Dear Family and Friends,
At this time of my life, I have found myself searching for solace in seeking out things I can do to create a positive change in the world around us. After the life-changing opportunity I had traveling with a team of teachers to South Africa, I cannot wait to jump back into another opportunity to share my professional work and experience with another group of educators around the world.
This summer, I have the opportunity to work in urban San Jose, Costa Rica where families struggle with daily hardships attributed to living in poverty, such as the lack of access to a quality education. Children growing up in this area face unique challenges and the teachers often do not have the training to address their academic or social/emotional needs. We will be preparing and presenting professional development workshops for teachers who work with students from schools located in the township. This area of extreme need is beset with families who struggle with daily hardships from lack of running water in their homes to lack of access to quality employment. Our visit is also timely as the country’s curriculum and public education has required the inclusion of students with special needs for the very first time. As a team, we will help facilitate awareness and teaching tools to help the educators within San Jose prepare and implement special education strategies in their daily practices.
I am truly grateful for the resources, materials, training, and support that I have. I know that many people look for ways to support with donations. This year, we would love to angle these resources to our partnership classrooms in Costa Rica and resources for teacher training. If families are looking for a means to appreciate a teacher that works tirelessly, dedicates time and energy outside of their work day, and deals with some of life greatest hardships, we could not find a more deserving recipient than the colleagues we will be working with in the San Jose community. Some ways you can help:
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Direct donation - With these donations, we will be able to provide special education resources and professional development for their launch of special education. These tools will have a deep impact in this community and the future of their educational system. While we are humbled by all the items and donations we often receive during Teacher Appreciation Week, we could not help but feel even more humbled by what these teachers’ daily experiences are like and the enthusiasm they bring to their craft. Please help us support their efforts to ensure that all student receive an excellent education. We are so excited for this opportunity to be of service, sharing our passion for teaching and helping children. All contributions are 501(c)3 tax deductible donations, and they can be made online at http://ingageunlimited.org/donate. Just select the project, Costa Rica, and then you can put your donation amount in the field next to my name or donate to the trip as a whole. Your donation will assist with our travel and provide support for the teachers, families, and students with whom we engage along the way.
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Massage Gift Cards - This is a great way to treat your mom for Mother’s Day or a teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week! Elements Massage in Palatine/Bloomingdale/Wheaton is offering us an amazing deal! For every 60 minute massage purchased ($69), $20 will be donated to our team, or 90 minute massage purchased ($99), $30 will be directly donated to our team! This sale ends on May 3rd.
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Eat out at Chipotle - Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support Ingage Unlimited. Come in to the Chipotle at 20505 Rand Rd Ste 400 in Kildeer on Saturday, May 25th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this flyer, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Ingage Unlimited.
I will also be sending out pictures, and video updates on Facebook, following the trip to share about my experience. Thank you so much for your consideration.
With gratitude,
Lisa Christianson