It’s been a little over six months since I began my term as co-president with Judy Wright. It’s been fascinating and gratifying to develop a closer look at this beautiful ecosystem called Guilford ABC. The more I learn, the more in awe I am of this organization.
First off, the heart of the program and the why – the scholars themselves. These brave and smart young women choose to leave their families and their communities at 14 years old to join the Guilford community and attend our stellar high school. The trust that the scholars and their families place in our organization and the sacrifices they make for this opportunity are incredibly humbling.
Then there’s Lynn Prendergast, the resident director who tirelessly creates a nurturing and loving environment so the girls feel like this is their second home.
Our student interns Kaylene and Sharon are incredibly important helping the girls after school and into the evening with their studies or running errands with them as well.
Taylor, our cook, has the near impossible task of cooking nutritious delicious dinners for six teenagers with varying palettes. Can you imagine? But the girls love the food!
Did you know that we are an all-volunteer Board? It’s one of the hardest- working boards around! The work includes direct involvement with the girls’ academic and social activities, vetting future scholars and host families, and raising funds to keep this all humming along. You’ll read about our House and Grounds activity in the following pages, because by the way, we are also property owners!
Our volunteers are crucial – from helping with house chores to driving the girls to activities. There are so many volunteer opportunities that even just a few hours a month makes such a difference. (If you would like to volunteer, be sure to get in touch! There’s a sign-up form on the GABC website or speak to one of us directly.)
Host families are also an integral part of the organization. The girls spend one weekend a month with their host families and form incredible bonds. I was just talking to an alumna who graduated in 1977 and is still in touch with her host sister!
The dedication of everyone involved with the organization, the scholars and the mission, is awe-inspiring. And the fact that we have been doing this for 50 years is amazing! We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary the weekend of October 18-20. The details of this multi-event celebration will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Did you know that Guilford ABC is self-funded? Our local program receives no money from the national ABC organization? Our main sources of funding are proceeds from the Hole in the Wall consignment/thrift store and our annual appeal to donors. As you’ll read in this issue, just keeping the house running takes an incredible amount of effort.
We are in the process of updating our website so it will be easier for you to find out what’s new and ongoing with the program. The website is also the easiest place to make a donation.