Stories From Smaller Nonprofits: East Lake Foundation

12/29/2009

2009 holidays are winding down. Social networks from Facebook, Flickr to Twitter helped us share memories  with family and friends. But for some people holiday memories were not so merry or jolly. In the spirit of the season, to give back, Diva Marketing  is showcasing the stories of smaller nonprofits throughout December. 

It's my wish that together we can help raise their visibility, perhaps find a new volunteer or even encourage a donation or two. Because as Laura King Edwards, Taylor's Tale, says, "Nothing should stand in the way of a dream."  Also the nonprofits that are using social media have agreed to share their strategies so we continue to learn together.

East Lake Foundation

The tale of the Miracle of East Lake begins with, Tom Cousins an Atlanta real estate icon who had a "crazy" vision that golf could rebuild an inner city community. The story is told by Mary Dugenske, Director of Marketing and Communications for East Lake Foundation.

Everyone deserves a chance to succeed – which is why the East Lake Foundation provides tools for Atlanta’s East Lake residents to build a brighter future for themselves and their families."

Just 15 years ago - East Lake was a blighted, crime-ridden area, home to one of the nation’s most troubled housing projects. Only 5% of students met state math standards, and the employment rate (not unemployment rate) was just 14%.

Three key building blocks -  Working with residents, the East Lake Foundation brought hope to this historic community, relying on three key ingredients:

•Quality Education: East Lake kids now enter a cradle-to-college pipeline that includes an early education program that’s become a statewide model and Atlanta’s first charter school. Students learn, excel and graduate – in fact, 97% are the first in their families to attend college!

•Affordable Housing: Families now have access to safe housing choices, plus classes, events and support groups that help them build knowledge, skills and lasting financial strength.

•Community Connections: Neighbors connect and learn from each other – for example, through The First Tee of East Lake, a dynamic program that teaches both golf and life skills while opening the doors to colleges, scholarships and jobs for hundreds of children.

Toward a brighter future -  As East Lake families begin to break the cycle of poverty, East Lake is becoming a community of choice. Violent crime is down 95%, while school test scores and property values have surged. Today’s economic challenges hit working families particularly hard — but thanks to donors and volunteers, the East Lake Foundation can continue to provide tools that build brighter tomorrows. Just $10 a week provides a child with after-school tutoring, educational support and enrichment activities that foster lasting academic success.

Social Media Strategy

Expanding the conversation - Like many small nonprofits, the Foundation has long relied on “social” events (especially volunteer opportunities) to connect donors, partners and neighbors. We’re excited about the opportunities that social media offers to connect with our supporters and broaden our outreach.

Right now, we’re focused on listening and learning about what others are saying about our cause, as well as helping supporters and volunteers tell our story via their blogs and tweets. In 2010, we look forward to expanding the conversation ourselves via our own presence on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other social media channels!

More About Eastlake Foundation

Donation Page

Website

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