The Post

As a Vincentian institution, we believe that it is our mission to prepare teachers, counselors, and leaders who are able and willing to serve those who are faced with economic insecurity.  It is in this spirit that we invite you to attend two important events on January 25^th.

The first event will be a Community Action Poverty Simulation from 11:00am -1:00pm in St. Vincent’s Hall Rooms 405/406.   The Poverty Simulation will be facilitated by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center with the intention of promoting poverty awareness, increasing understanding of the many issues facing individuals living in poverty, and inspiring local change.   If you have already participated in a Poverty Simulation we hope that you will serve as a volunteer “agency” worker during the event.  In this capacity you will be given a role to play such as a case worker, or payday loan officer.  If you will be an agency volunteer, we ask that you arrive by 10:30 to get your role assignment and ask any questions.   If you have not previously participated in a Simulation, we ask that you participate as part of a family unit that will be assigned upon your arrival.  The Simulation will begin promptly at 11.    Please confirm your attendance AND the role you will play in the Simulation with Maritza Mulready by January 17^th.  You can email her at mmulready@niagara.edu.  Current students in each of our US-based COE programs have also been invited to participate, and we anticipate a very lively debrief session.  There will be a light lunch served at the conclusion of the Simulation.

Also on January 25^th from 4:00-6:00pm,  Niagara University’s College of Education, Levesque Institute, and Ostapenko Center for Race, Equality and Mission are co-sponsoring a summit entitled Mobilizing the Community to Transform the Lives of Children Living in Poverty.   It will take place in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons on Niagara University’s campus.

The Summit will begin with a brief keynote presentation from Dr. Anael Alston, New York State Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services.  Dr. Alston leads multiple programs for the State Education Department, most notably, “My Brother’s Keeper-Family and Community Engagement Program.”  The focus for the rest of the summit will be on networking with Niagara and Erie County agencies that offer programs and services for children, youth, and families facing economic insecurity.

The participants at the Summit will include:
1.      Faculty, students, staff, and alumni from the College of Education programs in teaching, counseling, school psychology, leadership, developmental disabilities, and early childhood who need to be aware of these services as part of their own professional development.
2.      Practicing P-12 educators and counselors from the local community who will benefit from learning about the options available to the children, youth, and families they serve.
3.      Faculty, students, and staff from across Niagara University who are seeking to develop community service opportunities through the Levesque Institutes IMPACT programs.
4.      Elected officials, business leaders, and community members who wish to learn about the important work being done to alleviate economic insecurity in our region.

We hope that the Summit will increase awareness among participants of the supports available within the community and stimulate new partnerships between these agencies; the educational community; and students, staff, and faculty at Niagara University.

If you are able to participate in the Summit we ask that you confirm your attendance with Maritza Mulready at mmulready@niagara.edu by January 17^th.   It is important that you pre-register so we have an accurate count to provide resources and refreshments for all in attendance.

Sincerely,

Chandra J. Foote, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor of Education
College of Education