At NDUEC, we strive to provide life-changing educational experiences that positively impact personal well-being. Our continuous endeavors to achieve this goal have led to numerous accomplishments that are worth celebrating.
Last year, we were granted a Ford Transit van, which has been used to transport ten students to the center every day this school year. The van also features a wrap advertising the opportunity to enroll in our programs, and we expect enrollment to increase as a result.
Ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. This year, we upgraded the building’s security system and added five interior cameras to monitor activity on the lower level and at all entry points. Additionally, we improved internet security and enhanced the firewall.
Not stopping there, we upgraded our kitchenette to create a new, modern, and fully functional space. A grant awarded by the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels provided a commercial-grade refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. These, combined with floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and a new deep sink and faucet graciously donated by Sims-Lohman, have completely transformed the space’s efficiency.
Our student library has also expanded. Thanks to Melanie Moore and the Cincinnati Book Bus, our shelves now boast over $1,000 worth of new books by African American authors and illustrators, increasing our range of materials. Continually updating our library gives our students more opportunities to develop their minds beyond academic achievements. Our ultimate goal is to foster a love of reading that translates into sharing books, exchanging thoughts and ideas, amplifying voices, and promoting conversation within the community beyond the confines of our center.
Brandi Lenihan joined the NDUEC family as the new Volunteer Coordinator. She is responsible for all aspects of volunteer engagement, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and retention. Having someone dedicated to these tasks ensures that volunteers are effectively utilized and that their skills match our needs. For example, Melanie Arnold, a dedicated volunteer, developed two new science lessons for enrichment: “Skeleton & Bones” and “Life Cycles of Butterflies.” Thanks to her ingenuity, students released butterflies into our STEM garden in April.
In addition to expanding our staff, we established new partnerships with Cavaliers Care, Foster Grandparents, and Skool Aid. These collaborations have diversified our support base and facilitated synergy between organizations with complementary missions. As a result, we have gained additional volunteers, resources, and expertise, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and our dedication to growth and innovation.
In May, we celebrated our 15th Founder’s Day, marking a significant achievement in the spirit of development. This occasion allowed us to reaffirm our values, vision, and goals. By honoring this milestone, we are able to celebrate our past, engage in our present, and inspire our future.