We'd love to introduce you to "The Fab Five"

By Letesha Nelson, Goodman Community Center President and Executive Director

What kind of families lean on Goodman?

All sorts. A single mom with three kids — who needs to take her youngest to chemo treatments weekly. Grandparents who are raising their grandkids. Blended families. Immigrant families. Foster families. Families like yours, no doubt. They’re all the same in two ways — they all love their kids and want them to have a safe place to learn, play and grow. And they all know that Goodman is the place it is thanks to this generous community who volunteers their time and supports it financially.

That’s why we need your help. Our beautiful campus, exceptional staff and programming designed to help kids grow physically emotionally and academically comes at a price. But here at Goodman, we all think these kids and their families are SO worth it. Could you make a gift today?

Meet one special family

I recently chatted with Amarah, a mom with five kids at Goodman. She has three daughters and her partner, Percy, is raising his 10-year-old twin siblings. Amarah works full time at Oakwood Village and is a student at Madison College earning college transfer credits. Her ultimate goal is a doctorate in psychology, so she’ll be in school for a while! Hats off to Amarah. I get tired just thinking about all she has to juggle.

Curious about this calm mom, I asked her if she’d tell me about her experience with Goodman. “Sure,” she said. “Our kids started in after school last year and are in summer camp now. I know my kids are safe at Goodman and they’re doing fun things with other kids. And I love that all summer they find fun ways to keep the kids learning and reading so they’ll go back to school ready to pick up where they left off.

“The kids love their teachers, and the communication with teachers is great — they’re always letting me know when things happen. They really care. Caiden, who manages Goodman’s child care programs, nicknamed my kids ‘The Fab Five.’ I love that.”

She added, “My oldest struggles with ADHD and Miss Nicole has helped her blossom so much. My youngest child is my quietest, and I’ve seen her open up too. All five are thriving with the structure, their positive approach and the thoughtfulness they put into programming.”

No big surprise, Amarah has also used our food pantry. I can imagine why, with five growing kiddos to feed. She commented, “I’ve used the pantry quite a few times. They give out good portions. It’s definitely helped my bigger family.” And she noted, “But the pantry has gotten a lot busier. But that’s okay. It’s great.”

I started to see why they’re nicknamed “The Fab Five”

After chatting for a bit, I realized I needed to meet the “Fab Five.” So last week Caiden arranged for me to sit down with them for a few minutes.

We met in the child care office and did our introductions. They settled in on the couch — from oldest to youngest: Jay’Loyal and Jae’Honesty are almost 11, Anayah is 9, Aliyah is 7 and Analiyah is 6.

I was quite taken with these kids. Honestly, I wondered how it would work to talk with all five at once, but they were great. They listened and took turns answering my questions. They even raised their hands! I started to see how they got their nickname.

They clearly love each other. And they love Goodman. When asked what they think about Goodman, their answers didn’t surprise me. They said what most kids would tell you. They love going to the pool and playing outside at Hippo Park. Art projects and STEM activities. Free time and family fun nights. Tasty meals and treats (Jae’Honesty really loves the pizza). And they all love getting help with ‘school stuff.’ Then, Jay’Loyal told me he loves the rules and how the teachers make them clean up. The others all agreed. I didn’t expect that one!

Analiyah wrapped it up, “It’s more funner than being home.” (A big compliment because it sounds like home is pretty great.)

Then, they had LOTS to say about their teachers.

Then Jae’Honesty added a bit of reality. “Sometimes some kids aren’t nice. They bully kids,” Jae’Honesty said. “Our teachers try hard to help them be kinder. One time, Miss Candie told us she was heartbroken by the way some of the kids were acting. Things only got slightly better. But our teachers haven’t stopped trying to make it better.”

I was nearly moved to tears listening to them — they showed such empathy for their teachers. These are really. Nice. Kids.

After the kids went back to their respective classrooms, I went and found Caiden. I had to hear what they had to say. Caiden’s eyes lit up as they talked, “You should see when Amarah comes to pick them up at the end of the day. It’s hilarious. All five can hardly contain themselves — they can’t wait to tell her about their day. And she does such a great job of giving them all attention.

“They are all growing at Goodman. They are thriving with the structure and clear expectations. If I’m taking them down the hallway to meet their mom, they inevitably start running, but when I say, ‘What’s the expectation?’ They will stop, smile at me and echo, ‘We have to stay with our adults until we get to the door.’ They’re interesting and interested kids — you’ll never hear them say they’re bored.”

Goodman loves being there for families

Goodman can’t take credit for these kids being so fab, but we love being a part of helping this family stay strong, helping their parents achieve their goals and helping the kids grow into successful, happy adults. Because that’s good for the whole family. For our community.

To do: Every family deserves the resources to help them become strong, stay strong. Please help us do that for every family with kids from preschool through high school. Make a gift today.

Goodman has been here for our community for 70 years!

We’re celebrating Goodman’s 70th birthday this year! And we want to be here for the next 70! When you support the Goodman Community Center — whether you give $7 or $700, one time or monthly — you are making our community stronger. Your gift will give families and children a place that “feels like home” after school. You will provide families with food. You will help our older adults create community and connections. And so much more.

Thank you for all the ways you make our community stronger.