when you're working real hard

on mastering that pencil grip

Tomorrow we're going to NH to have Thanksgiving with Dave's family and then to my parent's house to celebrate my Dad's birthday. Tonight when I was putting her to bed she asked if we can go golfing tomorrow. I said "no! it's cold and there's snow on the ground!" to which she replied '"but Papa loves to golf and I want him to have a special birthday" <3

TFE turns 2!

Tailored for Education turned two yesterday.  When I really thought about this birthday I was reminded what a journey the past two years have been……..

I still remember right where Jess and I were when I told her my plan.  I hadn't finished my sentence before she said "I want to be part of this" (the sentence finishing is nothing new for the two of us).  Interestingly enough we remember all of the responses from people we told; our parents, friends, co-workers, grandparents, extended family and even some strangers.  I even remember Dave's response when Jess told him.  It is funny how the first moments of something that would grow to be so important  still stand out, but in all honesty that's how we got here.  Support. Encouragement. Enthusiasm.  Friendship. Teamwork. Generosity. Faith. Hope. Kindness.  The only reason we have been able to provide almost 9,000 uniforms in the past two years instead of ending with the 200 Jess and I started with is because of those who have believed in us along the way.

We have learned a lot in the past two years.  I know that if it weren't for Jess everything would be misspelled and I probably would have given up one of the 500 times over the past two years I was discouraged.  I know that if it weren't for Dave we wouldn't have our 5013c designation or financial statements.  I know if it weren't for my Dad the Michael scarf would never have been this popular.  I know that providing uniforms gives the children we help the chance to receive an education.  I know that every child in this world deserves to be educated and have the chance to change their life.  We learned recently that the students in Kenya who received uniforms test scores were better.  I know that having the uniforms made locally to the schools improves the local communities through job creation.  We have lots of years ahead to test these data points and measure our progress, but I know what we set out to do works.  I also know we will keep going and that our third year will be out best yet.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to all of those who have helped us get here.

Happy Birthday Tailored for Education!

xo, Megan and Jess      

Celeb-ri-TFE spotlight on Dave Roy & Matt Aresenault!

Celeb-ri-TFE 
(n) 1. someone who has gone out of their way to help Tailored for Education raise money or awareness

This week our Celeb-ri-TFE spotlight is on Dave Roy and Matt Arsenault!  Dave and Matt have worked countless hours over the past few weeks to wrap up our 2012 financial statements! They had to be postmarked by today and the boys got them in the mail yesterday, one day to spare!

Dave's official title is TFE Treasurer but without his permission we have expanded his role to include Chief Risk Officer, Compliance Manager, Accountant and All-Things-Financial Consultant.  

Matt is a new face to TFE; he and Dave used to work together.  Matt graciously agreed to be our independent CPA and was a tremendous help in closing our books on 2012.

this is not Matt (we don't have a picture), but the best image when I googled "accountant"!

DAVE & MATT, thank you so much for all of your hard work these past few weeks. We couldn't do it without you!!

Introducing The Vertile Foundation…..

We are so thrilled to introduce you to The Vertile Foundation.  The Vertile Foundation supports 15 children in Carrefour, Haiti (right outside of Port-au-Prince).  Those 15 children live in The Vertile House where they are provided with a safe haven and access to education.  We are so happy to be providing all 15 children with uniforms!

 
More from The Vertile Foundation:

The Vertile Foundation was founded by Haitian national and Colorado resident, Rico Changeux, following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. Named in honor of Rico's late mother, The Vertile House was built around the Changeux family home and is currently home and school for 15 children between the ages of 6 and 13, who may otherwise find themselves struggling to survive on the streets.

The Vertile House is a youth center in Carrefour, Haiti on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. The Vertile House provides a safe home, food, clothing, education, and vocational training for our children. By emphasizing personal growth and development, we hope to provide opportunities for these children where none existed. The Vertile Foundation is committed to teaching youth in this region to break the cycle of excruciating poverty, disease and illiteracy and become empowered individuals and leaders in their community. 

We were connected with The Vertile Foundation through a dear friend of Tailored for Education(THANK YOU MARY) and could not be more excited to work with an organization doing such amazing things for the children of Haiti.  As we move forward we will be sure to share our progress!  For all of you that made this partnership possible, THANK YOU!

xo,

Megan and Jess

We will....

We haven't forgotten about you! Quite the opposite actually, as we have LOTS to share with you! It's just that we are in the middle of a secret project and are waiting until it's finished to update you on what we've been up to. Please email us if you have any specific questions but if you can be patient, we know you will agree it was worth it!

Thank you for all your continued support!

xo,

Megan & Jess

Introducing Flying Kites...

...our newest Giving Partner!

From their website:

Flying Kites was started when a little boy living in an overcrowded orphanage in the slums of Nairobi challenged a small group of volunteers to see him as a child, and not as an orphan.

Orphans need bowls of rice. Children need families, people to invest in the quality of their education and the possibility of their dreams. They need nourishment and inspiration and adventure and security; they need to be shown that the world cares about who they are and who they will become.

We couldn't agree more.

Flying Kites was referred to us by a mutual contact and after a quick introduction we knew we were an obvious fit for one another.  We will be providing uniforms to 89 children attending various schools - primary and secondary schools as well as various Outreach programs.

We are psyched about this new partnership and will keep you posted as the project progresses and we have pictures of smiling faces to share with you! 

xo,
Megan & Jess

You're Invited!

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive screening of Girl Rising, a groundbreaking new film from Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins. The feature film tells the stories of nine extraordinary girls, each transformed for the screen by an acclaimed writer from her native country. The chapter on Haiti tells the story of Wadley, a girl who Partners In Health helped in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake.Girl Rising showcases the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world.

On March 21st at 5:30pm we are hosting a special VIP event at West Bridge Restaurant in advance of the screening and we would be thrilled if you could attend. Purchase your tickets here! If you can't make it to our VIP event we would love to have you join us just for the movie screening at 6:30 pm at The Kendall Square Cinema (tickets here). Please purchase your tickets well in advance as this will certainly sell out!

Sponsored by Intel, the event will benefit the work of Tailored for Education, The Komera Project (our amazing all girls project in Rwanda) and Partners In Health (our fabulous partner in Malawi).

March 21st, 2013 at 7 p.m. EST
Kendall Square Cinema
355 Binney St., Cambridge, MA 02141
VIP Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. EST and doors for the movie screening open at 6:30 p.m. EST

 

 

xo, Megan and Jess