A Letter From Our Executive Director
Dear Saint Vincent’s Day Home Community,
As we say goodbye to June, I am thrilled to share with you the wonderful moments and milestones we have celebrated together. This past month has been a testament to our community’s strength, diversity, and unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for our children.
We enjoyed a joyous celebration of Juneteenth, where our children engaged in activities that highlighted the importance of freedom and honored Black American culture. This was followed by heartfelt Father’s Day crafts and cards created by our children to show their love and appreciation for the fathers and father figures who play crucial roles in their lives.
One of the most memorable events was our Kindergarten Graduation, which was filled with joy and pride as we celebrated the remarkable growth and accomplishments of our young learners.
Additionally, our 21st Annual “Fore The Children” Golf Tournament was a great success. This event brought together supporters and patrons for a day of camaraderie and fundraising, furthering our cause and ensuring we can continue to provide essential education and services to our community.
Throughout Pride Month, we embraced and celebrated diversity, inclusion, and belonging, fostering an environment of understanding and respect. These celebrations reflect our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive community for everyone.
As we look forward to the summer, I want to extend my gratitude to all our families, staff, and supporters for your continuous dedication and involvement. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children.
Warmly,
Alexandra Hilario
Executive Director
June Day Home Highlights
In June, the Day Home was filled with vibrant celebrations and a strong sense of community. We proudly honored Juneteenth, engaging children in activities that highlighted the importance of freedom and Black American culture. Additionally, for Father’s Day, children created heartfelt crafts and cards for the fathers and father figures who are integral to their lives.
A highlight of the month was the Kindergarten Graduation, a joyous occasion celebrating the remarkable growth and accomplishments of our young learners. We also hosted our 21st Annual “Fore The Children” Golf Tournament, bringing supporters together for a day of fellowship and fundraising in support of our cause. Throughout Pride Month, we celebrated diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment of understanding and respect.
Staff Highlight
Ms. Lang
Ms. Lang, our beloved teacher at Saint Vincent’s Day Home, officially retired this month after dedicating 18 years to nurturing and educating our children. Her passion for teaching and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on generations of students. Ms. Lang’s kindness, patience, and commitment to each child’s growth have inspired us all. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement ahead.
Kindergarten Graduation
Celebrating Our Young Learners
Kindergarten graduation was a joyous celebration of our young learners’ achievements and growth. Families gathered to commemorate this significant milestone with speeches, delightful performances, and the proud presentation of diplomas. As the excitement of graduation lingers, our kindergarten summer program offers an array of fun, camp-focused activities designed to keep the adventure and learning alive. This engaging program ensures that children continue to explore, create, and thrive in a nurturing environment throughout the summer.
Library News
Latest Updates From Our Library
It was great to have you all in the library for an introduction, to see where things are, and to meet many of you for the first time. As the new school year starts with new children, I’m sure you will be focused on getting to know each other and the routines you follow. Remember that there are lots of books on top of the shelf marked For Teachers Only. Some are focused on starting school for the first time, some about a particular grade like kindergarten, and some are silly like We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. There’s a wide variety, and I hope you will find some of them fun to read to your new class.
July is a slow month as far as big celebrations go. I will leave up the display about summer, which also has a few books on the 4th of July. I will add two more displays next week, one on friendships and one on how to get along with each other. Remember that if you need a good read-aloud quickly, you can look in the tubs under the front windows. You’ll find books about weather, gardening, dinosaurs, monsters, numbers/counting, colors, shapes, feelings, and more!
Additionally, the bottom shelves of the free library will have beginning reader and early chapter books for families with older children to enjoy over the summer. Also, be sure to check in with local public libraries for their summer programs and discounts for local attractions.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth Celebration Highlight
Our Juneteenth celebration was a vibrant and joyous event. The children participated in necklace making, creating beautiful pieces that symbolized unity and freedom. The day was filled with captivating performances, including a special act by the Prescott Circus, where performers dazzled everyone with their stilt walking. We also had a lively music and dance station, where the children could express themselves and enjoy rhythmic beats. Face painting added an extra layer of fun, transforming the children into colorful, cheerful characters as they celebrated this important day together. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support and participation in making this celebration a memorable one.
Father’s Day
Honoring Our Father Figures
Father’s Day at the Day Home was a heartwarming celebration where children created special arts and crafts to honor their dads and father figures. The little ones crafted unique paper hammers, symbolizing the strength and love of their fathers, and enjoyed expressing their creativity through various other projects.
21st Anual “Fore The Children” Golf Tournament
Teeing Off For A Good Cause
Our 21st Annual Fore the Children Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, bringing together a community of supporters dedicated to making a difference. The day was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to our cause. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants whose generosity and hard work made this event possible.
A special highlight goes to our presenting sponsor, the Oakland Fire Department Sports Association, whose outstanding support was instrumental in the success of this event. Your contributions help us continue our mission and positively impact the lives of the children we serve.
Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. If you would like to support us further, and help us reach our goal of $70,000, please consider making a donation.
Community Partnerships
Family Paths: Empowering Families Since 1972
We are grateful for our partnership with Family Paths and their recent parent training session, which provided a comprehensive overview of their invaluable services. Their commitment to supporting families through counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health services is truly commendable. To learn more about their impactful work, visit their website below. Thank you, Family Paths, for enriching our community and empowering parents with essential resources and guidance.
Meet & Mingle
Building Community Connections
Our recent Meet & Mingle event at the Day Home was a wonderful opportunity for parents, caregivers, and staff to come together over croissants, coffee, and parfaits. Engaging conversations flowed as everyone shared ideas and experiences, fostering a strong sense of community. We are excited to announce the relaunch of our Parent Advisory Board, open to all parents and guardians. Join us to get involved, make connections, contribute to decision-making, and enhance family engagement. Please contact Ms. Carmen or Ms. Quen at the front desk to sign up and be a part of shaping our community’s future.
New York Life
Supporting Families Through Grief
We are pleased to share that Saint Vincent’s Day Home has been designated a “Grief-Sensitive School” by the New York Life Foundation. We have received a $500 Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative grant to help create a bereavement support plan and encourage ongoing staff development, allowing us to better support our grieving students.
Schools confront issues of grief and loss every day: 1 in 15 US children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. Studies show that unresolved grief can have a social and emotional impact on children, leading to behavioral issues and poor performance in school. Yet, many educators often feel under-prepared to support grieving students, with the vast majority of teachers reporting they have not received any bereavement training.
The Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative is a pioneering effort that utilizes New York Life’s workforce to help equip local schools to care for the grieving students in their midst. This initiative extends the work of the Coalition to Support Grieving Students, a collaboration among leading K-12 professional organizations to develop and deliver best-in-class grief support resources to educators.
Please reach out to Ms. Carmen, Family Services Director, if you are in need of support or resources.
Anything Is Possible
Presented By Dream Top Entertainment
We were delighted to have The Dream Top visit and perform for the children! As part of our ongoing partnership, their show featured a talented clown who captivated the kids with hilarious tricks and antics, sparking their imaginations and bringing endless laughter. The performance was a memorable experience filled with joy, creativity, and excitement. We are grateful to The Dream Top for their continued collaboration in bringing such wonderful events to our community.