Eastside News is published six times a year by the Goodman Community Center. We publish super-local news and information about events, issues, resources and programs at Goodman and in our community on the east side of Madison.
More than 12,000 copies of this 24-page paper are mailed directly to households in Goodman's service area, as well as over 5,000 to subscribers throughout the city. Copies are also available at several area businesses and at the Goodman Center. The newspaper is written and produced primarily by GCC staff and volunteers. Our advertisers' support makes publishing this valued community resource possible.
September / October Cover Story
Life in the 'FAST' Lane
Goodman Community Center's Families and Schools Together program helps parents build a community of support and connect with their kids.
On one of those perfect early summer evenings — sunny, temperature in the low 70s — a group of parents and kids leaned in close at tables in the Goodman Community Center Ironworks building. They chatted with each other, played together, gave each other their undivided attention.
It was the final meeting of Families and Schools Together (FAST). Two days later, they would have their graduation.
FAST is an international program started in 1988 by Dr. Lynn McDonald, a former University of Wisconsin professor and certified family therapist, with the goal of “supporting family bonding necessary for children to thrive.” Using evidence-based practices, the FAST program acts as a connector. It connects parents to their children, to their children’s schools and to other parents, with the end goal of parent empowerment. The idea is that by building these connections, parents are empowered to advocate for their children in school and the community, while also building a village of support in those places.
“FAST is a phenomenal parent engagement tool that not only connects families, but also connects our staff with those families for support,” said Goodman CEO and Executive Director Letesha Nelson, who championed bringing FAST to the Goodman Center. “Family engagement is one of my top priorities, and the FAST program provides a blueprint for us to expand on what we’re already doing.”
Residences in approximately a 2-mile radius of the Goodman Community Center receive a copy sent to "RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER." The paper is also mailed directly to donors and supporters of Goodman.
Eastside News is available at the Goodman Community Center and at Pinney, Hawthorne and Monona libraries. You can also find it at Jenifer Street Market, Willy Street Co-op East and North, Garver Feed Mill, Brothers Three Bar & Grill, Kwik Trip (401 N. Third St. and 3528 E. Washington Ave.), Dexter's Pub and the Warner Park Community Center.
Pitch ideas and write articles for our newspaper that's published on a bimonthly basis. Volunteers should have strong writing skills, solid grammar and familiarity with interviewing subjects for stories. We are almost always looking for people to report on neighborhood news and take photos.
Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities, or contact our volunteer team at volunteer@goodmancenter.org or 608-204-8048. All volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation.
To stop receiving Eastside News by mail, email cgraupner@goodmancenter.org. Please let us know the name and address where you'd like delivery stopped.
Note: If your paper is addressed to "Resident" that means you're receiving it because you are in our service area's mail carrier route. We are unable to stop those subscriptions.
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Eastside News is a great way to spread the word! We accept local news and event notices from the community.
Learn MoreFor more information about Eastside News contact:
Dave Link
Eastside News Editor
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