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.
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 EastLake Foundation.
Everyone deserves a chance to succeed – which is why the
East Lake Foundation provides tools for Atlanta’s
EastLake
residents to build a brighter future for themselves and their families."
Just 15 years ago - EastLake
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: EastLake 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 EastLake
families begin to break the cycle of poverty, EastLake 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!