During the last Board meeting, SOUL graduate Ricardo Abundiz and his mother Diane Villareal were recognized. Ricardo was acknowledged for his outstanding academic and citizenship achievements during his time at our School of Unlimited Learning while Diane was honored with the Parent Service Award for her active participation at SOUL.

Blake Konczal, Director of Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (FRWIB) presented an overview of Workforce Investment and a summary of the partnership between FRWIB and EOC.

Head Start Director Tamala Olsby gave an update on our Early Head Start / Head Start / SOUL Youth Mentor Program. During the 2009-2010 school year, eight SOUL students completed 925.5 hours of service with EHS and HS infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The Youth Mentor Program’s overall goal is to give students experience in Child Development under the mentorship of our EHS and HS teachers and mentors. The students receive up to 10 credits per semester, a $500 stipend and a one-year scholarship to Fresno City College.

Our Board of Commissioners also took action on the following items:

• Approved the Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation Food Distribution grant application for $75,000. The grant will extend our current food distribution efforts until March 31, 2011.
• Approved the ARRA Early Mentor Coaches grant application for $225,000. The grant will be used to pay for resource coaches to provide on-the-job training and technical assistance to current center base and home base Head Start employees who participate with Second Step, a violence prevention program based on conflict resolution.