Savannah 2023 Impact Report

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.

2022-2023 Board of Directors

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

2022-2023 Data

281

Summer Program Participants

75

Summer Faculty Members

3 16 Students served in School Year Programs

90

Sites

$1,625 Cost per Student

Youth Volunteers Provided

1,930 Hours of Service to Horizons

13,770

Healthy Meals Served

2,028

20 Swim Lessons Taught

9th-12 grade participants

From the Board Chair

DEAR SUPPORTERS-

According 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!

-RickMuller

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%

of students made gains in reading, math or both

108+ Additional instructional hours of reading and math provided

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

Youth Development

71% of students say they have better problem solving skills

74%

of students say they have a more positive self-image

85%

72% of students say they use self-control

of students say they are better at handling stress

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

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

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.

Zoe, Program Director

Alexandria Nicholson and Jaida

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+

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

Toby W Hollenberg

Kiwanis Club of Skidaway Service

Gregory M. Parker - Fueling the Community

$2,501- $5,000

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

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

$1,001- $2,500

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

023 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

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

for

support in our programs.