Welcome to the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center website

January 16, 2012

Dear Friends of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center,

Happy Martin Luther King day! Welcome to 2012 and another celebration and remembrance of a man who led the movement to change the hearts and minds of our country.  On this day, it is always important to reflect on the work that Dr. King and many others did in order to make life better for all people...and how much we have to do still.

Today, there are still people suffering from hunger, poverty, homelessness, inequal rights and other disparity. I would ask you in the spirit of Dr. King, to think about the world today and what each of us can do to make a difference.  We have many volunteer opportunities at Hallie, or check out United Way's 211 site to find one that matches your interests.

For the Price of a Cup of Coffee...

...You can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

Now, I don’t mean a beverage from one of those vending machines you come across on a college campus or hospital that for a few coins will dispense some sort of vaguely brown liquid not totally unlike coffee, but rather the real "Mean Joe Bean" variety your find at your favorite local coffee shop like Golden Thyme on Selby Avenue or a national chain like Caribou or Starbucks.  And whether you’re getting the daily Morning Blend or a "Mocha Chocolata Ya Ya Frappa Double Half Caf" type of thing…the cost of that cup, around 6 bucks, can make a difference in the world of the people we serve. And right now is the best time to  make an end of the year donation to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center for you and those most in need.

The economy has had a huge impact on nonprofit agencies such as ours.  Costs of resources such as food, clothing and educational supplies have increased along with the number of people needing help, while the amounts available through foundations and corporations have decreased. We are serving twice as many people as we were last year without a matching increase in resources, which means in order to continue to help people, we need you. Therefore, I am writing to ask for your support in the form of a tax deductible contribution to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. You can donate conveniently online by clicking here.

Now it may seem a little cliché, but in all honesty, by donating a week’s worth of what you would pay for coffee ($30), you can pay for a week of our After School and Summer Enrichment program for a young person in our Center. That small  contribution will provide tutoring and mentoring, along with arts and social activities. 

By donating two weeks' worth of what you would pay for coffee ($84), you can support a child attending our Early Learning Center, gaining the foundation for their education and a head start on life. Our program operates on a sliding fee scale and accepts many forms of public assistance and is currently in the National Association for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC) accreditation process.  Your support makes a huge difference.

And by donating the cost of a mere month’s worth of coffee ($164), your contribution can feed a family of four for a month.  Even if you drink Chai Tea or Fruit Smoothies, you can create your own end of the year donation, and specify the amount you will donate. No contribution is too small, and the reward is in the smiles of the children and families who will receive the resources and services that they need, thanks to your support.  

2010 HQB Annual Report

We are pleased to present our 2010 Annual Report! This report provides an overview of the Center and a summary of our accomplishments in 2010 as well as a preview of our plans for 2011 and beyond.  It is downloadable in PDF format by clicking on the image to the right or clicking here.  We hope you enjoy this snapshot of all the great work happening at Hallie Q.

Transforming An Organization
Transforming An Organization.I recently had the opportunity to guestwrite for the Good Counsel's blog regarding transforming an organization, reflecting on my experience here at Hallie Q. Click the link here to read more:

We look forward to seeing you around the New Hallie Q.

Respectfully,


Jonathan Palmer
Executive Director

P.S.  I welcome your input and questions at jpalmer@hallieqbrown.org.  In addition, Hallie Q. Brown is a 501©3 tax-exempt organization.  Your contribution is tax deductible and very much appreciated in these challenging economic times.  Thank you.

Click here to make a donation to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center

Check us out on Facebook as well by clicking here:

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center

Click here to follow us on Twitter!

Click here to check out the new Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Blog!

Extreme Community Center Makeover - Hallie Q. Brown Edition

Part of our work over the past two years has been making the Center a better place.  New policies, programs and procedures are only a part of the  reigniting of our Lighthouse, doing what's necessary to make sure our environment is inviting and welcoming is also a large part or the work and a great undertaking.  With that in mind, HQB staff, their family members and volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help give the Center a "makeover" and breathe new life into it.  When you visit, you'll be able to see some of the new changes, but clicking here will take you to the photo album so you can see the hard work that has gone into the making of "The New Hallie Q". To make a donation or volunteer for the makeover project please visit the Contact Us or Donation pages.