Educating the Heart: Service Learning at CMC

 “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ~Aristotle

Service Learning in FY13

Mount Mercy Service Learners

Mount Mercy service learners clean toys for the Education Program’s childcare room.

 Each year, we engage students from middle school through college in the CMC mission through service. “Across several experiences with individual students and the courses I teach, we have been able to experience the spirit of Mercy by assisting in the delivery of programs and services dedicated to helping those in need. Our bond, forged because of the courageous work of the Sisters of Mercy, has enabled my students to experience service and the impact it can make on the lives of so many,” says Anne King, associate professor of marketing at Mount Mercy University.

Some students do their service learning off-site. Eva and Sean Deegan held a lemonade sale over their summer break to raise money for CMC programs.

Some students do their service learning off-site. Eva and Sean Deegan held a lemonade sale over their summer break to raise money for CMC programs.

 

Students are able to help CMC accomplish necessary tasks and learn important skills. Katie Pahlas, Grant Wood Area Education school social worker explains, “Our students who volunteer at CMC are students with severe autism. This opportunity to learn job related skills (i.e., putting away food, cleaning, and organizing shelves) not only helps CMC, but allows these students to strengthen skills which may someday transfer to the real world of work.”  Learning through service is both memorable and rewarding. Katie says, “The experience of lending their hands to help others is naturally gratifying. The relationship our students have with CMC is a perfect example of the importance of promoting the well being and dignity of every individual.”

 

 Read more of our FY13 Annual Report.

 

Check out more great volunteer photos on our Facebook page.

 

100 Hours of Volunteer Service in FY13

A special thank you to these amazing volunteers who each served more than 100 hours this year. The did everything from tutoring to graphic design, maintenance, and serve on a committee or the board. Together they served more than 3300 hours!

CMC Volunteers “100 Hours Club”

  • Amber Bohlen
  • Lalisa Brown
  • Deb Cave
  • John Chaimov
  • Lauren T. Duvall
  • Sara Elahi
  • Kimberly Gardner
  • Kristi Heiderscheid
  • Sr. Rita Heires
  • Rose Mary Kerschenske
  • Del LaGrange
  • Jennifer L. Mackey
  • Betty Mallie
  • Jennifer L. Reierson Mims
  • Melissa Pence
  • Floyd Sandford
  • Ann Sullivan
  • Robert Yeats
  • Beth Wallace
  • Gabrielle Watkins
  • Sarah Watson

 Gabby WatkinsOur PR volunteer, Gabby Watkins, dedicated more than 180 hours at CMC last fiscal year.

“I first began volunteering at the Center during an internship over the summer 2012 to finish my degree at Kirkwood. Once the internship was done, I was gone for only two months before I missed it too much and had to return. I am often asked why I volunteered so much at CMC and it’s really very simple: it made me feel like I was actually doing something to improve my community. The love the staff has for their work is infectious, as are the smiles of those they are helping. I know that my service really helps improve lives and, perhaps most importantly, has helped me grow as an individual.”

 Read more about our dedicated volunteers

Looking Ahead: 25th Anniversary Preparations

by Ann Sullivan

History PhotosI’m at an age where I often say, “Where has the time gone?” Maybe you’ll join me in that sentiment when I remind you that the Catherine McAuley Center is making plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary. That’s right. Twenty-five years of serving those in need, those who want to transform their lives. Whether you were one of the first financial donors 25 years ago or just recently began giving one hour a week as a tutor, you are an important piece of our 25-year history. Oh yes, things have changed over the years. What began as a small organization, meeting in a small space to help women with children work toward their GED, has grown to three buildings serving women in transitional housing and men and women who wish improve their basic academic skills, learn English or become U.S. citizens.

Being a tutor and now a board member has been so rewarding for me. I have been present for two of my students’ citizenship ceremonies. One of my students has now become a tutor herself. I have encouraged a few of my friends to become tutors and they now feel that sense of closeness to the Center. Each of us who has given of our time, talent, or treasure has a story to tell. What’s yours?

We encourage you to share your stories or photos with us as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Contact Nicki Ross at 731-0448 or email her at nicki@cmc-cr.org if you have a story to tell.

 Read more of our FY13 Annual Report.

Be sure to check out our Facebook in the new year for photos and posts celebrating 25 years at CMC.

FY13 Staff and Board of Directors

Board of Directors

We want to thank our great board of directors who served in FY13.3-Board Photo

  • President: Maureen Kenney, Bradley and Riley
  • President-Elect: Joan McVay, Farmers State Bank
  • Treasurer: John Gilson, Rockwell Collins
  • Secretary: John Chaimov, Coe College
  • Past President: Melissa Pence, Sisters of Mercy West-Midwest Community
  • Martha Barry, Community Volunteer
  • Michele Brock, ME&V
  • Sr. Annette Fiala, RSM, Sisters of Mercy West-Midwest Community
  • Brian Globokar, Hills Bank and Trust Company
  • Julia Hawkins, Holmes Murphy & Associates
  • Todd Holverson, Collins Community Credit Union
  • Sher Jasperse, Writer
  • Larry Maiers, Community Volunteer
  • Sr. Peg Murphy, RSM, Mercy Medical Center
  • Ramadhan Muzo, Cedar Rapids Community Schools
  • Sr. Susan O’Connor, RSM, Mercy Medical Center
  • Steve Ovel, Kirkwood Community College
  • Tom Podzimek, Benchmark Construction Services, Inc
  • Joanne Stevens, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial
  • Ann Sullivan, Community Volunteer
  • Cheryl Tabarella-Redd, Mount Mercy University
  • Sarah Watson, Clickstop
  • Paula Land, Executive Director, Catherine McAuley Center, Ex-Officio Member

Special thanks to our 2012-2013 board members who recently completed their board term.

  • Tom Amosson
  • Bridget Janus
  • Sister Mary Lou Podzimek
  • Mary Hagen
  • Mary Tarbox

CMC Staff in FY13

  • Paula Land, Executive Director
  • Sheila Landers, Finance Manager
  • Nicki Ross, Development & Communications Manager
  • Amelia Waddle,  Administrative Coordinator
  • Tina Gossman, Volunteer Coordinator
  • Jennifer Tibbetts, Housing Program Manager
  • Malory Dreasler, Housing Program Coordinator
  • Alyssa Drury, Women’s Outpatient Counselor
  • Chelsea DeLarm, Support Services Coordinator
  • Wendy Arnold-Rodriguez, Education Program Manager
  • Greg White, Immigrant/Refugee Coordinator
  • Michala Price, Part-time Education Program Coordinator
  • Sherryl Gaffney-Paige, Part-time Education Program Coordinator
  • Tsega Habte, Custodial Staff
  • Sher Jasperse, Grant Writer