CASE for Kids Builds Community Partnerships at End-of-Year Celebration
Leave a commentMay 3, 2024 by HCDE Communications
The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids team went back to the basics at the division’s end-of-year celebration to recognize out-of-school-time partners and afterschool staff at various CASE-funded sites.
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The Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids team went back to the basics at the division’s end-of-year celebration to recognize out-of-school-time partners and afterschool staff at various CASE-funded sites. 
On May 3, participants gathered in the Conference Center to embrace a “building your community” theme with building block activities that echoed the importance of a strong foundation throughout afterschool programs. Teams wrote down ways to bridge the gaps between their services and students while working together to uphold CASE’s mission to provide a safe space for young learners outside the classroom. 
CASE for Kids Andrew Milburn talks with afterschool programmers at the division’s end-of-year celebration.
On May 3, participants gathered in the Conference Center to embrace a “building your community” theme with building block activities that echoed the importance of a strong foundation throughout afterschool programs. Teams wrote down ways to bridge the gaps between their services and students while working together to uphold CASE’s mission to provide a safe space for young learners outside the classroom.
During the celebration, CASE for Kids Senior Director Dr. Lisa Caruthers delivered the State of Afterschool address, which highlighted the division’s three-year strategic plan to improve networking opportunities, hire additional out-of-school-time professionals and increase afterschool funding.
Professionals were excited to learn that CASE for Kids will also host a three-day conference this September titled Afterschool Matters, which is dedicated to ensuring afterschool programmers have a forum to share resources and discover professional development opportunities.
“We are very excited about this conference because this is the place where we all walk in as equals,” Caruthers said. “This is where we can use our voices to advocate, lobby and make demands on what afterschool programs need.”
Caruthers also presented the Director’s Award to CASE for Kids Quality Manager Kittra Hewitt for her outstanding commitment and service to the program and Harris County students.
Every year, the division recognizes community partners for their work with CASE for Kids. The following Spirit of Excellence Afterschool Awards were given out during the celebration:
Outstanding Leadership by an Afterschool Site Coordinator: Willia Elaine Brooks with BenCheri
Outstanding Achievement by an Afterschool Frontline Staff Member: Zachary Sheriff with CASE Cycle 11
Outstanding Leadership by an Afterschool Provider Supervisor: Paulann Jenkins with HYPE
Outstanding Achievement by an Afterschool Provider Frontline Staff Member: Evelyn Delgado with After School to Achieve
Outstanding Leadership by an Afterschool Administrator: Tameka Anderson Abernathy with Alief CIA
Community Connection Champion: Social Motion Skills
Innovative Practices Champion: The Sanders Hand-Young Billionaires Club