Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Stephanie Cooper, and I am the Executive Director at CORE Community Center. As I am approaching the 3-year milestone of this adventure, I have learned that transparent communication makes the world go round. As somebody who has been called all forms of the word “blunt,” I am challenging myself to share the ongoings of CORE with the community in a fun-loving yet informative way. Please bear with me as I learn.  

My official first blog entry is dedicated to the board, staff, volunteers, members, and community members who continue to keep CORE moving forward.

The CORE Board of Directors, “my bosses,” keeps me motivated, educated, and in check. These WONDERFUL individuals donate their time to making CORE a place where EVERYbody belongs! Who are these magical people, you ask?

Craig Mundell – Board President
Riley Spry – Board Secretary
Joe Hilgenhold
Sofia Santos
Chelsea Crawford
Grant Doyle
Cindy Lower
Taylor Crenshaw

The CORE Staff consists of approximately 32 individuals (including myself). These individuals are responsible for executing all my visions and dreams for CORE. These individuals show up day in and day out to serve this community, and they entertain, aka put up with all my wild ideas! This month’s Employee Spotlight is on Cheri (CC) Carlson… the fantastic and fabulous individual who makes everything healthy and tasty for the Early Learning students AND keeps us all wondering, “What is she cooking today?” with the primarily beautiful aromas coming from the kitchen! 

 The CORE Volunteers (who include all who serve on the Board of Directors) make up ALL the things that the CORE Staff need assistance with! This often provides coaching youth sports, reffing games, running scoreboards, running the Concession stand, landscaping, chaperoning teen events, and our favorite, CUSTODIAL DUTIES! We hit a record number of registered volunteers, with over 70 individuals ready to serve this year!

The CORE Members… you all keep the doors open and make CORE the best place to be! We would not be here without you all, and we are eternally grateful that you continue to choose CORE as your place to live well! As of 10/31/2024, we had over 1700 ACTIVE members! With low membership rates and discount groups via our Corporate Memberships Program, we look forward to hitting that 2000 mark soon!

The CORE Community Members include non-members utilizing our facility, programs, or resources and the individuals and businesses supporting CORE monetarily! Aga n, you all keep the doors open! We’re beyond grateful for the support you show CORE and the pride you take in our community!

I want to encourage everyone reading this to thank any one or two of these individuals for their commitment to CORE. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in this world. 

Wrapping up this entry, I want to update you on what’s happening behind the scenes.

Grant Funding starts from awarded grant applications written earlier this year. These funds have designated projects, programs, and resources to be allocated to, such as Facility Updates, Expanding the Get-SMART program, and the transition of taking over ownership of Cameron’s Closet (former foster closet started by Ryan & Kim Prather, now transitioning to a community closet at CORE).

On average, I research and prepare at least five grant applications weekly. I complete extensive research on any grant we could utilize at CORE–the most popular grants available support current program offerings or sometimes the inception of a new program.

Something to look forward to this month is the installation of the Obie Interactive Projector in the Racquetball Room!! Don’t worry; you can still play racquetball there! This device will allow individuals and families of all ages & stages to be physically active indoors while LEARNING new skills or knowledge! Community Centers, churches, educational settings, and even Healthcare settings are seeing a sizeable increase in facility usage after installing this hands-free system! #StayTuned

Last but not least… November brings our Community Thanksgiving Pitch-In Luncheon, registration for The Giving Tree, and the opportunity to Adopt a Staff member for Christmas! 

Until next time, friends!