Our Scrapbook
Explore the stories, moments, and memories from our journey at PEERS. From community events to personal mentoring experiences, our scrapbook highlights the impact we aim to make.
PEERS Reading Workshop: May 2021
PEERS is founded and training begins
Before beginning work with local students, PEERS' inaugural group participated in a reading workshop led by Mrs. Toler, a CCES Lower School Primer teacher. During the workshop, members learned effective techniques for reading aloud in an engaging way and how to guide children as they learn to sound out letters and develop reading skills. This training ensured that our mentors were well-prepared to support the children in our community.
Summer 2021: Kicking Off Our Program
Official partnership with YouthBase
In the summer of 2021, we were introduced to our buddies at YouthBase, officially kicking off the PEERS program. We began with picture book activity pairings, where we read a story as a group, followed by an engaging activity or game related to the book. Afterward, each mentor spent individual time with their partner to practice reading one-on-one. Between sessions, we had plenty of fun playing outside or drawing with sidewalk chalk, building strong relationships while supporting literacy development.
August 2021: PEERS Becomes an Official Club
Fall club fair
In the fall of 2021, PEERS became an official club at CCES and was featured at the school’s club fair. This event allowed students to learn more about the program, meet current members, and sign up to join. The club's official recognition marked a significant milestone, expanding our reach and enabling more students to get involved in making a meaningful impact in the community.
End of September 2021: Expanding Our Reach
Official partnership with Phillis Wheatley
By the end of September 2021, PEERS had grown so much that we exceeded the capacity of YouthBase. As a smaller community, YouthBase had reached its limit with the number of volunteers we could send, and our outreach there had been incredible. To continue growing and providing opportunities for all our members, we expanded our program to also serve the Phillis Wheatley Community Center. This expansion allowed us to accommodate every current PEERS member, recruit even more volunteers, and maximize our outreach within the school and the community. The Phillis Wheatley staff even came to CCES to train us, providing guidance, rules, and expectations, ensuring we were fully prepared to serve their community effectively.
November 2021: Outreach Meeting
Planning for the Holidays
PEERS met to delegate roles and brainstorm outreach for the holiday season
December 2021: A Big Month for PEERS
December Initiatives
Through the efforts of PEERS, YouthBase was selected as the charity for the Upper School door decorating contest. PEERS organized the event, and every Upper School advisee group participated, decorating their doors and raising funds for YouthBase. Together, we raised over $800, with the Lysek advisory winning for both the most funds donated and the best door design.
In addition, PEERS coordinated a Middle School supply drive to collect essential school supplies for the Phillis Wheatley Community Center, helping them prepare for the new year. The Lower School joined in by participating in our book drive, gathering books for the children at Phillis Wheatley.
To cap it off, PEERS members organized and hosted the first annual Christmas party for the children of YouthBase on our campus, bringing the holiday spirit to life and strengthening the bonds between our school and community partners.
May 2022: Field Trip
Outside of the classroom
PEERS accompanied YouthBase to the Children's Museum of the Upstate
July 2022: Summer Engagements
CCES Football Clinic for YouthBase
The CCES Varsity football players partnered with PEERS to host YouthBase on campus. Together we learned drills, scrimmaged, shared a meal, played in the sprinklers, and made a craft
Fall 2023: Increased Members
Student Athletes get Involved
CCES students are able to get involved on and off campus
December 2023: Christmas Outreach
The Reason for the Season
All students at YothBase and Phillsi Wheatley Community Center were gifted their needs and wishes. This outreach extended these organizations and a total of over 110 students were supported
Help close the achievement gap
Support one-on-one mentoring
Empower children with education
