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Empowering Futures: A Heartfelt Thank You to The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation for Transforming Lives at Carver

In philanthropy, there are beacons of hope that shine brighter than others, guiding organizations toward making a profound impact in their communities. Today, we express our deepest gratitude to The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, Inc., whose unwavering support has been instrumental in Carver's mission to create opportunities and remove barriers for children and families in need.

The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation is a stalwart champion across various philanthropic sectors. From education and youth services to healthcare, culture, and community development, the foundation's dedication to fostering positive change has left an indelible mark on countless lives. One of the critical areas of focus for The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation is education—a cause close to our hearts at Carver. The foundation’s commitment to school leadership, college readiness, affordability, and cultural programs aligns seamlessly with our vision to empower children with the tools they need to succeed in every facet of life.

The foundation may be best known for the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, which has recognized and celebrated more than 100 remarkable leaders in all areas of education who have had a profound and lasting impact on our world since it was established in 1988 to honor Harold W. McGraw, Jr. when he retired as the Chairman of McGraw-Hill. In 2020, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation selected the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education as the new home for the Prize.

As one of Carver's largest donors, the foundation has provided financial assistance and given us confidence in our ability to make a meaningful difference. The foundation's belief in Carver's capacity to bridge opportunity gaps for all children is both priceless and humbling. 

Through the generosity of foundations like The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Their commitment to nurturing a brighter future for our community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are honored to have them as partners in our journey.

To The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation, we extend our sincerest thanks for your continuous support, unwavering belief in our cause, and dedication to transforming the lives of children and families. Together, we are shaping a better tomorrow filled with opportunities, hope, and endless possibilities.

Fostering Empathy and Critical Thinking Through Project-Based Learning

Carver before- and after-school programs utilize project-based learning (PBL) to engage students in meaningful, real-world projects that develop critical knowledge and skills. PBL is a teaching method centered around an extended inquiry process that engages students to answer a complex question or solve a real-world problem.

Unlike traditional classroom learning, PBL fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking as students navigate hands-on projects. With PBL, students create a public product or presentation for an authentic audience, learning to apply their knowledge to new situations. This process allows students to gain deep content knowledge and understanding while developing essential skills like communication, collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving.

Carver recognizes that in today's rapidly changing world, students need learning experiences that equip them with more than content knowledge. PBL develops the human skills crucial for students to understand diverse perspectives, work with others, and navigate complex challenges. By grounding projects in real-world contexts, students learn academics and how to impact their communities positively.

Our before- and after-school staff (e.g., daytime teachers) and partners, such as the Maritime Aquarium, Mad Science, and robotics providers, design meaningful PBL experiences that unleash students' creative potential.

We facilitate community partnerships, model project design techniques, share resources, integrate technology, and nurture collaborative learning communities. Our role is to create transformative learning through PBL that helps students reach their full potential while understanding their ability to drive positive change. Ultimately, Carver utilizes PBL because we understand that academics and human skills must intersect for growth.

PBL fosters this growth by drawing out students’ innate compassion and ability to think critically about solving real issues. When students collaborate to drive change, they gain perseverance, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of empathy that allows them to contribute to society.

That's the power of learning through projects.

Carver Community Unites for Global Generosity on GivingTuesday

In the heart of the Carver community, the spirit of generosity beats strong, and tomorrow,  November 28, 2023, we are thrilled to join hands with the world in celebrating GivingTuesday. More than just a day on the calendar, GivingTuesday is a global movement that transcends borders, encouraging people from every corner of the globe to channel their generosity towards charitable causes.

A Global Celebration of Giving

GivingTuesday, an annual event on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is not just a date—it's a call to action. It's a day when the world comes together to give back in myriad ways, be it through acts of kindness, the sharing of one's voice, the contribution of time, talent, or treasure. It's a moment when communities worldwide unite in a shared purpose: to foster a spirit of giving and philanthropy during the holiday season.

The GivingTuesday Impact

On this day, across six continents, hundreds of thousands of leaders and millions of individuals collaborate to create positive change. The GivingTuesday movement serves as a nucleus, supporting local impact through networked leadership development, strategic communication that amplifies the effects of generosity, and the deployment of human, financial, and social capital. The result? A global ritualization of generosity that significantly increases the rate at which people give and volunteer worldwide.

Carver's Commitment to Generosity

At Carver, community isn't just a word—it's ingrained in our identity. We are proud to be part of a global initiative that shares our commitment to propelling generosity across every culture, continent, and context. GivingTuesday is not just a day; it's a reminder that each of us has the power to make a positive impact, both locally and globally.

This GivingTuesday, let's stand together as the Carver community and contribute our time, resources, and talents to make a difference. Whether it's a small act of kindness or a larger gesture, each contribution adds to the collective spirit of generosity that defines this remarkable movement. Join us on November 28, 2023, as we celebrate GivingTuesday and showcase the true power of community and generosity. Together, we can transform the world, one act of kindness at a time.

From Norwalk to Global Good: Kimberly Gaddy's Thanksgiving Food Drive Lights Up the Carver Community

Introduction:

In a heartwarming display of gratitude and community spirit, Kimberly Gaddy, a distinguished corporate and community figure, orchestrated a remarkable Thanksgiving food drive to benefit Carver Families. From her roots as Carver's first intern at Norwalk Hospital to her current role as the Senior Director of Business Analytics and Chief Data Officer at Gartner, Inc., Gaddy's journey exemplifies the power of giving back.

A Journey of Inspiration: From Carver Intern to Global Leader:

Kimberly Gaddy's connection with Carver runs deep. A Norwalk High School graduate in the 1980s, she found inspiration and valuable work experience in the Carver community during her formative years. As Carver's first intern at Norwalk Hospital, Gaddy's trajectory was shaped by the support and guidance she received, fueling her passion for community service.

Gartner Steps Up: A Corporate Force for Good:

Gartner, Inc., a leading technological research and consulting firm, became a catalyst for positive change as Gaddy rallied her coworkers for a Thanksgiving food drive. The corporate giant, known for its global influence and clientele, demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by contributing to the well-being of Carver Families.

Generations United: Gaddy's Gift to Carver:

As a former Carver board member, current volunteer, and student mentor, Kimberly Gaddy's ties to the Carver community are both professional and deeply personal. The images captured during the delivery of gifts to the Carver Community Center showcase the unity of generations, highlighting the impact one individual can have on an entire community.

Nurturing Norwalk's Future: Gaddy's Early Connection with Computer Science:

Ms. Gaddy's journey from a Norwalk High School graduate to a global leader began with her introduction to computer science at the Carver Community Center. Her early involvement included installing and maintaining the community center's first computers, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually span the globe.

Conclusion:

Kimberly Gaddy's Thanksgiving food drive serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact individuals can have when they bridge their success with a commitment to community well-being. From her beginnings in Norwalk to her influential role at Gartner, Gaddy's story exemplifies the potential for positive change when community and corporate worlds come together in the spirit of giving. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us celebrate the abundance on our tables and the generosity that connects us all.