community-building space.

We thank all those who have helped to make the space a reality, and we are looking for partners and volun-teers who want to help plan and make the vision of the Family Center a reality.

Little Lights has been selected as a 2011 Parent Center Program grantee in the ENCOURAGING INNOVATION (EI) Category from DC CHILDREN AND YOUTH INVESTMENT TRUST CORPO-RATION for $25,000.

DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation will support Little Lights in providing services to par-ents to help them become more effective parents and caregivers. The ultimate goal is the creation of wrap-around support services for family members. WWW.CYITC.ORG

IGNITE THE LIGHT JOSIE ORTEGA

On October 22, the Little Lights family--old and new--gathered to celebrate 15 years of ministry at the Ignite the Light Banquet and Auc-tion. Former Little Lights student Frankie Wright welcomed guests and opened the evening in prayer. An entertaining and heartwarm-ing program followed, including an exciting live auction conducted by Pat Haggerty and his assistant, Little Lights student Nate Parks, testimo-nies from parent Shirley Ford and student Bryant Wheeler, and a mes-sage from LLUM Executive Director Steve Park.

Guests also enjoyed a silent auction and several musical performances: jazz from the Brothers Handsome Trio (featuring our own Jason Edwards), a gospel quartet led by Allyn Lloyd, and a rousing perfor-mance of “This Is The Day” by the Little Lights Gospel Choir, directed by Linda Rice and Mijin Paik.

It was amazing to have old and new volunteers, students, and support-ers all together to commemorate what’s happened at Little Lights since 1995 when Steve Park began a small tutoring program in his parents’ business. God has been faithful in providing for Little Lights through the years, and that faith-

fulness was visible at the Ignite the Light banquet, which raised over $30,000! We want to thank every-one who helped out with the event. . . whether donating auction items, volunteering your time, sponsoring, attending, bidding, or giving to sup-port the work of Little Lights for the past 15 years. . . we appreciate you!

4 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010

NEW STAFF MEMBERS

Jason EdwardsPeace, I’m Jason Edwards, a new addition to part-time staff this year. I help run middle school programs at the Potomac Gardens units, focusing especially on activities. I also will be working on Boys’ Night programming along with Vince. I am originally from DC, but after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008 (earning my Bachelor’s in Africana Studies), I worked as a middle school English teacher in North Philadelphia for two years. I am glad to have the opportunity to continue to work with middle school students, and for the wonderful opportunity to return to DC! I love to listen to, compose, and perform music; play and watch sports; read; and cook! I’m so grateful and excited to have the opportunity to serve God through working with Little Lights!

Martha McNeelyHey everyone! My name is Martha McNeely and I am the newest full-time staff member here at Little Lights. I work with middle school students, helping out with Homework Club and Reading/Math Heroes. I am also the Girls’ Night Coordinator and Mentoring Coordinator. I am originally from North Carolina and graduated from UNC - Chapel Hill in 2008 with a degree in Psychology. I spent the last two years overseas in East Asia serving the Lord with Campus Crusade for Christ. I love playing sports, drinking coffee, eating cheeseburgers, and watching Carolina basketball (GO HEELS!). I’m excited to be working at Little Lights and play a role in what God is doing in the lives of the students we are working with!

Nathan GibsonGreetings, I’m Nathan Gibson. My wife, Tiffany, and I moved to DC for me to attend graduate studies at Catholic University of America. We’re really excited that God has also placed us at Little Lights to be able to invest in the kids here. I spent most of my growing up years in Southern Illinois, but also spent five years with my family in Ukraine. My parents were teachers at a university there. After marriage, Tiffany and I spent two years in Israel, while I studied Biblical History and Geography. Now we’re excited to see what God has in store for us in DC and eager to see Him work in the lives of these kids.

Shirley FordHello! I’m Shirley Ford. I’m so glad I can be involved with Little Lights as a part-time staff member. My daughter Cierra Peterson has grown up through Little Lights Urban Ministries and is currently working as a teen intern. I also work for Faithworks and am the Secretary of the Resident Council of Potomac Gardens. I am a long-standing resident of Washington, DC. I will miss my daughter Cierra at college next year but I’m looking forward to the day when I can call her Senator Peterson or Doctor Peterson!

Eric CourtsHello, my name is Eric Courts. I have been a resident of Washington, DC all my life. I’ve been married to my wife Carolyn for six years. We have four children and one grandchild on the way. I have already ordered his first Redskin outfit. For three months I have been involved with Little Lights Urban Ministries in several projects such as helping to create the vision of the LLUM Family Center and mentoring in the Boys’ Night program. Little Lights Urban Ministries has helped me grow spiritually.

FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 5

NEW STAFF MEMBERS

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Tiffany GibsonHi! I’m Tiffany Gibson, married to Nathan Gibson. I’m a graphic designer and photographer having gotten my B.A. from Covenant College, GA. While growing up in the wilds of Montana God put a passion in my heart to combine my artistic skills with ministry, using design and photography to further the kingdom. I’m really exicted to be joining the Little Lights staff and to not only be able to live out that passion but invest in the young lives at Potomac Gardens. My prayer is to be able to help the kids see and experience God in real and tangible ways as they see Him in my life.

Tim BossonI first started working with Little Lights in the winter of 2009 as a tutor. I was immediately struck by how great the need was but, even more so, by how caring, organized, and effective the ministry’s tutoring program was. It didn’t take long before I was blessed to be able to work in areas other than tutoring and to get to know the children and families of Potomac Gardens in a much deeper way. By training I am an attorney who works with non-profit organizations, so I’m excited to bring any know-how I might have with me to the Board. As a quick bio, I grew up in Savannah, Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Business degree, then attended law school at Campbell University in Raleigh, NC. I currently work at the law firm Simms Showers in Leesburg, VA, which makes for quite the commute for tutoring!

David MontanariMy first exposure to Little Lights occurred as a volunteer at the Christmas Party in 2009. What first struck me as a unique feature of LLUM was just how well organized this Christmas Party was. Any large event hosted by an organization directly reflects that organization, and I realized that day that LLUM was something I wanted to be a part of because of what they had accomplished and where they were going.

I became a tutor in Reading Heroes as soon as the spring semester started and haven’t looked back. Working with the grade schoolers, particularly Ashanti, has been a wonderful experience that demonstrates that Christ’s love is at work in DC through the many volunteers and leadership that make up LLUM. Being a part of an active urban ministry that is Christ - centered, that looks out for the long term spiritual, social and educational well-being of its flock, is a true blessing in my life for which I am most thankful.

Debbie RobinsonHello, my name is Debbie Robinson. I am the Manager of the Family Center. I have lived in Virginia, Maryland and DC. The Lord has been and still is my ultimate Teacher. I have stirred up the gift that God has given me in ministering to teen moms, children, and seniors. I have been married to Antonio for 17 years, no children, but I have been the spiritual grandmother/aunt to many. I so enjoy a good book and sharing a meal and conversation with an old or new friend.

Allyn Lloyd-PowellHello! I am a medical doctor who practiced pediatric medicine for over twenty years before yielding to the Lord’s calling to teach music. At Little Lights, I teach music to elementary children during Homework Club on Fridays. I have always had a deep love of music and a desire to impart that love to as many people as possible. For several years before making teaching my full-time commitment, I served as choir director at Kettering Baptist Church and First Christian Church at Brock Hall, where I am currently a member. I teach piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, alto saxophone, and drums. I have been married to my husband, Darryl Powell for almost 30 years, and we have two adult daughters, both of whom are very involved with music.

6 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES FALL 2010

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Name: Michael ProtasOccupation: One Acre Farm

Michael Protas and members of One Acre Farm Community Supported Agriculture have donated many pounds of fresh produce for us to distrib-ute to Little Lights families each week this summer and fall. Kids especially love the sweet potatoes! Thanks for your delicious generosity!

One Acre Farm has pickup locations in Potomac and Capitol Hill during the growing season-- check them out at WWW.1ACREFARM.COM!

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS SUMMER?

I was home playing with me and Angel’s new toys. She has a pink car, two dolls, and she has clothes and shoes for

the dolls. Angel dressed her doll all blue. Her doll had on a blue shirt, blue shorts, and blue heels. I dressed my doll

in pink. She wore a pink dress and pink sunglasses. She had a pink purse and pink heels with fur around them on

the top.

Lashawn Wood, 8

I went swimming 3 times. I went Six Flags. I had a cook out over at my Grandpa’s house and I went to a camp called

the Boys and Girls Club.

Navin Ranjit, 9

What I did over the summer is I went to Ocean City and then we went to the pool at Six flags. Then me and my

sisters and my dad went home. My sisters went outside with me and we went to the playground until 10:00 then we

ate dinner and got in the tub. We watched a movie and went to sleep.

Amari Watson, 8

WRITINGS FROM HOMEWORK CLUB.

IGNITE THE LIGHT is Little Lights Urban Ministries’ monthly partner-ship program, made up of committed supporters who understand the value of investing in the future of the children we serve. Without these committed supporters, our work would not be possible. To learn more, visit www.littlelights.org and click DONATE!

Our annual Christmas Party will be held December 4 at

Chinese Bible Church of Maryland from 3:30 to 6pm.

Chinese Bible Church of Maryland 4414 Muncaster Mill Road Rockville, MD 20853

Contact Mijin for details: mijin@littlelights.org or 202.548.4021

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

FALL 2010 LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES 7

“WHERE I’M FROM” POETRY, INSPIRED BY GEORGE ELLA LYON

I am from streetlights, from G-Gardens and “Torch!”

I am from nail polish.

I am from the double dutch ropes and the favorite pillows.

I’m from singing camp and computers and TV.

I’m from family vacations and soda and sleep till noon.

I am from my favorite teddy bear and my favorite bike.

I am from reading, math, social studies, science and English textbooks.

I am from birthday parties and Nintendo Wiis.

If you ask me where I’m from, I will tell you that I’m from the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Sa’Niya Smith

I am from basketball, from football and my white XBox 360.

I am from McDonald’s.

I am from the double cheeseburger.

I’m from carry-out chicken and Froot Loops,

I’m from chicken nuggets

From hot dogs with ketchup

I am from pancakes and syrup

From the drums.

I am from playing tag.

Marquelle Wheeler

I am from a cold funny place and bright.

I am from rapping “torch,”

I am from a sad colorful place

the money.

I am from soda water and soap.

I am from delightful screams and skating.

I am of laughter.

I am from the star in the sky shining.

I am from a moneyless world.

I am from the block.

Makalia Vines

I am from home, from cheerleading and chicken.

I am from beans.

I am from the teddy bears and the playground.

I’m from hot dogs and happiness,

From sadness, madness and screams.

I’m from trees and money,

From honey and money.

I am from gummy bears.

Monae Williams

TYRONEMy experience as a teen intern is great because working with kids makes me feel like someone special. To be helping kids makes me and people feel a little special.

RAPHAEL My experience as a Little Lights Teen Intern is going well so far. I enjoy working with kids and helping them stay positive in life. Also, 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. I learn something new from the kids each and every day. I hope I can work for Little Lights for more years to come.

LAQUINTE My experience at Little Lights as an intern is heartwarming and mind-boggling because you would never know how smart a kid is. Plus, to see how this program really works behind the scenes.

CIERRAMy experience at Little Lights has been a very pleasant and meaningful one. I have grown up through them and excelled through them. Being able to show my skills through working with kids has been a privilege. I know I can use this in finding a school for college. I am honored to have this opportunity.

760 7th Street SE • Washington DC, 20003

TEEN INTERNREFLECTIONS