FROM CO-PRESIDENT NANCY PATTON
Eight months into my first year as Co-President alongside Laura Berkowitz Gilbert, I am gaining a greater appreciation for the hard work— by the scholars, program staff and volunteers— that goes into making Guilford ABC such a resounding success. For the past 50 years, the program has benefited from a growing source of funding from Hole in the Wall thrift and consignment store, as well as the continued support from the community. This support has allowed the program to increase its offerings, which include private tutoring, academic and social advising, college counseling, group activities, summer enrichment opportunities and stipends for our alumnae during their college years.
Managing the expanding needs of Guilford ABC has required continual reevaluation of the program’s volunteer and staffing model. Lately, as people’s lives have become busier than ever, it has become more challenging to meet the demands on the all-volunteer Board. Consequently, Board leadership is considering adding 1-2 part-time paid staff positions to handle program coordination, administrative and development roles.
The program stands to benefit by increased continuity and efforts to institutionalize the knowledge, experience and procedures of these key roles. The experience of other ABC community school programs is informing our inquiry. We hope to bring recommended candidates to the Board for approval by the end of the school year.
Thank you for your continued support of our scholars and the program.