GoodWorx Foundation

5th Annual goodworx Foundation Student and Family Appreciation BBQ

2011-07-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today, July 17th, 2011, The goodworx Foundation will hold their 5th annual Student and Family Appreciation BBQ at Burkes Park, in Sayreville, NJ. Students and Family Members will enjoy a day full of sports activities, water fun, great music and great food.

Each year, The goodworx Foundation celebrates its participants and their families. This year, we are inviting all students from years past to come celebrate the 5th anniversary of The goodworx Foundation's Mentoring and Life-Skills After-School programs.

Goodworx has provided After-School Mentoring programs for both, the Sayreville Middle School and Upper Elementary school since 2007. Goodworx has had over 500 Sayreville students over that time span.

Come celebrate with us. Celebrate our future and enjoy the memories of the past.

Free admission. Great BBQ. Fantastic Music. Cooling WaterPlay.

We look forward to seeing you there!

www.goodworxfoundation.org

Fifth Graders from goodworx Perform Fairy Tales at Local Library

2011-02-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 29th, a group of 30 fifth grade students involved in The goodworx Foundation’s MTC After-School Program at Samsel Upper Elementary School in Sayreville, NJ performed modernized versions of classic fairy tales for their local library. The library’s recreation room was packed with children and family members eager to watch the students perform. A young audience member was overheard telling his mother, “This is my first real play!” Eager to please, the students dressed for their roles and even had their faces painted to match the characters they portrayed. Fairy tales included Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling. Budding actors and actresses were discovered as goodworx students took the stage and captivated their audience. In addition to the fairy tales, goodworx got their audience involved by encouraging them to participate in energizing group songs. Toddlers and parents alike joined in as the students sang about a family of sharks and did a dance about their favorite fruits. It was a memorable event that no performer or audience member will soon forget!

For more information on The goodworx Foundation or its Community Service Inititive, please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org

Team goodworx Staff Volunteers at Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen

2011-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

New Brunswick, New Jersey-

Beginning in January 2011, The goodworx Foundation will be taking monthly trips to Elijah’s Promise, a soup kitchen in New Brunswick. On Monday, January 3, a group of eight goodworx employees and volunteers visited Elijah’s Promise for their nightly dinner serve. Team goodworx helped prepare, plate, and serve the meal to over one hundred New Brunswick residents. For the evening, The goodworx Foundation was able to feel like a part of the family that meets there each night. In February, goodworx students will join their mentors at Elijah’s Promise for the foundation’s second trip of the new year.

To learn more about the community service initiative at the goodworx Foundation, please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org

goodworx raises the bar for its 5th grade students

2010-12-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

The goodworx Foundation provides after-school mentoring programs for fifth and sixth grade students in Sayreville, NJ. The program is based on broadening the horizons of today’s youth, encouraging them to follow their dreams and reach for their goals. In order to maintain a higher standard at the program and truly “raise the bar” for its students, The goodworx Foundation provides students with a “puzzle of the week.” The puzzles provided to the program’s fifth grade students are geared toward high school age youth, pushing the students to think outside of their usual scope of learning. As an incentive, the students can submit their puzzle into a box where it is entered in a weekly drawing for a small prize. The puzzle of the week has quickly become a tradition that the students look forward to week after week.

Fore more visit http://www.goodworxfoundation.org/

Look at what the students have been doing via
Facebook

goodworx Students Get an Early Idea of the Workforce

2010-12-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

The goodworx Foundation began a seminar with its fifth grade after-school program students this past November centered on finance and preparation for entering the workforce. The seminar began by introducing bank accounts and credit. During the beginning days of the seminar, students learned how to balance a checkbook, not only a skill they need for later in life, but one they would begin to use only a few weeks later!
After learning about the financial basics, students were informed that goodworx would be “hiring” students to work during the after-school program hours. Jobs range from Recreation Coordinator, where students would be required to set up, break down, and even conduct recreational activities, to Academic Director where students would be required to make sure that their classmates had written down all of their homework assignments in their agenda pad and document those who neglected to record their homework for the night.
In preparation for their jobs, any student interested in being hired by goodworx was required to complete an application for the various jobs, including obtaining reference letters and providing goodworx with a detailed resume. Students also opened “bank accounts” with goodworx where they will have the option to either cash their checks for “goodworx cash” or sign up for direct deposit. All students will have the option to spend their earnings on various items such as a goodworx t-shirt, small prizes, or even donate to the charity of their choice.
Staff of The goodworx Foundation conducted interviews for which the students were required to meet their potential employers at a specific time and come dressed appropriately. The students all did a fantastic job and responded to interview questions with a fines that is rare in many adults. The hired students will continue to work at the program throughout the year and earn goodworx cash until June. It is a truly rewarding life-skill that most fifth grade students do not learn until well into their working years!

Goodworx partners with Madison Center Eldercare for "Adopt a Grand-Friend" initiative

2010-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

goodworx students adopt Grand-Friends during the holidays

The students of The goodworx Foundation’s MTC After-School Program at Samsel Upper Elementary School in Sayreville, NJ have partnered with Madison Center Eldercare Facility in Matawan for the students’ December community service initiative. Thirty students from the after-school program will be “adopting grand-friends” by becoming pen-pals with Madison Center residents. Throughout three weeks, the students will write letters to their grand-friends with the hope that they will receive a letter back and open up communication with their new pen-pals.
In addition to writing letters, the students will also create winter decorations and cards to bring to their grand-friends on their visit to Madison Center near the end of December. During their visit, the students will finally be able to meet their grand-friends face-to-face and talk about some of the things they wrote about in their letters. Grand-friends and students will also make holiday wreaths to help brighten the spirits of the grand-friends during the holiday season. This event promises to be more than just “community service” for The goodworx Foundation’s students. It is an opportunity for the kids to form lasting relationships and for the grand-friends to bond with the kind-hearted youth of The goodworx Foundation.

To learn more about The goodworx Foundation, and our community service program, please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org

goodworx gives thanks by giving back to Elijah's Promise

2010-11-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

The Students of the goodworx MTC After-School Program have worked hard to make this holiday season special for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. This months community service project required two seperate groups of students, each group worked on a different area of our craft. 30 turkey shaped bread baskets were carefully hand crafted by our mentees. Each bread basket will be donated to Elijah's Promise and used as center pieces on Thanksgiving day. For every bread basket that was made our students also included a personalized heart warming card wishing everyone a very joyous Thanksgiving. Elijah's Promise is a soup kitchen located in New Brunswick, New Jersey that focuses on giving back to the community. To learn more about Elijah's Promise, visit www.elijahspromise.net

Visit us and learn more about our community service initiative.
http://www.goodworxfoundation.org/

TEAM goodworx joins Clean Ocean Action for Old Bridge Beach Cleanup

2010-11-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

On October 23, The goodworx MTC After-School program joined Clean Ocean Action in a Beach Sweep! With over 35 mentors, students, and parents in attendance The goodworx Foundation took Old Bridge Waterfront Park by storm. Between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:30 pm, volunteers worked hard to lend a helping hand in keeping our environment healthy. Not only was this community service event beneficial to our environment, but to our team as well. The beach sweep aided in strengthening us in areas such as teamwork, awareness, and environmental safety. Those students who participated in the beach sweep received their first 3 ½ community service hours. To learn more about Clean Ocean Action visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.

goodworx students set to present Art Auction proceeds to Sayreville New Jersey Board of Education

2010-11-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

The goodworx Foundation will soon announce its plans to present a check to the Sayreville Board of Education representing 100% of the proceeds raised at its Summer "Imagine That" Art Appreciation Program Art Gala and Auction.

Stay tuned for the upcoming details to be released the week of November 8th, 2010.

Visit http://www.goodworxfoundation.org/imagine-that for more on the Art Appreciation Program at the goodworx Foundation.

"Imagine That" Art Appreciation Program Vists the Grounds For Sculpture and the Art Galleries of New Jersey City University.

2010-07-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

The GoodWorx Foundation's first Annual "Imagine That" Art Appreciation Summer Program kicked off on Friday June 25th with a visit to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ.

On July 8th, 2010, GoodWorx went on campus at New Jersey City University to explore the various Art Galleries, exhibits, campus sculptures, architecture, and robust Art Program at the thriving Urban University.

Please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org for more details and a photo dairy of the days events. Check us out on Facebook for even more http://www.facebook.com/pages/Good-Worx-Foundation/269511205773?ref=ts

GoodWorx Goes Green Community Day June 5th, 2010

2010-06-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

GoodWorx Goes Green Community Day- June 5th, 2010
By Media Relations- TEAM GoodWorx
Dated: Jun 06, 2010

Four 4th grade GoodWorx students generated a powerful Community Service idea which benefitied the Community, the Environment, and the concept of "Paying it Forward". A true self-less gesture that benefited many..... Read more...

The GoodWorx Foundation's MTC Program, operating in the Samsel Elementary School in Sayreville, NJ held an interesting contest. The task was for the students to generate an idea, or concept, for the best Community Service Project they could think of. Community Service learning is a big part of the Non-Profit's mission for their after-school program, but what was suggested blew everyone away.

The students set-forth an idea of creating a carnival-style atmosphere for all community residents, complete with games, contests, activities, and even refreshments. The theme was "Going Green". Games included a "Green" costume contest, raffles, a customized sun catcher table, temporary tatoo table, a"green" bake sale, and crafts made with recyclable materials. Information was passed out to all registered attendess which included tips for saving energy, recycling schedules and pick-ups, tips for protecting the environment, and conservation in general. The days event also included a fantastic DJ, a dunk tank (so the students could dunk their favorite mentors and teachers in attendance), and enough food to fuel the whole
school building.

The student's were responsible for the idea as well as hosting the event. A group of 2 -4 students worked each carnival-style event and game. They were responsible for giving instructions and managing all the operations.

It was a wonderful day which was supported by the Sayreville School District, the children, and their family and friends.

The best part of the event was that all proceeds from the students community service idea benefited someone else other than themselves, or for the GoodWorx Foundation. In the true sprit of paying it forward and "Going Green", the students wanted to donate the money raised to www.plantabillion.org where every dollar raised represents one tree planted on the childrens behalf.

A truely great day for everyone involved and a true testament to service to others.

To learn more about the GoodWorx Foundation, and the MTC After-School Program, please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org

To learn more about the cause supported by this event, please visit www.plantabillion.com

GoodWorx Annouces plan for Art Appreciation Summer Camp

2010-04-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

In support of its major focus on cultural diversity, The GoodWorx Foundation created a new addition to our programming. The "Imagine That" Art Appreciation Program extends appreciation of cultural diversity to include that of the diverse world of the arts. As part of this enlightening new program, we have coordinated trips to art museums and galleries that will expose our program participants to the wide world of creative expression. The “Imagine That” Art Appreciation Program will be featured as a multi-faceted Summer Day Camp in June 2010. Students will be exposed to Metropolitan Area Art galleries, including the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Grounds for Sculpture, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Montclair Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia Art Galleries, and several Chelsea Galleries in NY. These trips will be complimented with studio time and guest speakers from the world of art. The goal will be to expose our students to various forms and approaches to art, while having the opportunity to listen and work with guest speakers on their own projects. At the end of the summer, students will auction their works of art and all proceeds will be invested back into the community in support of future development of art programs and artistic opportunities.

Please visit www.goodworxfoundation.org for the upcoming announcement

GWx "Drive for Haiti" Produces over 500 Pounds of Supplies for RED CROSS

2010-02-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

Update....

The GoodWorx / Sayreville School System collaborated on a "Drive for Haiti" and produced more than 500 pounds of food, clothing, and other neccessities that will be shipped to Haiti via the RED CROSS this month. We want to thank all the students, their families, and the Sayreville School System for their support in helping this turn into a successful event.

This was s student-driven idea that came up in a discussion in our Middle School MTC After-School Program. All credit goes to our kids for generating this selfless idea and promoting the service to others. Their was a tremendous turn-out from our Samsel Upper Elementary School students. Participation was almost at 100%.

Great job to Rachel DiGiacomo and Samantha Pasewark for coordinating the collection efforts.

TEAM GoodWorx

Student-Driven Purpose... 2010 "GoodWorx Drive for Haiti"

2010-02-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

January 27, 2010

Dear Parents, Family, and Friends:

By this time, everyone must be aware of the devastation that has struck the country of Haiti. The earthquake that hit the island’s capital last Tuesday has caused massive destruction, thousands of deaths, and has sent the country into a state of emergency. Rescue teams from all over the world have gone to Haiti to provide help that they so desperately need.

In response to this calamity, The GoodWorx Foundation, Sayreville Middle School, and Samsel Upper Elementary School are teaming up to show our support. We must do our part to provide relief to Haiti. Therefore, we are hosting a Haiti Relief Drive for supplies at both schools. We are asking that you donate whatever you can from the supplies listed on the back of this sheet. The drive will run until February 19th. The homeroom of each school with the most supplies donated will be rewarded with a pizza party in place of lunch during the last week in February.

We appreciate all your help. There is no time to waste. Let’s join together and do all that we can to show our support to all those who are suffering from this disaster. Together we can make a difference!

Sincerely,

Team GoodWorx
Sayreville Middle SchoolSamsel Upper Elementary School

The Growing of the GoodWorx MTC After-School Program

2010-02-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

Due to its tremendous success in its first year at the Samsel Upper Elementary School in Sayreville, NJ, The GoodWorx MTC After-School Program has further extended its services to include two more grade levels! The GoodWorx MTC After-School Program is doubling the number of students accepted into the program for students in 4th and 5th grades as well as bringing 6th grade students from the middle school to continue the program at the SUES under the direction of Rachel DiGiacomo. Frances Ramirez will head the GoodWorx MTC Program at Sayreville Middle School, providing programming to 7th grade students as well. Also in the middle school, GoodWorx has partnered up with the school to provide students with the Skills for Success program headed by Heather Nicholas. Throughout the year, GoodWorx members will continue giving back to the community by hosting various Community Service events that include hosting a blood drive and visiting the Ronald McDonald house and Elijah’s Promise. Other Programs of distinction include the "Imagine That" Art Appreciation Program, The "Onward and Upward" Program, which consists of programming centered on transitional issues facing 5th and 8th graders as they prepare for their move to the next level of schooling, The "Read Something" literacy program, which promotes enjoyable reading for children and their families, and The GoodWorx Gang Prevention initiative which promotes real-world awareness of gang activity and provides alternative ways of dealing with that reality.

TEAM GoodWorx

2010-02-27T13:14:00.001-08:00

GoodWorx…

Our goal is to play our role in maximizing the potential of each person with whom we come in contact. We do so by making it our commitment to:
· INSTILL AWARENESS
· DELIVER INFORMATION
· INSPIRE IDEAS
· MOTIVATE POSITIVE ACTION
· SUPPORT THE ACTIVE PURSUIT OF DREAMS

“INSTILL AWARENESS by DELIVERING INFORMATION to INSPIRE IDEAS that will MOTIVATE POSITIVE ACTION that SUPPORTS THE ACTIVE PURSUIT OF DREAMS.”

…the lifestyle.