It was our privilege to welcome U.S Congressman Andre’ Carson to Christel House Academy this afternoon.

Congressman Carson met our assistant principal, Sarah Weimer, at an event in D.C. honoring Christel House Academy’s School to Watch Award. The Congressman was so impressed with the work we are doing here in Indianapolis, he had to come and see for himself.

The Congressman toured the entire school and took an in-depth look at our structure and programs. Mr. Carson stopped by many of the classrooms to speak and engage with students of all ages. He even popped into one of our music classes and practiced his piano skills alongside our students.

The Congressman expressed his appreciation and support. He was impressed by the Christel House model and our results.

We’d like to thank Congressman Andre’ Carson for taking the time to visit Christel House Academy and his concern for the education of Indianapolis youth. 

You can check out more pictures of Congressman Carson’s visit on his Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.482375028448279.114624.123884330964019&type=1

- Carey Dahncke, Christel House Academy Principal 

By: Deborah N., Master Teacher, Christel House Indianapolis, IN

I have been a part of the Christel House family since 2003. I started out as a 2^nd grade teacher and now work as the Primary Master Teacher. Each year we are adding a new grade level which means we have 10^th grade this year and will be adding 11^th next year. I cannot express what it feels like to have 10^th grade students, who I used to have in my 2^nd grade classroom, come to me and say they still have the poem we wrote together in class or the song I taught them to help with math. I have watched these kids grow in ways that not only reach, but exceed, the hopes and dreams I had for them 8 years ago.

That isn't just by chance.

We are a family here. When I pass a student on to another teacher that doesn't mean it is the end of our relationship. The teachers believe in collaborating to make each child become a success story. We work hard to make sure the students know how much we care, which is a really easy task when it is the truth. Christel House Academy offers many ways in which it is possible for me to stay a part of the lives of all the students. I can connect with the students by coaching a sport, running a Summer Enrichment Club or by running one of our Saturday Stars classes. Often I have had multiple siblings from the same family pass through my classroom, which means I also am awarded the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the parents of my students. When you work so closely with a family, you really get a good look at the trials and tribulations some families endure.

At Christel House Academy, we continually work hard to make this school the best it can be for our children. Because when it comes to family, nothing is acceptable but the very best.

Laura Dodson is our grantwriter and all around jane-of-all-trades in the Christel House International office in Indianapolis. She recently returned from her first visit to Christel House India. She shared the following observations on Facebook and with us

Wednesday, February 1

Humbling....it's the best word to describe my overwhelming emotion so far. Our team visited Christel House India on Tuesday. The children were absolutely precious, most welcoming and full of love and joy. Their smiles are etched in my memory.

 Later that day, we visited "neighborhoods" where the safety and nurturing environment of Christel House was juxtaposed against the cruel reality of our children's lives away from the learning center. One or two-room cinder block dwellings with one light, if any. No running water, except the trickle found at public spigots. Public toilet facilities housed in shacks. Stray dogs on every street, trash piles everywhere and the smell of wood smoke as most of the cooking takes place over small fires right outside their front doors.

One neighborhood is located just feet from a railroad track, where, we were told children have been struck. Another was located near a larger trash pile, frequented by stray cows and dogs.

  

Many parents spoke, through a translator, of how grateful they are that their children are learning English and having the opportunity for a better life.

Friday, February 10

I'm home! 

What an amazingly rich and humbling time in India. I've begun the work of processing the many sights, smells, sounds and overwhelming emotions I experienced. All of these are becoming a beautiful tapestry that I'm looking forward to sharing just as soon as the jetlag wears off and I've gone through the hundreds of photos I took. 

 Memories of our children's precious faces, their sweet and innocent hugs and kisses have found a special place in my heart, and have renewed my passion and determination to make my work matter.....for their benefit. 

I'm grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to see one example of Christel House's efforts on the international scope, knowing that we're providing the same life-changing programs and services to children in Mexico and South Africa, and supplying work-study support to students in Venezuela. 

In my own city, Christel House Academy is improving the futures of nearly 600 at-risk students in grades K-10 (adding grades in 11 and 12 in 2012 and 2013, respectively) with the same fervor. We are now poised to impact even more young people this August when we launch DORS (Dropout Recovery School) for those who, for whatever reason, had to abandon their high school educations and now wish to obtain their high school diploma, pursue dual college credit or certification to make their lives better.

No matter how you slice it, no matter where you are in the world, poverty is a thief, robbing children and families of their potential. It's an honor to work for an organization committed to stopping poverty in its tracks by providing education, nutrition,comprehensive health care services, parent and community outreach and career counseling, college preparation, internship/apprenticeship assistance to open the doors to a promising future.