Savannah 2023 Impact Report

Impact Report 2022-2023

2022-2023 Board of Directors

Mission Partnering with youth, their families and the community to enrich the lives of students with the joy of learning, the skills for success and inspiration to realize their dreams.

Carol Bell • Helen Borrello • Christine Cheng Jennifer Collins • Toby Hollenberg • Dr. Becky Knight Scott Lauretti- President • Detric Leggett Leslie Littlejohn • Rick Muller • Tom Oxnard, III Dr. Paul Pressly • Langston Redden • Mary Sprague Josh Thompson • Daniel Umbel • Anne Weisel Kef Wilson

Thank You 2023 Sponsors & Supporters

2022-2023 Data

281

Summer Program Participants

3

Sites

Youth Volunteers Provided

$1,625 1,930

75 Summer Faculty Members

Cost per Student

90 13,770 Students served in School Year Programs

16

2,028 Swim Lessons Taught

Hours of Service to Horizons

Healthy Meals Served

20

9th-12 grade participants

From the Board Chair DEAR SUPPORTERSAccording to the National Philanthropic Trust, more than 1.5 million charitable organizations exist in the United States, which is roughly 1 charity for every 80 households. Among this vast number, why do we support Horizons?

First, Horizons stands-out by offering a highimpact, cost-effective program that costeffectively empowers students with the skills and confidence for lifelong success. By providing the program at independent local schools and enlisting substantial volunteer support, the cost per student is less than $2,000. Remarkably, the long-term return on investment for such summer programs is $6 for each $1 spent*.

This ROI results from increased educational outcomes, reduced dropout rates, better long-term employment opportunities and lower rates of adverse behaviors. In short, support for programs like Horizons has a positive multiplier effect on society because the long-term benefits are substantially greater than the cost.

Second, Horizons students and their families are committed to securing better prospects for their futures.

In fact, the number of applicants is more than twice the available supply for the program.

What sets Horizons apart? A combination of factors: The length of relationship, where the average child attends six summers; the culture, which is positive and strengths based; the degree of engagement, where Horizons is hands-on, project-based learning and centered around student interests and the focus on self-esteem, where students learn and improve upon goal-setting, emotional well-being.

In summary, Horizons’ distinction lies in its focus on addressing the sources of factors limiting an individual’s opportunities, and the program does this cost effectively. By supporting programs that cost effectively empower young people to become more productive citizens, more resources can ultimately be committed to other issues.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Horizons Savannah!

-Rick Muller

Frederick R. Muller, Horizons Board Chair

*Georgia Statewide After School Network

From the Executive Director Dear Horizons Supporters, 2023 brought incredible opportunities for Horizons students. Because of the expansion of school year programs, the growth of the summer program, the youth leadership of the High School program and the engagement of alumni in advocacy at the federal level there was no stopping the momentum of a record-high 339 engaged young people.

Throughout this report you will find the impact that a supportive environment, youth agency and high quality programs have at Horizons. Your contributions, volunteerism and encouragement are the waves on which we surf (check out one of our middle school students catching some waves on the back cover!). The old saying goes: a high tide lifts all boats. Supporting Horizons ensures that Horizons students are ready to be lifted up and propelled to greatness. Thank you for all that you do.

With Warm Regards,

Christy Edwards Executive Director

Christy & the Horizons c/o 2023

Family Story: Mahki & Lyra “Words cannot express how much I appreciate Horizons. My son was enrolled in Horizon from kindergarten all the way through high school. I cannot thank the Horizons team enough for all the support that they have offered to him throughout his time in school and beyond. If it was not for Horizons, I do not know if he would have been the awesome swimmer that he is.

They made it possible for him to not only master a life skill, but to have the opportunity to come back and teach this life skill to other young people. This to me is a full circle moment and an amazing experience. My younger daughter now attends Horizons and is being taught swim lessons by her big brother, Mahki, and that brings us so much joy to watch. She loved her first summer and the free dance classes she is able to attend during the school year. I could go on and on about how awesome this program is and I recommend it to everyone.”

Horizons parent of Alumni Mahki, Horizons c/o ‘19 and Lyra c/o ‘31

Mahki, a Horizons Swim Instructor, and his sister Lyra, holding the 2023 championship trophy from the Program Swim Meet

Family Story: The Spruills “My family was made a part of the Horizons family 13 years ago thanks to Mrs. Shippy who referred Prestin.

Prestin had 4 other siblings at the time and they have all graduated from Horizons. Horizons has offered many opportunities for all of them from swimming lessons, college visits, horseback riding, kayaking, beach visits to clean up, dance and music lessons just to name a few.

Prestin as well as three of his siblings were amongst the first members of the Horizons Hurricanes swim team. They set the standard for the team and since then, we have been thriving each year.

Horizons is such a great place for students to avoid the summer slump with fun while they learn. I am forever grateful to Horizons for sending the word to Windsor Elementary about Horizons summer camp.”

Deletis, parent of Nyheem Horizons c/o ‘16, Julles c/o ‘18, Prestin c/o ‘19, Bree’Ahna c/o ‘22 and Adira c/o ‘30

Clockwise: Julles, Prestin, Adira and Bree’Ahna show off their swim ribbons and heat winner beads.

Family Story: McKenzie & Christian

”Horizons has been a blessing for McKenzie and Christian. My kids have enjoyed every event, especially summer camp. They had the opportunity to learn and develop in different stages, physically , socially and intellectually, helping them to be more confident while they are learning at the same time preparing them for the future Thank you, I am so grateful for all your help.”

Ruth, parent of Christian Horizons c/o ‘21 and McKenzie c/o ‘30

McKenzie & Christian

From the Horizons Alumni Chair Dear Horizons Supporters, My name is Phillip Langston Redden and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Savannah chapter of Horizons as an Alumni Representative. I am currently a senior music major at Morehouse College but I started my journey with Horizons in the third grade. Ever since then, I’ve been active and involved as either a camper, a volunteer, or co-teacher every summer. Every year that I come back, I see firsthand how essential the program is to others kids as it once was and is beneficial to me.

The connections I made with the faculty continue to have fruitful expressions in my life. I spent his summer in Washington, D.C. with a partner program of Horizons, the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA). A highlight of the trip was getting to spend time with some current campers of Horizons in D.C. as they traversed the U.S. Capitol and advocated for issues they were passionate about. One of the students that was with my group was in the first class of students I volunteered with when I was in the ninth grade and she was in the third grade, the same grade I started in Horizons. It was even more fulfilling to hear that she was doing most of the same activities and organizations that I did in my youth such as the Savannah Youth Council and the Chatham County Youth Commission.

None of that would be possible without the tools and support that Horizons gives. The time they take to make sure the youth have lessons and support in music, social/emotional learning, and academics truly aids them in their development of becoming dynamic people who can make a change. Thanks to the support that donors like you give and continue to give, these youth can undoubtedly achieve incredible things.

-P. Langston Redden Phillip Langston Redden Horizons Alumni Chair Horizons c/o ‘16

Academic Growth Students gain reading and math skills every summer- on average 6-10 weeks worth of gains happen every year. Students below grade level average the highest gains.

82% 108+ 476 of students made gains in reading, math or both

Additional instructional hours of reading and math provided

Number of ELA and Math skills Mastered this summer by Horizons students

Youth Development

71%

74%

of students say they have better problem solving skills

of students say they have a more positive self-image

72%

85%

of students say they are better at handling stress

of students say they use self-control

Long term Horizons students are:

Less chronically absent. In Chatham County, 30% of students missed more than 15 days of school in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Scoring higher on standardized assessments in math and science at the end of elementary school.

Stronger academically with higher GPAs and the equivalent of one full-year course credit by the end of grade 9.

Less likely to repeat a grade or receive a disciplinary referral during middle and high school in a district where 17.5% of students received disciplinary actions and 31% of students repeat the 9th grade.

High School Program Spotlight

Zoe, Program Director Alexandria Nicholson and Jaida.

This summer, Horizons High School program participants Zoe and Jaida represented Horizons nationally at the National Youth Leadership Summit at American University in Washington, DC. This week-long summit brings together youth and the programs that support them for leadership development. The trip included being speakers at the Engage Every Student event with the Department of Education. Jaida says of the trip, “The trip I took this summer to Washington D.C. with Horizons was a thing I will never forget. The trip was amazing and I met so many people from all around the country with different backgrounds and experiences. I also had fun in the dorms and with my roommate, we had a lot in common and had even more fun. I would most definitely take this trip again.”

Alumni Spotlight Alex Riley

Horizons c/o ‘16

Johnson C Smith University, Senior Alex is a 9+ year Horizons Alumna. She is currently a senior at the HBCU Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Her career goal is to become a dentist. Last year she was honored for having the highest GPA for women's track team and was presented the Best Over All Award for the women's cross country team.

2022-2023 Donor Honor Roll The following list recognizes gifts made from October 1st, 2022- September 30th, 2023. We have made every effort to acknowledge all donors, however if you find something in error, please contact us at info@horizonssavannah.org or 912-961-8854. The Savannah Country Day School is the fiscal sponsor of the Horizons Program.

$10,001+

Toby W. Hollenberg Kiwanis Club of Skidaway Service Gregory M. Parker - Fueling the Community

Georgia Ports Authority Jimeale Hede J.C. Lewis Foundation LeeAnn & Jeff Kole Marion Oxnard McKenna Frederick L. Muller Ashley & Thomas Oxnard, III Diane & Thomas Oxnard, Jr Laura & Justin Rychak Savannah Toyota The Solomons Fund Maura Sovchen The Straus Family Foundation Josh & Sarah Thompson Toyota Motors North America Amy & Daniel Umbel Lynn Weddle & Kenneth W. Green Wells Fargo Advisors Vincent West

$2,501- $5,000

$1,001- $2,500

Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Inc. The City of Savannah Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Hancock Family Foundation Kiwanis Club of Skidaway Service The Scott and Louise Lauretti Fund Littlejohn Family Foundation MRB Foundation Frederick Reynolds Muller The Savannah Community Foundation, Inc. United Way of the Coastal Empire BOOST- GA Department of Education

$5,001-$10,000

Anonymous Bank of America Charitable Foundation Bernard Williams & Company Helen A. Borrello Mimi Cay The Chatham Foundation Christine Tsai Cheng The Colonial Foundation Critz, Inc. Meredith & Reed Dulany Andrew Edwards, III

Johanna Anderson Trueblood Foundation Bernard Williams & Company Gloria Borrello Mimi Cay Christine Tsai Cheng Thomas & Ashley Oxnard Andrew Edwards, III Georgia Ports Authority Jimeale Hede Tom Julius LeeAnn and Jeff Kole

2022-2023 Donor Honor Roll Aaron M. Levy Lynn B. Morgan Laura and Justin Rychak Philip Solomons Maura Sovchen Lynn Weddle & Kenneth W. Green Wells Fargo Advisors

$501-$1,000 Anonymous Gloria Borrello Charles Chewning The Collins Quarter Dale Critz, Jr. David Goslin Kathleen Harlander Joahanna Anderson Trueblood Foundation Tom Julius Joel Kleinman Aaron M. Levy Lynn B. Morgan Paul M. Pressly Mary Ryan Georgine Scott Dr. & Mrs. Robert and Susan Stephenson III Bill Ulmer

$251-$500 Anonymous Elizabeth Aratow Daniel Bradley, Sr. Bull Street Taco Lindsey Carter

Deanne Clarke Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC James P. Fallon Elizabeth Glass Horizons Atlanta, Inc. Catherine Johnston Adam Kaminsky Tracey London Alex Mangum Sam McCachern Holly McCormick Dana & Kelly Meyer Cindy Moore Ann Nash Katherine W. Oxnard Carol Riddick Bruce W. Schneidewind Michael Siegel Southern Motors of Savannah Kef Wilson

$1-$250 Mrs. Sue Adler William Arnold, IV Polly Berman Ann Berman Cheryl Boston Gloria Brack Lloyd

2022-2023 Donor Honor Roll Aubrey Brawner Amy Brooks Lynn Ann Casey Sara Connor Elizabeth Contino Anthony Costrini Mary Patricia Coulson Lauren Davis Christy Edwards Ronald Fagin Arlene Flick James Forbush Christie Gammill Meredith Giello Sally Gleeson AM Goldkrand Joel Phillip Goodman Karen Groce Sheila Grossman Anne & Richard Hackett Katie Hartman Carol Hendry Barbara & Maribel Herrera Wade Herring, II Leslie Hooker Will Howard Bettina Huffman Lester B Johnson III Garrett & Ross Kaminsky Sue Kantor Stephen Kolman Paul Kuyoth Michael Landry Pamela & Marek Lewanda

Patricia Lorenz Brittany Ludwiszewski Virginia Maynor Donald & Margaret McCulloch Harriet Meyerhoff Colin Miller Carol & Ali Narr Melissa Neil Mincy Neil Shari Panitch Jessica Petty Cam Pope Joseph Powers Allison Rhodes Wim J. Sailen Marilyn Sheridan Elise Shernoff Kayton Smith, Jr. Nate Stein Kimberly Taylor James Thompson Nancy & Matthew Thompson Linda & Al Torpie Kelley Waldron Bruce Walker Anne Wasse-Lyon Katrena Wilson

Thank You Thanks to your generous support, Horizons is able to provide more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

All students need opportunities to build skills that will support them on their path to economic stability and personal wellbeing.

We thank you for your continued support in our programs.

Horizons Savannah Savannah Country Day School 824 Stillwood Drive Savannah, GA 31419 www.horizonssavannah.org info@horizonssavannah.org 912-961-8854