School supporters re-launch nonprofit

Posted on August 8, 2012 By Editor Neighborhood News

A group of parents, alumni and faculty has relaunched The Friends of Hendricks, a non-profit organization that helps support the school’s efforts.

The group’s mission is to increase the available funding to provide for additional resources required to ensure exemplary education for the students of Hendricks Avenue Elementary School. It differs from the PTA in both how funds are generated and allocated. The PTA leverages family dues and gift sales to fund enrichment programs, such as Family Fitness Night, Reading with the Starts, and an Ice Cream Social. The Friends of Hendricks seeks financial commitments to fund academic enhancement projects at the classroom, grade, department and school-wide levels.

Thanks to the help of parents, the nonprofit also has a new logo and tagline, “Standing Strong for our School.” The logo was designed by iDrive Marketing who worked with board president Jane Courtney Davis on the message. Organizers hope the new marketing mantra will help better express and market the group’s efforts.

Board officers in addition to Davis are Joy Shakib, vice president; Tamara Bogan, treasurer; and Laura Ferguson, secretary. Board members include Mark Maclean, Jim Towler and Don St. Denis.

While the nonprofit is not new, its focused has changed with the relaunch in response to a continued need for support. The Friends of Hendricks was originally organized to bridge the ongoing shortfall of the Duval County School budget crisis. But the goal of the organization has broadened to also significantly increase discretionary funds to provide for technology, books, staffing, equipment, supplies and other projects beyond what traditional funding sources would provide.

The organization is scheduling a variety of events throughout the year, including a gala-type event this fall and a walk-a-thon in the spring.

Additionally, plans are in place to launch a business partners program in hopes of partnering with the community, alumni and local businesses.

For more information, visit the Friends of Hendricks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FriendsofHendricks. The website, www.FriendsofHendricks.org will be live August 1.