“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”                    By Robert Collier

Okay, this is the very last time I will start my Post with a comment about the weather in my part of the country. Several days now, no snow and the temperature has been a little warmer…the 30’s . However, snow is forecast for tomorrow but we seem not to be freaking out over this prediction. So, I am going to move on and just appreciate this being a real lesson for me. “Nothing is ever really over…until it is over!”

Kids Here and Kids There!

Today is a new week at the Copey Learning Center as the first week of operation is over. I have been holding onto student letters from the Meadow Elementary School in Lehi, Utah waiting for the Copey Learning Center to reopen. The letters will be sent soon and will be joyfully received by the kids in Copey. We are happy this form of communication continues between students.

We are also planning the next Skype session with the Copey students and the Jefferson Elementary students (K-Kids) later in the month or early April. This is our effort to put more focus on kids interacting with kids this year.

The Pathway Project News

On March 18, the two Emory & Henry College students scheduled to travel to Copey for a volunteer assignment, will begin having meetings with the Copey Learning Center. The students will participate in several Skype sessions as part of their orientation and education designed to prepare them for their work at the Copey Learning Center. With the use of Skype, the students will establish a relationship with the staff and will be well-informed of the various facets of their involvement with the Copey Learning Center before leaving campus in early May. Just one more amazing aspect of this continuous journey.

History Remembered!

This time one year ago, one of the most phenomenal things happened. Four travelers boarded a plane in Salt Lake City, Utah headed to Costa Rica. Their mission was…“make a delivery to the Copey Learning Center”. The story was beyond my ability to process. Kids in the Meadow Elementary School  collected 400 pounds of school supplies for kids in this small rural community…Copey. This truly fantastic story is mostly provided in the link https://friendsofcopey.com/2018/03/.

Tamarie, Debbi, Lisa, and Principal Carolyn are all remembered this month for having represented the generosity of kids at Meadow Elementary School, their families, and the spirit of our purpose as “Friends of Copey”.  You are truly remembered and honored for the love and leadership you showed the rest of us. Thank You!

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” ― Babe Ruth

This is the first Post in March and here is a direct quote from my Monday’s local newspaper:

“February 2019 was one of the coldest, wettest, and snowiest Februaries in the Tri-Cities {Washington} since records began being kept in the late 1800’s”. And, “the low Monday was 8 degrees, the coldest on record for the date since daily records began being collected in 1884.” 

And, I might add that it is snowing as I am ready to send this Post to you. Ouch!

Yes, this Post is a couple of days late. Monday and Tuesday were unbelievably busy as I have been working on some other responsibilities and deadlines.

School Bells Are Ringing!

Monday in Copey, the doors swung open once again to greet a new day, a new school year, and to greet 40 of more bright faces eager to learn English. Even this far away from the small community, I can feel the excitement and joy that little building is dealing with this week. I do not have all the details since staff is far too busy at the moment to keep me updated. You must be as patient as I have to be. I will pass along the news soon.

“The Definiteness of Purpose…Causes Success”

All of the funds are now in for both campaigns and again I thank everyone…everyone for the generosity, the interest, and the friendship supporting this project. We met both goals in record time and that is a very positive sign of support. It is always a wonderful and satisfying feeling to get this behind me. It could not be done without you.

It was my pleasure on Sunday morning to speak to the Copey Learning Center President and a Board member, Lorena and Catalina. We had the opportunity to visually spend time together to discuss a variety of school related issues including plans for the upcoming “Pathway Project”. We hope to do more of these sessions in the future.

Thanks Bev!

I have spoken about this a couple of times now but I feel as though I never provide sufficient justice and thanks. So, here I go once more. Bev, THANK YOU! 

By now most of  you should know that Bev extracts all of my Posts from my web site each year, cleans them up, and places each Post inside a binder. Thereby, I have a complete notebook or binder for each year we have been organized as “Friends of Copey”. At first, I thought this was just very nice to have.

Then, I discovered having this hard copy record provides many benefits. Some of these binders have traveled back and forth across the country several times. These binders have spent weeks and months in the care of others interested in reading the Posts.They have become very easy reference points if I am trying to show or explain something about “Friends of Copey” and the Copey Learning Center. I will even confess  having used these binders to prove to strangers that I am really related to Aunt Katherine. Who knew???

So, these binders mean a lot to me. Every one of the Posts can be found and read on the Blog but for an “old school” kind of guy, these are special.

There are many people, stories, including the amazing and the unexpected events, inside the covers. I do not know… but maybe one day my grandkids when older will take time to read these Posts and find some things interesting and informative about the generosity of others, the active meaning of “hearts of servants”, a very special community, and maybe learn something about old grandpa. Certainly, they will learn how wonderful it is to have quality “Friends”. Thanks Bev…for now and for the future. 

On National President Day… we recall what John F. Kennedy said...

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”   

We have endured a tough winter weather week  even with the temperature today in the 20’s.  The skies are blue providing a welcoming contrast between the white glistening snow below and the clear skies overhead. Not sure how long this will last since more snow is predicted later this week in the northwest. Regardless, this is a day of thanks.

Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund

AGBSF Goal:  $1,500.00       Actual: $1,750.00         Deadline: February 4, 2019

In case you did not see the news last week, I will repeat the news of our victory and success reaching our 2019 Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund goal. The goal was achieved on schedule.

These funds will support those students in need of financial assistance to help cover their Copey Learning Center enrollment tuition.

This support is provided because “Friends” are willing to “walk on ground not been trodden on”. We share some personal financial resources in ways seldom if ever done…the way we share our resources. And, let’s not forget those “Friends’ who pray and others who simply believe in this project. Together with the actual donors, we join to make all this a reality.

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00            Actual: $1,850.00                Deadline:  April 9, 2019

We are still actively conducting the Executive Director Salary Support campaign and have added more funds since our report last week. We are only $150.00 from reaching our goal.  Again, you are invited to join in if you have intentions to donate but have not yet done so. We still have sufficient time to meet this goal…but why delay?

This is continuous evidence our commitment to the Copey Learning Center is strong and enduring. I get so much joy out of our efforts and success. I hope you also experience this joy as well. We do what we do because we believe there is a real need and we believe we can make a positive difference. We have no other agenda, no hidden motives, and no personal financial payoff. It is simply payment enough to know we have an opportunity to provide “a hand up…not a hand out!”

Enrollment is Open!

Soon, students will be signing up for the Copey Learning Center and if the recent past is a good indicator, enrollment will be high.

The enrolments will include students and older adults wanting and needing to learn English. However, our funds are limited to students from families unable to pay the full tuition cost for the year and provided as supplemental support consistent with the battle cry…“helping those willing to help themselves.”

If there is a case of absolute family destitution preventing a student from enrolling, AGBSF support will be considered.

Donation Methods

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to:
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336 
   Phone:1-509-783-5897
   Please contact me if either method needs further explanation.

 “Whether You Think You Can Or Think You Can’t, You’re Right.”                            By Henry Ford

Winter is still here in the great northwest. We skated by December and January with mild weather conditions. Since last Friday, all this changed. In the past 72 hours, we have experienced what is being called an “epic” snowfall impacting all facets of life for us in the northwest.

Schools and businesses have been closed. Airlines and highways have also been closed and opened causing delays and travel challenges locally and beyond. And, the latest news is forecasting another wave of snow heading our direction.

Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund

AGBSF Goal:  $1,500.00       Actual: $1,750.00         Deadline: February 4, 2019

Thank you “Friends” for the outstanding response to the request to support the Anne G. Scholarship Fund. We reported achieving our goal last week having reached $1,600.00. More funds have come in. Thank each of you for your support.

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00            Actual: $1,750.00                Deadline:  April 9, 2019

The fundraising news for the Executive Director’s Salary Support continues to be very positive. We are up from $1,300.00 reported last week and tracking ahead of schedule. No! We are not declaring victory yet! Your financial support is still needed to get us to our goal. If you still plan to financially support this funding effort, please send me a note indicating your plans.

Our official deadline is still set for April 9, 2019. However, I will be more than happy to declare victory much sooner if possible. The following options are available for making a donation. As a reminder, if you have problems making a donation, please contact me.

Donation Methods

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to:
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336 
   Phone:1-509-783-5897
   Please contact me if either method needs further explanation.

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”    By George S. Patton

January is now history and February is full of optimism and great expectations. Today, the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund campaign is officially closed.

Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund

AGBSF   Goal:  $1,500.00       Actual: $1,600.00         Deadline: February 4, 2019

And, we are so pleased to experience the exhilaration of victory. It is with “humble but reasonable confidence” we reached our goal on schedule. Well, actually we have exceeded our goal and there are still funds being reported as “on the way”.

Although the campaign is officially closed, we continue to welcome additional financial support. The goal $1,500.00 is the minimum goal set to assist those families unable to cover the full cost of the yearly tuition for the Copey Learning Center. Your support will be well used.

This is our 6th year providing scholarships and we have seen the results. Six of the students have been the worthy recipients of the trip to America under the “Pathway Project”. While visiting America, the students have spent quality time with several “Friends” and “Friends” share my assessment that these students have done very well learning English at the Copey Learning Center. We continue to be impressed with the proficiency acquired and convinced “our support is making a huge difference”.

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00         Actual: $1,300.00            Deadline: April 9, 2019

The great news continues as we report steady progress towards our EDSS goal of $2,000.00. I predict this goal will be achieved well ahead of the deadline if the responses continue. I am already impressed with the responses to date. We are currently at 65% of our goal…remarkable! 

We all know very little good happens when there is no leadership or leadership that is not competent leading the way. To progress, to improve, and to sustain the gains being made, there must be leadership equipped to meet the extraordinary challenges of rural education in a very small community with significant economic and cultural issues. This alone I believe sets the Copey Learning Center apart from similar rural communities, especially in Costa Rica and countries with the same issues. Our support provides the Copey Learning Center sustainability and continuity other communities seem not to have and struggle to obtain.  “Again…we are making a huge difference!”.

Alert Notification

I hear about isolated cases where a few donors are having trouble with the Copey Learning Center’s PayPal donation system. I have reported this but I am not sure if there is an explanation or the resources to address some of the trouble. Whenever a donor has reported a problem to me, we have assisted and things have worked out. If you are having any problems with the Copey Learning Center PayPal system, do not be discouraged. Send me a note and we can work out a solution.

Donation Methods

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to:
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336 
   Phone:1-509-783-5897
   Please contact me if either method needs further explanation.

“We, ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
-Mother Teresa

Annual Funding Campaigns Begin

We could not foresee back in the fall of 2013 the success and longevity of this effort. When we officially launched the scholarship support in early 2014, our main focus was and continues to be our effort to honor Anne G. Broady’s life and memory by doing something needed and meaningful for kids.

This is a very special day as we officially announce the 6th anniversary of the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund (AGBSF) campaign with the goal to raise $1,500.00.

Since this first campaign, more than 100 Copey kids have received partial tuition support allowing them to attend the Copey Learning Center to develop English communication skills. This tuition support has had positive results. For example, the “Pathway Project” students who have traveled to America since 2016 have benefitted as AGBSF recipients and many “Friends” have personally witnessed the English skills of these students.

Be reminded, the AGBSF does not provide full tuition support because “friends” believe each family “must” also financially invest in their child’s education. And, this is consistent with our belief pertaining to all financial support provided. We are committed to helping those willing to help themselves.

News Flash 

Our Second Campaign of Support

We are also launching the annual fundraising campaign to supplement the Executive Director’s salary (EDSS). Our goal is $2,000.00.

At the request of the Copey Learning Center’s Board in 2015, “Friends” responded favorably when called upon to help with the addition of the first “paid” staff position, the Executive Director.

“Friends” was convinced the future of the Copey Learning Center was in serious jeopardy without competent leadership devoted daily to the growth and success of the Copey Learning Center. To guide these the students, shown below, towards receiving their certifications demonstrating their successful English course completion, this requires strong and consistent leadership.

Annual Funding Campaigns Begin

Therefore, since 2015 we have supported the very modest annual salary for the Executive Director. Similar to the AGBSF support, this funding helps keep the Copey Learning Center’s doors open and operating successfully while other communities struggle mostly unsuccessfully trying to do the same.

Making Your Donation Is Simple…Really!

If you are planning to support either the AGB Scholarship Fund or the Executive Director’s Salary Support or both…the two methods below have served us well and without any complications.

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to: 
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336  
   Phone:1-509-783-5897 
   Please contact me if either method needs further explanation. 
   

Sometimes, a “Friend” can make a big difference.

“To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded”. By Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Friends of Copey” is starting off the new year with both hope and promise. I appreciate the comments received recently pertaining to the scorecards and results of our efforts in 2018. We all have so much to be proud of.

But, we will not rest on our laurels. This is not part of our make-up. In fact, resting at all…is something we are not often accused of. What we have been doing to support the Copey Learning Center has worked as documented in our scorecards and therefore we plan to continue our support to the extent of our ability and resources.

Although retirement is wonderful and the Costa Rican beaches are very enticing to visit, I am going to put on my work clothes, work boots, and work gloves and invite you to help me make 2019 the best year yet.

First Things First…!

Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund (AGBSF) continues to be a very significant benefit to many of the local Copey students and families unable to financially support the small tuition cost for enrollment. Since 2014, we have raised $1,500.00 or more annually to support about 15 students. We are setting this same funding goal for 2019. The official start date will be on January 14 and needs to be completed by February 4. The Copey Learning Center requires some time to identify eligible students requiring financial assistance prior to start up in early February.

The Annual Executive Director’s Salary Support (EDSS) fundraiser will also start next week and will run parallel with the AGB Scholarship effort as we have done in the past. Since 2015, we have raised $2,000.00 or more to help supplement the meager annual salary paid to the Executive Director responsible for the necessary leadership and daily operation at the Copey Learning Center. The end date for the salary support is in March.

Specific guidance on ways to make a donation is provided at the bottom of this Post. Please, feel free to start your donations anytime. 

There are no changes to making donations from past practice as shown below. Both fundraisers are essential means of support in order for the Copey Learning Center to have a positive start.

These funds help assure needy kids will be enrolled, will help provide quality food and shelter for the volunteer teachers, and will help keep competent staff on-hand to accomplish the Copey Learning Center’s mission.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the people help make it a country worth visiting and supporting…even many US citizens now live there. But, as you will find elsewhere, people, politics, and poverty together often provide the least fortunate with great limitations and extremely difficult challenges. We offer and provide help!

METHODS of DONATING

If you are planning to support either the AGB Scholarship Fund or the Executive Director’s Salary Support or both…the two methods below have served us well and without any complications.

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to:
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336 
   Phone:1-509-783-5897
   Please contact me if either method needs further explanation.
   

Sometimes, a “Friend” can make a big difference.