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Sherry Johnson Woods SP '82: Mother of the Year
Founder and Director of
the UNIQUE Learning Center
in Washington D. C.
and Mother of Three
Is Honored
On November 30, 2008, Sherry Johnson Woods SP '82 will be celebrated as the 2008 Mother of the Year for Washington D. C. in an afternoon Interfaith Church Service, and the mayor will sign a proclamation in her honor. Johnson Woods is the founder and director of the UNIQUE Learning Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tutoring academically struggling inner city children. The Center's motto is: Hope Now. Hope for the Future," based on the scripture from Jeremiah 29:11.
"The caring for inner city kids for the past 26 years is a primary reason why I am receiving the Mother of the Year Award from American Mothers. I cared for these children before having my own, and I am grateful that my children have been able to come with me, becoming an integral part of what I do at UNIQUE Learning Center." Sherry also devoted the same skills she had developed in her youth educational work -- along with enormous amounts of love, patience, and wisdom -- in mentoring and inspiring other mothers.
"The award was quite unexpected and I am very humbled by it," stated Johnson Woods.
 The St. Catherine Inspiration
Sherry Johnson Woods '82 has long been a woman who follows her passions with service, perservance, and vision. She first came to Washington D. C. to work with ONE Ministries, during her senior interim term from the College of St. Catherine, where she was studying Elementary Education (and earning a minor in Theology). She completed a month-long internship working with children in the D.C. neighborhood, in a breakfast program for the homeless, and in prison ministry. These efforts were the result of two partnering churches, Third Street Church of God and The National Presbyterian Church.
"I returned to Washington, D.C. right after completing my degree at St. Catherine's," remembers Johnson Woods. " I largely credit Sister Annabelle Raiche, who was my academic advisor, for this as she supported my idea to create an independent study in January of 1982. When I made the decision to follow what I believed to be God's leading for my life, which included returning to D.C. for full-time ministry, Sister Annabelle was a tremendous encouragement."
"I consider my years at St. Catherine as having a key role in preparing me for what God eventually led me to do with my life. It provided me with a nurturing, intimate environment where I was truly cared for. St. Kate's also gave me the opportunity to further strengthen my own faith in Christ, and I decided to acquire a minor in Theology."
After her internship, she established the UNIQUE Learning Center, dedicated to tutoring academically struggling inner city youth. She has directed this program of ONE Ministries for twenty-five years. She turned a small effort with eight children into a daily after-school program serving 40 children and youth, accomplished by a staff of four and numerous volunteers from Christian churches through the D.C. area. Through academic enrichment, recreational and cultural development, and moral & spiritual guidance, ULC takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of inner city kids whose lives are daily affected by the negative aspects of urban life.
Many of Johnson Woods' former students have attended/graduated from college -- an accomplishment they would have deemed impossible had it not been for her instruction. Some of the struggles of keeping the center vibrant is awareness building and fundraising. Johnson Woods explains that people have to understand how large the need is, how successful these kids can become with just some one-on-one help, and how rewarding it is to become involved and support this work, which for her is inspired by Christ.
Becoming a Mother
In the midst of building up the work of the UNIQUE Learning Center, she met Eric Woods, a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Maryland MBA program. She married him in 1988, and their family grew to include three children: Miranda, Malachi, and Mikaela.
Besides raising her three children and running the UNIQUE Learning Center, Johnson Woods also completed her M.Ed. at George Washington University in 1993.
"I met the mother of DC's former Mayor Anthony Williams, Virginia Williams, at an annual dinner that I hold for the UNIQUE Learning Center. Mrs. Williams was the Mother of the Year for 2007 and she in turn nominated me."
For an example of the success that happens, Talia was with ULC since the age of five. The center actually home-schooled her for three years before she re-entered D.C .Public Schools. She was awarded an $8,000 college scholarship from Free The Children and was awarded another $4,500 in various scholarships she applied for on her own.
She graduated from the Fox School of Business at Temple University with a degree in accounting. She is currently has an accounting position at GEICO Insurance Company in D.C. and is working herself through graduate school. Talia volunteers as a tutor with ULC. She was part of our summer staff, has served as a camp counselor, and has helped to chaperone many trips. Talia makes a wonderful mentor for ULC's younger kids and teens.
Plans for a New UNIQUE Building
ONE Ministries' UNIQUE Learning Center (ULC) is a non-profit organization that provides a safe haven and a nurturing Christian environment for at-risk children and youth in the historic Shaw community in Northwest Washington, D.C. ULC is currently leasing two rooms from Third Street Church of God. Plans for the new, permanent facility include a computer lab, fitness and dance studio, kitchen, and a library. The ONE Ministries' UNIQUE Learning Center acquired a property that is only a block away, but it needs a $750,000 renovation (the property used to house a corner carryout called the "Hoagie House"). "We are very excited about the acquisition but understand that much work is ahead of us."
To become a local or distant partner in the literacy work of the UNIQUE Learning Center, or perhaps to find out how to start a similar ministry where you live, please visit the web site of UNIQUE Learning Center --
http://www.ulcdc.org/partner.html
Everyone can make a difference
in "mothering" our nation's children
and helping them succeed!
| History of American Mothers Inc. (AMI)
The Mother of the Year Award is sponsored by American Mothers, Inc. (AMI), an interfaith, non-political, non-profit organization for women and men who identify with the purpose of strengthening the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home. Members include women and men, married and single, parents and grandparents, dedicated to preserving the moral and spiritual foundations of the family in America. AMI offers educational, cultural, and spiritual programs for mothers of all ages to resist the fracturing of family commitments and structures.
How and Why American Mothers, Inc. Began
The ideals of American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) began in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the hearts of families caught in the conflict of the United States' Civil War. From organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into a national holiday known as Mother's Day.
Today, AMI is the official sponsor of Mother's Day and Mother of the Year.
The first Mother of the Year was presented by Honorary Chair Sarah Delano Roosevelt in 1935 at the Waldorf Astoria. Every year since then, AMI has named a remarkable mother from among Mothers of the Year for 50 states, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia. In the 1960s, AMI expanded to support the specific needs of young mothers and the selection of Young Mother of the Year. All mothers are honored at an annual convention in recognition of the invaluable contribution mothers make to the future success and happiness of their children and society.
For more information, one can visit their web site at: www.americanmothers.org
UNIQUE LEARNING CENTER (ULC) PARTNERS
Since 1982 UNIQUE Learning Center has partnered with parents, teachers, community leaders as well as a team of volunteers to instill academic excellence and high moral standards in its students. Our programs are made affordable through grant writing, individual and corporate donations, and by each family making a monthly contribution of $10 for each child enrolled.
Partner as a Volunteer
Being a volunteer tutor at ULC provides a unique opportunity to build a relationship with a student.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Tutoring Program – held each Tuesday night from 7:30 – 9:00
- After-school Program (tutoring students with homework)
- Coordinating special events
- Building Program/Capital Campaign
If you are interested in becoming a ULC volunteer please email Sherry Woods at: unique0042@aol.com.
Become a Financial Partner
ULC counts on the financial support of individuals who share UNIQUE’s vision to build a better tomorrow for inner-city children. We are currently seeking support for:
- Capital Campaign - for the $750,000 renovation project for a new permanent location
- Funding for the After-School Program and the Summer Program
- Books, software, and computers, particularly given that many DC schools have no libraries due to budget cuts
- School supplies - notebook paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, notebooks, rules, glue sticks, highlighters
- Student dictionaries
- New International Version Student Bibles
There are a variety of ways in which you can make a financial contribution through the ULC web page, including a PayPal option: http://www.ulcdc.org/partner.html
Provide an Internship in the Area
If you have a business in the Shaw Neighborhood of Washington, D.C., or someplace easily accessible by public transportation, help a teen gain valuable employment experience by offering a 7 week afternoon internship at your place of business.
Become a Partner in Prayer
Partner with us by praying for the students, staff, and the surrounding community of ULC. In particular, please pray for:
- The funds for and smooth, timely completion of the Renovation Project
- Successful year for students, especially the graduating High School seniors
- A growing, learning experience for all participants, both students and mentors
- More mentors and active partners
- Similar programs in inner cities across the country
On November 21, 2008, the UNIQUE Learning Center will host its Ninth Annual Models of Excellence Awards Dinner, with the Master of Ceremonies of the dinner and accompanying silent auction being WJLA T.V. Anchor and Journalist Leon Harris.
The special guest to be honored is Virginia Hayes Williams, author of Living Under God's Umbrella, D.C. area Mother of the Year 2007, and mother of Former Mayor Anthony Williams. She will be signing her book at this event.
Tickets are $100 a piece and all proceeds to the work of the Unique Learning Center. The event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest and can be purchased through the Center or its web page: http://www.ulcdc.org/MOE%202008.htm
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Dear Friends of ULC,
A couple who have supported ULC nearly a decade, have given us a funding challenge. They are willing to match donations to ULC, including tickets bought to the event, dollar for dollar up to $10,000!!!!!!!
I am asking ULC's friends, supporters and prayer partners, to join together in helping us to reach this funding goal. Every dollar given will be matched up to $10,000, leveraging your gift in a way that will enhance the benefit to ULC's programs for children and youth.
I know that we are all facing an economic crisis, I also see it first hand every day in the lives of the children we have been entrusted with. In order to keep nurturing the children who come through our doors, your help is needed. I would ask that you consider giving up a cup of coffee this week, eat-in for one meal rather than out, rent a movie and pop your own popcorn in lieu of the theater - Can I ask you to do this for our children here?
You can respond to this challenge by:
1) sending your gift to PO Box 26089 Washington, DC 20001
2) making a gift by credit card or Paypal through our website www.ulcdc.org
3) purchasing a ticket to the Model of Excellence Dinner ($100 per ticket, which can be done on line and PLEASE send an email to unique0042@aol.com to confirm your reservation.)
Thank you in advance for your faithfulness to our work.
Blessings,
Sherry Woods
Director
"You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him."
St. Theresa of Avila  |
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