MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE

Dear Randy Bacon and Erica Steen,

On behalf of the students, staff, and community of Turner Elementary School, I want to write a thank you for the collaborative work conducted at Turner Elementary School  on MLK Jr. Day 2008.  The projects completed in the building have truly enhanced the school, and has made the environment much more pleasant for the teachers and the students.  Thanks to your groups’ community service the entire Turner family now enjoys a much better learning environment.  We also look forward to continuing to work with Behrend Builders and the Center for Community Service in the future.

Respectfully,

Robert Gregory, Principal

CAMP YAD b'YAD

From the campers...

• I came to this camp blindly.  I had no idea what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed all of the activities and they all made me feel like I was making a direct positive impact on the community.
• I made new friends and I got community service hours and a sense knowing that I helped a lot of people.
• I’m taking away the knowledge that I can make a difference and that I can change the world.
• I have learned that even doing a little community service can make a difference.  I have also realized that I am very lucky.

I wanted to thank you once again for coordinating the October 7th build at CCNV.  Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. I personally found it incredibly fulfilling. We would love to do another program with you.  Please keep us posted with your upcoming events.

Sincerely, Rafi Karkowsky

Communities In Schools of the Nations Capital has had the privilege of working with Behrend Builders on several public school-based projects in Ward 8.  In September 2007, Behrend Builders supervised a playground beautification project at Turner Elementary School during which a group of 80 spirited high school girls from a private school in Bethesda worked to bring much-needed color and creativity to the school's playground.  Thanks to Behrend Builders, the children at Turner Elementary School now have access to fun, new playground activities as well as a freshly painted auditorium.  Communities In Schools looks forwarding to continuing to work in partnership with Behrend Builders on behalf of Washington DC's youth and is grateful for all that its dedicated staff does to provide children with safe and inviting places to learn and play.
 
Allison B. Hertz
Site Coordinator
Communities In Schools of the Nation's Capital

Again thank you.
It feels good to have visitors to come by and we not be ashamed of our living space. Be well. Stay healty. Tootles...Richest blessings,
 
Nora Lewis, Behrend Builders client

I think you two deserve the real kudos for keeping your calm in the face of an extremely frustrating situation. I was able to roll with the problem of potentially having no paint because you guys were so professional!

It was a pleasure working with all of you, and I hope to do so again soon.

Best,

Salem

Just wanted to thank y’all for coming to spend the holiday with our families. Kobie & Jackie had glowing reviews from both locations and we look forward to your group again next year. Thanks!!

Karyn A. Cassella
Volunteer Manager
Community of Hope

Now I can't wait until next year.  Happy New Year!

Warmly,

Hedy
Hedy Peyser, ACSW, LCSW
Director of Volunteers
Charles E. Smith Life Communities

Thank you for coordinating the Wednesday, June 18, 2008 blood drive. We were very pleased with the drive overall, and the willingness of the donors to share this life saving gift.

The efforts of the DC Jewish Community Center have always been greatly appraised and their support of the community blood program will go along way towards replenishing blood....

 Robyn Kaplan
INOVA Blood Donor Services

On behalf of the District of Columbia Public Schools, I would like to thank your organization for its involvement in the 23rd anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. Your organization’s involvement in painting at Ferebee-Hope and Turner Elementary schools this past MLK holiday is sincerely appreciated.

Thank you again for your generous support and continued involvement.

Sincerely,

Michelle Rhee
Chancellor
District of Columbia Public Schools

As principal of Anne Beers Elementary School, I would like to thank Toyota Book Imitative and the Greater Washington Jewish Community Center for renovating the Anne Beers Library.  Since the library reopened many memorable moments have taken place there.  Because of you all we now have an inviting, warm, comfortable and stimulating learning environment.  Our teachers love to take their classes into the library for study, research, and relaxation.  Students clamor at the door waiting for the librarian.  It has become one of their favorite spots in the school.

We would be remised if we did not mention Erica Steen, who has worked tenaciously with Anne Beers to complete the task. Erica garnered volunteers to shelve our books, and followed up with us to ensure that all of our needs had been met to the best of her abilities.  Again, I thank you on behalf of the entire Anne Beers’ staff, for our students, families, and community.  You have increased us and we will continue to make use of the library and we invite you to come and visit whenever you like.

With Huge Appreciation,

Gwendolyn Payton, Principal
Anne Beers Elementary School