User:Familyfive/CWC Angels

CWC Angels
The CWC Angels is a community service program that operates as part of the Charlotte White Center in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine.

It began in December 1999 as a grass roots effort by employees and friends in the community to enrich the lives of children and adults that the Charlotte White Center served. The Holidays for Kids project was first initiated in 1999 and the Back to School program in 2000. In April 2003 it became an officially supported extension of the Charlotte White Center, setting up by-laws, adopting the CWC Angels name, and operating on an annual budget.

Karen Baldacci, Governor Baldacci's wife, toured the school store's Dover-Foxcroft location 2003. Several state representatives have also visited over the years.

The Back to School program has expanded into the community and accepts participants referred by area agencies and organizations. Children K-12, residing in over twenty-five towns in Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Somerset counties, attend this annual event in several temporary locations.

The Back to School program takes a unique approach to helping students and their families help themselves. Rather than giving out school supplies, each June participants K-12 are given checkbooks. The deposit slips inside are filled through good deeds and positive actions and caps at ten dollars. They can visit the temporary store, cash in their "check", and shop for their own school supplies. Each child is also given the opportunity to select clothing from the adjacent clothes shop. This program ensures that children who need the help can walk away with much needed school supplies and clothing. More importantly, it is done in a way that allows the child and family walk away with pride.

Although providing school supplies was the initial focus, it has developed into a valuable educational tool. Participants work on math skills, are introduced to the checkbook concept, and learn about self reliance and personal achievement. The importance of social responsibility is introduced through the associated food drive. Children can earn extra shopping credit by donating to the food drive and learn about the importance of giving back to the community. Families take an active role as parents work with the child to develop goals and accompany the child to help make wise choices and assist with appropriate school purchases.

Besides the Holidays for Kids project and Back to School program, the CWC Angels also work to sponsor adults, that the Charlotte White Center serves, so that they can attend the Special Olympics each year. The Special Olympics project has been an ongoing one but became part of the CWC Angels in 2003. It has recently expanded to organize year round sports activities. Their Special Olympics team was awarded the McGovern Team Spirit Award in January 2006 at Sugarloaf Maine.

The CWC Angels rely on employee support,community and business sponsorship, and fundraising to support its projects.