Initial Overview of CIBC / FBC Westend Academy
The CIBC/FBC WESTEND ACADEMY’s theme is “IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR!” Of course, children are our focus, but we must accept the fact that the family environment is the first and most lasting influence on a child. So, we are determined to develop programing and/or collaborations that take us from the cradle to the grave.
The CIBC / FBC WESTEND ACADEMY opened in 1997 with 10 students in an after school program with volunteer tutors and a small snack. Through grants, advertising and public donations we progressed to more than 40 in after school to Summer Camp with up to 83 young people.
As an almost new board we are meeting to define roles and responsibilities, as well as investigating the kind of programs available in the surrounding community. That way we can avoid unnecessary duplication of services and support each other instead. Meanwhile we continue to help individuals with homework and do what we can to encourage young people to stay in school.
Our future includes establishing a list of volunteers and conducting orientations/training for those who will be working directly with our participants and programs; securing updated computers, software and necessary supplies by purchase or donations; contacting the School Board to reestablish our GED program; reconnecting with the local colleges to obtain tutors and take advantage of any outreach programs that they may have.