Fun, General Info, Internship Opportunities, Volunteer

ASB “Study Buddies” is Back!

March 14, 2022

We are pleased to announce that ASB launched a new after school program entitled “Study Buddies” for girls in the foster care system in April 2022 . Offering after school tutoring/mentoring on Wednesday afternoons for girls “in care” (1st-10th grade) (and potentially their female foster family siblings) ASB volunteers provided help in reading, writing, math, art or other academic areas. In addition, the “Little Buddies” experienced the joy of having their own Big Buddy mentor(s) to help them improve self-confidence and resilience in a 2-hour weekly session held in Bend.

Elementary girls who are not in foster care also benefited from this FREE opportunity to improve self-confidence related to academic or social/emotional skills.

For more information text Char Schulz at 541 390-3046 or email her at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com.

Program Lessons, Staff, Stories

Former Big Buddy is Rocking It!

April 23, 2021

Lindsey Brown Kealy served as a Big Buddy for ASB more than 10 years ago working both with the Midtown Buddies program and later directing the Elk Meadow elementary program. Lindsey graduated from OSU Cascades with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and then went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching also from OSU Cascades. Her university work, as well as her experience teaching in public schools, helped her craft a curriculum, PAWSitive Choices, that integrates neuroscience, social and emotional learning, and problem solving into a program that helps children thrive. Lindsey is also the author of the PAWSitive Choices podcast.

PAWsitive Choices is a trauma-informed social and emotional learning curriculum that teaches children to make positive choices, solve problems collaboratively, learn from mistakes, and set goals. This system has the key components to help a classroom run smoothly: visual aids, problem solving, goal setting, data tracking, emotional regulation, and family communication. Teach students all these systems simply by reading Bear’s Amazing Brain, reference the easy-to-use implementation guide for support, and get families on board with the PAWsitive Choices Family Connections. The Home Edition of PAWsitive Choices helps students build and apply the social and emotional learning skills with their families.

We are looking forward to working more closely with Lindsey and putting her curriculum to work in various situations to improve the lives of students and families in Central Oregon. Already PAWSitive Choices has been put to work in 13 classrooms throughout the Bend Lapine School District.

Congratulations, Lindsey, on such a successful start to your company!

Fun, General Info

Merry Christmas from ASB!

December 9, 2020

Even though we can’t meet in person due to COVID restrictions – we still want you to know that we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a very SAFE and HEALTHY NEW YEAR. Let’s all pray that 2021 will be SOOO much better for us in all kinds of ways. Hope to see you in person in the new year! (Note – this photo was taken in 2019 so we were not aware of COVID issues yet. )

Outreach

You Make a Difference!

September 27, 2020

A few dedicated Buddies and leaders gathered “under the camp tent” this week to create a special “work of art” for someone who was a real inspiration to them who works for our local school district. During this unbelievably challenging season ASB wants to encourage those involved in educating our youth to keep pressing on! We love you!

THRIVE!

Summer Celebration for a Thrive! Buddy

July 16, 2020

This week adult Thrive! leaders gathered under the ASB tent to honor and celebrate the life of Little Buddy, Tabi, who passed away suddenly in April after experiencing a seizure while napping. Tabi, loved by students and leaders alike, participated in Thrive! all through middle school. Her family was presented with a beautiful quilt made by 40 Thrive members including both student and adult contributors to honor her memory.

The tender time was also a celebration of Tabi’s brother Ethan’s 12th birthday. Ethan shared gifts with the group of something his family calls “Tabi Rocks“. In order to keep Tabi close at heart and mind – we were invited to special bring teal-colored rocks (teal was Tabi’s favorite color) to places where we want to remember her.

Charlene and others shared thoughts about Tabi’s time with ASB including how she served as a peer leader and encourager. We certainly miss her already and hope that her family has a deeper understanding of how special she was to many young and old!

Fun, Outreach

Spring Project for Seniors

April 27, 2020

Even though we can’t meet in person this spring, ASB girls are still sharing encouragement while sheltering at home.  Buddies made some adorable cards to be shared with seniors quarantined both locally and elsewhere. Living up to our theme of “loving others as we are loved” we hope that the cards will bring a smile to someone who needs it. Thanks to all who contributed!IMG_2389

General Info

ASB G.I.F.T Program Postponed

March 19, 2020

Due to school closures both across our city and state we have decided to postpone the initiation of the new G.I.F.T. Middle School baking program until fall. Watch this web page and our Instagram and Facebook pages for other impromptu ASB happenings throughout the coming months. Our hope is that we can find ways to serve our community while observing safe, healthy habits.

Fun, Opportunities, THRIVE!

Announcing New Program for High Desert MS Girls!

March 5, 2020

ASB is excited to announce that a brand new program will begin this April at High Desert Middle School in Bend. The program, entitled “ASB G.I.F.T”, is designed and led by OSU Cascades student Jamie Ruiz, a psychology major who is also pursuing a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.  Jamie chose the name to describe the weekly baking and empowerment classes led by college and high school mentors. The acronym G.I.F.T. alludes to the experiences attendees will have as they prepare baked goods to be gifted to local charities… Growing, Inspiring, Forming Friendships, Team Building. 

The program begins April 22 and runs through May 27th.  It meets in the Foods classroom from 2-5 pm each week. Students are expected to check in to the Foods classroom just after school is dismissed. They will be accompanied by high school, college and adult mentors and will have the fun of baking all kinds of amazing treats.

Enrollment is limited to 12 middle school girls accepted on a first-come, first served basis. Because the class size is so small and FREE – we ask that enrollees plan to attend each and every week (unless they are ill). We anticipate providing an exemplary mentor-ship experience representative of the reputation that ASB has achieved over the past 17 years.  Middle school girls (Buddies) will not want to miss this opportunity to learn new kitchen skills and spend time with new friends/mentors while being able to give to others.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.

To enroll your daughter – CLICK HERE.  Enrollments will close as soon as 12 students have been accepted.

To add your child to the wait list – email Char at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com.

 

General Info, Internship Opportunities, Opportunities, Volunteer

Internship Opportunities for 2020

December 29, 2019

OSU Cascades and COCC students are invited to submit an application to serve as an ASB intern for spring term 2020.  If you are motivated to create your own 1-term program and experience the joy of working with others interested in human services, early childhood education, after school programs, mentoring, counseling, STEM activities or more – email Charlene Schulz at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com to learn more.  If you attend OSU – be sure to look for the job opportunity and application online with  Handshake.  Applications are due by early February so that selected interns can begin preparation for the spring programs.

A small stipend is available to assist in delivering an awesome opportunity to build your resume while possibly earning college credit.  High school students or others who are not in college are also welcome to join in as mentors for the spring programs once they have been defined.  Interns will be supervised by experienced ASB adult mentors and other professionals and gain practical experience with running life changing programs!

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Fun, Outreach, Volunteer

Sharing Holiday Blessings

December 29, 2019

Just before Christmas ASB girls and leaders spent the afternoon sharing holiday cheer with patients, residents and staff at the Bend Transitional Care facility.  The gathering featured 20 lovely singers touring the hallways and bringing joy to those who were not able to make it home for the holidays.