‘‘ WHAT IF ’’ TURNED INTO ,
‘‘ WE ARE DOING THIS ’’
Weeg wanted to bring a skate park to Berlin , and he knew this was a longer-term project and a significant undertaking for the community . So he began brainstorming other ideas to implement in the meantime . His vision : to create the framework for a successful nonprofit by surrounding himself with great people .
The first year , We Berlin ( read as “ We Heart Berlin ”) raised $ 50,000 , dedicating $ 35,000 toward a vibrant mural at the Henry Park basketball court , along with renovating the rims and backboards .
We Berlin ’ s mission is simple , Weeg says . The nonprofit promotes healthy and sustainable activities and supports the creation and improvement of recreational opportunities to benefit Berlin and its residents .
Money is raised through donations and We Berlin merch that goes over big with locals , from tees and hoodies to stickers , socks , and onesies . Weeg says he is inspired by local businessman , philanthropist , and owner of Yard Designs , Bryan LeCompte . “ His mantra is to live by gratitude , and he helped us in a big way with the basketball project ,” Weeg relates .
Other donors included Burn Wood Fired Pizza , Burley Oak Brewing Company , and the Berlin Police Department , along with a slew of other local contributors who wanted to be a part of this positive change . This success snowballed into even more positivity .
“ I kept staring at this piece of grass with an old bench on it , and there was always a liquor bottle there and no one in the park ,” Weeg says of Burbage Park . “ I thought , ‘ Why don ’ t we put a table tennis park there ?’”
The ping pong park effort included selling engravable bricks for the pathway . It includes two outdoor table-tennis courts , a gazebo , and a handicap-accessible pathway that connects to the street .
“ The town has a new amenity ,” Weeg says . Now plans for building a skate park are underway . “‘ What if ’ turned into , ‘ We are doing this ,’” Weeg says . “ Our goal is to make amazing amenities for Berlin . There is only good in that .”
WHAT IF WE CREATED A “ REAL WORLD ” SIMULATION TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE LIFE AND WORK SKILLS ?
Connecting the business community and schools by developing intentional workand-life curriculum changes the lives of young people . It also builds a stronger , more-prepared workforce for employers . That ’ s the work of Junior Achievement ( JA ), a national organization founded in 1919 . The Eastern Shore chapter started in 1985 and has evolved into a vibrant , in-demand conduit .
JA BELIEVES IN “ POSSIBLE .”
“ We teach financial literacy , work readiness , and entrepreneurship to students ages 5 to 25 ; we weave ourselves into the K-12 curriculum and provide programs and resources for postgraduation , as well ,” explains JA President Jayme Hayes . “ On the flip side , we are out in the business community listening to their needs , so we can pull together the educational component and help deliver that to students .”
Locally , JA teaches 15,000 students a year in the classroom . Now , The Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center opening in September will impact 10,000 more with its simulated city of immersive activities . The $ 7.5-million , 27,000-square-foot experiential learning center replicates the real world . “ Students get a salary and a life situation ,” Hayes says as she shares an example . “ You are 45 , you make $ 48,000 a year , and you have two kids with bills to pay . They have to buy a house , a car , get insurance , apply for a loan , go grocery shopping .”
There are 18 budgeted line items students work through as they make financial and life decisions . “ If they choose to buy the Lincoln Navigator , they have to buy the gas . If they don ’ t buy a car , they need to budget for public transportation ,” Hayes relates .
The simulation program will begin in the fall with students in the 5th and 7th grades and high school . Through corporate partnerships , employers can offer teambuilding and educational experiences for their people . Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore also partners with Lower Shore Enterprises and other nonprofits and will offer the real-life simulation experience to help facilitate their missions .
Workforce development and fulfilling the needs of local businesses creates more connected communities . Preparing young people for the world of work with practical education aligned with the schools ’ curriculum allows them to easily access knowledge that they can put into practice .
Hayes says , “ If you ’ ve ever heard , ‘ I wish our schools taught …’, we are able to turn curriculum around quickly and we know that education is a vital part of the hiring process .”
JA ’ s ambitious “ What if ” could have lasting benefits for generations of local students and businesses . Deeley is committed to JA ’ s vision , supporting the organization through fundraising , participating in the JA Inspire expo , and with boots-on-theground volunteering as members of our staff are teaching JA ’ s financial literacy courses to kids in Wicomico and Worcester counties ( See page 31 ).
When you dream big and ask “ What if ,” anything is possible . +
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