Common Cents Mission: Common Cents, creator of the Penny Harvest, nurtures a new generation of caring and capable young people between the ages of four and 24 by enabling them to strengthen their communities through philanthropy and service-learning.

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What's New at Common Cents and the Penny Harvest
Penny Harvest recognizes 26 New York City  schools as 07/08 Schools of Excellence!

Long Island Penny Harvest School, W.T. Clarke Middle School, is featured on  ABC-7 News "Above and Beyond: Inspiring Students and Teachers," special.

May 17, 2008: Penny Harvesters named "Staten Islander of the Week" by NY1

Roundtable Decision Reports due 4/11/08. Download forms.

Are you a Penny Harvest School of Excellence? Download an application due on 5/7/08.

See Penny Harvest students in the spotlight in local media. 
 

Instant Poll
To enhance learning about global issues, we select an issue of global concern that becomes the subject of intensive study, philanthropy and action. The 2008 Global Relief Issue is climate change. What do you think is the main cause of climate change?
Human activity
Natural geological forces
Both A and B
None of the above

Penny Harvest NYC / Metro NY
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TIPS FROM THE FIELD

community cONNECTION CHALLENGES

Everybody wins when students and the community connect with one another. But, of course, there are challenges to making the most of these relationships. After hearing the same challenges over and over again, we posed these “Community Connection Challenges” to our CBO Network. These organizations help us fully understand the experience of organizations working with schools. Click the links for their expert advice:

“I just got invited to a school, but I have no idea what to say or do! How do I prepare for my visit?”

Elizabeth Bliss is the former Executive Director of the Children’s Hope Foundation, dedicated to providing services for children with HIV/AIDS. She discusses the importance of coordinating with the Penny Harvest Coach before a presentation.

“My organization deals with difficult issues, sometimes involving death. How do I talk to kids honestly about these issues without scaring them or overstepping my boundaries?”

June Paley, Ozanam Hall staff, discusses talking about sensitive issues with students during their visits to the facility. Ozanam Hall is a geriatric rehabilitation center in Bayside, Queens.

“My organization only allows volunteers over age 18. How do I create a service project that will be meaningful for students and my organization?”

Anne Hughes-Hinnen, Foundations Relations Coordinator, details her commitment to engaging students in service. God’s Love We Deliver, which delivers nutritious meals to people living with serious illnesses, attracts 10-15 grants every year.

“I just got a Penny Harvest grant.  I want to give the students validation so they continue to care about the work my organization does in the future. How do I let them know how thankful we are?”

As recipients of many Penny Harvest grants, Claire Worley, Office Manager, and Pat Comerford, Director of Communications and Development for The Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) explain how they appreciate their grants. CAPP conducts workshops for NYC school children about their right to be safe from child abuse.

R.E.A.P. IN ACTION

Read about how these partnerships between Penny Harvest schools and organizations keep getting better and better over time.

PS 59 in the Bronx and St. Barnabas Hospital: Students’ concern over the pediatric waiting room triggers a mural project and lifelong lessons in healthy living.

P.S. 27 in Brooklyn and the New York Says Thank You Foundation: Students send two local firefighters to Texas to rebuild after a tornado.

P.S. 87 in Queens and the Middle Village Adult Center: Students grant money to the Center every year, all the while giving – and gaining – more each time.

P.S. XX and Your Organization: Do you have a story to tell about working with Penny Harvest schools? Contact Joanna Geller by e-mail at jgeller@commoncents.org or phone at 212-579-0579 X.115. We can feature it on our website or in an e-newsletter.
 
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