Paying it Forward

There are many gifts given over the years, but how many times are those gifts taken for granted? Whether they are material goods or personal talents, everyone can make a real difference with even the smallest effort.

Celebrating 15 years of igniting hope providing educational opportunities, Simon Youth Foundation has worked to help at-risk youth earn a diploma graduating more than 10,000 students at Simon Youth Academies. Similarly, SYF has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships to those needing financial assistance to pursue their dreams through post-secondary education. Sharett Brooks of New Orleans, Louisiana earned a Simon Youth Community Scholarship to attend the Dillard University of New Orleans.

Sharett said this was something she will never forget.

“The scholarship was certainly a reward for my hard work in high school, but it was a true awakening for me,” Sharett said. “I want to be hope for someone like me who may not be able to afford college, so I will be doing all I can to help those in a similar situation to me.”

Sharett completed her first semester with a 3.7 GPA and volunteered more than 100 hours in the community with at-risk youth tutoring and mentoring. She took that experience with her when she studied abroad in Ghana, Africa. She wanted to learn more about their culture to become an organic fashion designer. She wants to create clothing that doesn’t deplete scarce resources or animals.

“I want to give back to communities who are in desperate need for the simplest of necessities. SYF gave me the chance and I’m going to seize it.”

Nudge in the right direction

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." ~ John Wooden

Simon Youth Academy students at one time or another have faced adversity. Death in the family, teen parenthood, or bullying are just a few of the obstacles, but the one thing they all have in common - perseverance. Why they showed up is not nearly as important as the fact they showed up.

Mark Geldis, a 2012 graduate of Simon Youth Academy at Metrocenter, didn't believe he could earn a diploma. Success, as John Wooden said, was on the horizon for Mark but he needed a few nudges in the right direction. At his graduation ceremony, he got an opportunity to address the attendees.

"Before entering Metrocenter Academy, I didn't think that I would graduate," said Mark. "I was told that I was a slacker and not worth the time. I still had that mentality when I first came to the Academy. However, sometime after, I felt that the teachers at the Academy genuinely cared about how I did and how I felt."

He credited many of his teachers for helping keep him on task, motivated and confident. Mark is on his path to becoming the best he can be.

In a little over six weeks, more Simon Youth Academy graduates will earn their diploma and have a myriad of opportunities open to them as a result. Where they will go and what they will do is up to them, but with their hope ignited they can go anywhere.

On behalf of Mark and more than 10,000 graduates of Simon Youth Academies, thank you to all our supporters and donors.

Two New SYF Advocates

Jake Query (left) and Derek Schultz (right) show off their
new SYF t-shirts in the 1260 WNDE studio.

Simon Youth Foundation works to ignite hope in at-risk youth across the country. In order to spread this message, it requires academy faculty and students, Simon Property Group employees and mall teams, and supporters to help champion the cause. Strong advocates help create awareness that is immeasurable. SYF has two new allies in the Indianapolis, Indiana area – sports radio personalities Jake Query and Derek Schultz.

Query & Schultz host an afternoon sports show on 1260 AM WNDE and recently interviewed SYF President and CEO Dr. Michael Durnil for a segment called ‘Now Here This’ which airs on sister stations Sports Radio 1260 (WNDE-AM), Q95 (WFBQ-FM) and X103 (WRZX-FM). It’s a great opportunity to showcase the impact SYF has locally and nationally with two individuals deeply committed to raising the profile of non-profits.

Simon Youth Foundation is grateful to Query & Schultz for helping promote the need to help at-risk youth earn a high school diploma and move on to become successful individuals. Whether it is college, military, trade schools or the work force, SYF works hard to make sure if they start here, they can go anywhere.

Listen to the full interview HERE.

Brandon Van Vleck Selected as Judson Independent School District Administrator of the Year

Brandon Van Vleck accepts Administrator of the Year award
for Judson Independent School District.

“Mr. Van Vleck is an excellent role model and the epitome of a great person with a heart for students,” said Elida Bera, Assistant Superintendent of Judson ISD.

The Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio, Texas Administrator Brandon Van Vleck was awarded the 2013 Administrator of the Year for Judson Independent School District. For the past three years Brandon has made an incredible impact on at-risk youth. Simon Youth Foundation is exceptionally proud of Mr. Van Vleck’s recent recognition for his efforts.

Brandon Van Vleck graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Student Foundation.  He also worked for two summers at Texas Lions Camp as a counselor for children with disabilities.

Brandon began his teaching career at his proud alma mater, Ross Sterling High School in the south side of Houston in 1998. While teaching high school math for nine years in Houston public schools, Mr. Van Vleck earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies from the University of Houston.

He moved to San Antonio in 2005 and was the Campus Testing Coordinator, AP/GT Coordinator and Math Instructional Lead teacher at Wagner High School until he was named Principal of Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy in 2010.

“Brandon possesses a high ethical work standard with positive attributes that include professional manners, teamwork, respectfulness, and honesty,” said Shawn Scheel, Secretary to the Principal. “He is a dedicated and responsible leader. He is truly an amazing individual who has the right sense of humor that allows him to communicate easily with our students.”

Simon Youth Foundation congratulates Brandon Van Vleck on his recent accolade and wishes him continued success in the future.

Della Lefevers celebrates 10th anniversary with SYF

Della Lefevers celebrates 10 years at SYF.

Dedicated, thoughtful, caring, energetic and humble - these are just a few of the words co-workers, colleagues and friends use to describe Della Lefevers. Simon Youth Foundation is proud to recognize Della as she enters her 10th year on staff. Her impact on the success of SYF is immeasurable, but one thing is for sure – the education programs team would not be complete without her daily efforts to make a difference.

“Della comes in each day with a smile on her face and possesses great energy, expertise, determination and an undying passion for serving those in need,” said Julie Carriere, Senior Director, Education Programs at SYF. “Due to her strong passion for the Simon Youth Foundation mission, Della has helped to contribute to the success of the organization by building incredibly strong relationships with our Academy students and staff.”

As the Coordinator, Education Programs, Della works intimately with Academy personnel, scholarship services and other initiatives. Lena Barkley, Workforce Initiatives Manager for CVS Caremark, said Della is a great colleague and friend.

"Della is the mouse that roars,” said Lena. “When you are down to nothin’, Della is up to somethin’. I love her.”

Della works with the Simon Employee Association (SEA) Committee, where she has served as Chairperson for various subcommittees. Susan Massela, Vice President, Human Resources for Simon Property Group, said Della is a very caring, thoughtful person.

“Look up ‘salt-of-the earth’ and you'll find a picture of Della!  She is one of the friendliest and warm individuals I've ever met.  Not too often does one come across someone as genuine and supportive as Della.  Whatever the task, Della is always the first to say, "I'll help!"  From setting up a Black History Month display case on a weekend, to coordinating a company picnic, to selling raffle tickets, or campaigning on behalf of SYF, Della always has a smile on her face and a gracious heart.  I'm convinced that every organization needs a "Della" to inspire all to treat one another a little better, to dream a little bigger, and to always see the glass as half full. CONGRATULATIONS to Della for 10 great years!!!  Here's to 10 MORE!!”

Through her experience working with students, Della has created a project close to her heart: working to get donations for holiday food baskets to be distributed to Indianapolis-area Academies’ students and their families. This project began in 2004 with twenty families and has grown to as many as eight-five families each year. Tina Brennan, Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer at SPG, remarked on how cheerful Della is in all she does.

“Della is a great ambassador for SYF. Her dedication shows in everything she does. I love her smile!”

Aside from her work at SYF, Della volunteers with many organizations: Second Helpings, Making Strides against Breast Cancer, Mutt Strut with the Indianapolis Humane Society, Samaritan’s Feet, and Miracle on Washington Street. These are just some of the organizations that have benefitted from Della’s time and talents.

Simon Youth Foundation congratulates Della on her 10 years of selfless service igniting hope everywhere she turns.

Four New Board Members Attend Orientation & First Meeting

Sandra Cath, Beth Fortune, Collin Sam & Dr. Anita Silverman came to Indianapolis, Indiana for an orientation and Simon Youth Foundation quarterly board meeting this week. The collection of talent coming on to the SYF board is very exciting as each brings a wealth of experience in a variety of areas.

The four new board members learned about the history of the organization and the strategic plan to enhance the Programs, Results, Awareness and Support. Celebrating our 15th year, graduating more than 10,000 students, and awarding more than $10 million in scholarships are milestones coming together in 2013.  

Sandra Cath has more than 20 years of experience overseeing the strategic and financial management of multifamily and retail real estate portfolios. In addition, Ms. Cath spent six years working with at-risk children as a clinical social worker, primarily in the Chicago school system.

Beth Fortune has more than 25 years of experience in journalism, politics, government and public affairs. Ms. Fortune is currently the vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University.

Collin Sam has more than 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, currently the Executive Director of Finance and Accounting for Saban Brands.

Dr. Anita Silverman has more than 19 years of experience in education and is currently the Director of Education Services for the Indiana Department of Child Services.

They join 15 other members headed by Chairperson Deborah J. Simon. View a complete listing of SYF Board Members here. Please welcome the newest members to the team igniting hope in at-risk youth nationwide.

At the Crossroads

Sonia Davis visiting Rome on a recent break from school.

Do you ever have 'what if' moments? For example, what if you had made a different decision or went down a different path? For better or worse, your life would be completely different. Sonia Davis thinks about this on a regular basis. Sonia graduated from Simon Youth Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall, San Antonio, Texas in the fall of 2011, but was on a very different path 2009.

"Before I went to the Academy, I had been out of school for over a year and didn’t have very high hopes of graduating," Sonia said. "There aren’t a lot of options out there for people without university, let alone a high school diploma. If not for the Academy, my life would have taken a completely different turn, probably for the worse."

Sonia is not unlike many of the more than 10,000 graduates who have earned their diploma since 1998 in Simon Youth Academies across the United States. Her motivation and belief in herself dwindled when she dropped out of high school. These two areas were bolstered as soon as she began her work at the Academy.

"The most important thing I took away from my experience at the Academy is probably a renewed faith in myself. Going to the Academy and being able to graduate with a 4.0 GPA gave me the confidence to apply to some of the best International Relation Schools in the country and abroad."

After she graduated with her high school diploma, she was accepted by Richmond American International University in London and began attending in the spring of 2012. She is majoring in International Relations with a minor in History. Her newfound courage has propelled her in a new direction towards success. She has several admirable goals professionally and personally.

"Once I get my Bachelor of Arts, I hope to continue my education here in the UK and get my master's degree. From there I want to move back to the states and take the Foreign Service Officer Exam and start a career in the United States Foreign Service. The Academy is by far the best decision I have ever made and I thank all the donors who gave me the opportunity."

She credits her teachers with inspiring her to go after her dreams and see what happens. SYF tells students if they start here, they can go anywhere. Sonia Davis is another inspirational story and she is igniting hope at every turn.