Page 6 - Hobe Sound Reflections - February '21
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Page 6, Hobe Sound
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Edna W. Runner Tutorial Although just 28
Center Recognized years old, Conway
led the charge during
the COVID-19
For Excellence And Innovation In Education, academic closures to
Outreach To The Community As It Enters Its ensure his students
35th Year Of Service would not suffer. A
product of the center,
The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center (EWRTC) works Conway knew that
to honor the children and families served by its center students critically
– and beyond its Limestone Creek, Jupiter “perimeter” needed a sense of
– daily. On the heels of overriding challenges in 2020, safety, feelings of
as it enters its 35th year of service, its leadership, staff, connectedness and
volunteers and supporters are celebrating landmark feelings of hope
growth and recognition for its ongoing dedication to that they might
helping children succeed in school and life; and to not get at home.
extending its outreach and care into the larger community Working with area businesses and
of senior citizen residents – so that no one feels alone. educators, he ensured computers,
In spite of the unanticipated pandemic, the Edna W. Internet access and other support
Runner Tutorial Center was able to provide a continuity critical to students’ success were
of care and services with safe learning alternatives for available as the county transitioned
working parents, so they could get back to work, and to distance learning. Conway
children could continue to remain on track. Supported by and his team wrote curriculum
funds provided by the Community Foundation and others, and built a plan to support the
the staff created new ways of interacting with volunteers custom #TutorialCenterMoments
and students to ensure that learning loss was minimized in videos which helped support the
the challenging environment. That extra effort mattered, academic and psychological needs
and the Palm Beach County School District complimented of students. He led a team of eight
the tutorial center’s students on being well prepared when teachers to create 160 custom
they returned to the classroom! STEAM projects, 172 videos, 856
Last spring, with dedicated, fast-track grassroots home care kits and published them
fundraising and awareness efforts, the center reopened under the tag #TutorialCenterCamp during the summer. about healthy eating habits, and how to prepare nutritious
its doors, with a huge expansion completed including 100 percent of parents reported students participated in snacks and meals with the center’s Culinary Program.
new outdoor recreation spaces, counseling rooms and these programs regularly and area schools reported that The garden construction was supported by numerous
a STEAM classroom all generously donated by the the center’s students were better prepared than their peers agencies and donors including the Mary Durstine
community. Its welcoming “new” doors invite kids to reap upon return to school this fall. McArtor Reynolds Memorial Giving Fund, who created
the rewards, of not only wonderful afterschool tutoring, Throughout the year, the program the staff team are a Mary’s Growing Garden featuring nutritious food. The
recreation, life coaching and mentoring ... but also to supported by a cadre of 100-plus volunteers who are garden will also include pollinator plants for butterflies,
an exciting host of new and enhanced programs filled often retired professionals serving nearly 5,000 hours plus areas where students can reflect and grow.
with learning opportunities from volunteers – experts, annually. The center allocates 2,000 meals a year, over Edna Runner, executive director of the Edna W.
teachers, and professionals in culinary arts, music, 500 music lessons, and nearly 100 educational events – Runner Tutorial Center, said, “The kids are going to
technology, engineering, and more! often coordinating support from area businesses or partner learn a lot about food that really doesn’t come from the
Edna Runner, “Miss Edna” – as she is fondly known agencies. The impact is significant with 90 percent of grocery store, it comes from the garden, so this will be a
– is an inspiration to all who know her and experience EWRTC students going on to graduate high school on time. great experience for them.”
her genuine care, concern, and love in the community. The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center achieved the While spending quality time at the center, filling the
As executive director of the nonprofit organization that coveted Maintenance Level in the Quality Improvement gap when kids are “out of school,” students learn about
bears her name, Runner has grown the center’s offerings, Standards for the 10th year. The strategic partnerships respecting themselves and others … and a big part of
always striving to do more. In 2020 alone, Runner, her for enhanced learning opportunities with FPL, FAU, this is involving the kids in Runner’s extensive outreach
staff, and the tutorial center have been recognized by the University of Florida, Florida State, the University to the senior citizen members of the community. Events
the community with several nominations by peers and of Miami, add tremendous support for the center’s and activities celebrate and showcase their contributions
officials. Some include: Nonprofit of the Year, Executive S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. These enhancements and a strong to the community, and Edna draws from her personal
of the Year, Woman of the Year, Professional of the Year, volunteer program helped the center achieve 78 percent childhood memories to give back. Many are caregivers
Lifetime Achievement, by highly acclaimed organizations improvement in reading scores and an overwhelming and grandparents of the children served by the center.
and affiliations such as Nonprofits First, Palm Beach North parent support rate. Edna tirelessly brings food, clothing, household items
Chamber Women in Business Council, and the National Core to the center’s mission, is to offer a place where and masks, to assist them with care and compassion.
Afterschool Association. children feel safe and are nurtured to help build self- Events include the center’s Winter Wonderland,
The center is recognized as a Gold Seal Quality Care esteem, dream and achieve goals. In turn, they learn how Valentine’s Day Cupid Match Party, Veterans Day
Program provider of afterschool care, is licensed by the to model this in their community. The newly-installed Ceremony, and a Thanksgiving Feast with all the trimmings!
State of Florida, and is grateful for the support of United Simon’s Giving Garden allows donors to adopt a garden The Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center is valued in the
Way of Palm Beach County, Jim Moran Foundation, The bed to support the community. Named to honor Simon community as is the founder, Runner, a humble icon
Honda Classic Cares, The Ed and Leah Frankel Supporting Baker, a Jupiter Community High School student who of selfless giving. This special place inspires all who
Foundation and others. This community support allows tragically passed away last August, Simon’s Giving know and experience it. Runner shares, “My goal is that
the tutorial center to care for students to continue beyond Garden is a place of reflection, carefully designed to everyone has opportunities to succeed. A lot of that starts
graduation with scholarships awarded each year to graduating include perennial plants, butterfly plants, and raised beds with feeling loved and valued.”
seniors at Edna’s “Movin’ On!” ceremony with the long- for wellness education and community food. Students will Photos contributed by
established Mary Hinton Scholarship Awards. Year plant vegetables and herbs, nurture their growth, and learn the Edna W. Runner Tutorial Center
after year, students return to thank her and share steps
along their educational and career paths. Some return to
volunteer and hold staff positions under her leadership
at the center.
The tutorial center’s Program Director, Travis
Conway, is one such example. Recognized in 2020 as
one of National Afterschool Association’s (NAA) elite
2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders; and as a
coveted “Professional of the Year” nominee in Nonprofit
First’s 2020 Hats Off Awards – as an alumni – Conway
understands the needs of the students served by the center.