VCOF Veterans -Blues in the Schools
July 27, 2010 | Posted by Jan VCOF Clarkston
Veterans Community Outreach Foundation of Clarkston 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit In Clarkston Ga
Mission Statement: Support Our Soldiers (SOS) Veterans Support
Assistance for active duty soldiers, veterans, and their families
The VCOF main mission is to assist our veterans, and active duty members, & their families in various ways, including supportive services, financial assistance, housing, life skills education, community outreach and mental health services for combat and non-combat related issues. Although located in Georgia, we do our best to provide assistance to those in need wherever they live or are stationed. Giving support assistance to our Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan veterans, active duty military & their families. Our services include emergency financial assistance & housing, outreach, training, short term Mental Health Services, referrals, & more.
First Stop Veterans’ Resource Center
Preparations are under way to open this one-stop resource center to help all veterans, active duty service member’s, & their families with emergency financial aid, referrals, VA / SSA benefit information, employment assistance, & more. We are currently a support arm of our brother agency providing these services through the (VCOF) Veterans Community Outreach Foundation of Gainesville, GA. www.vcof.org as well as our planned Administrative Offices to be opened in Clarkston, GA., in 2010. This is a National, and potentially International, initiative.
A transitional living facility for homeless male veterans in Georgia that we hope to open in October 2010. VCOF House will assist homeless male and female veterans who are struggling, who have lost their homes and their ability to lead productive lives due to mental & physical illness, addictions, and / or other issues, regain their independence and lives through transitional living, a multi tiered program to include training, and collaboration with government agencies, veteran service organizations, & the community. These services will help to re-train and reintegrate our veterans back into society.
Veterans Court
We are working diligently in an attempt to facilitate a local Veterans’ Court to help prevent veterans from cycling through the courts. Many of our returning veterans & other veterans resort to drug use, & other behaviors, in an attempt to deal with their combat & service experience and therefore end up in our criminal justice system. Rather than focusing on punishment, Veterans’ Courts are aimed toward getting these men & women the help they really need.
Also involved: Hall County DOJ, VAMC, VVA, VSO, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Help us support our veterans, soldiers, & their families. Financial contributions are a large part of what helps VCOF, continue to help provide these needed services.
The Veterans & Community Outreach of Clarkston
Blues In The Schools Initiative 2010-11
Why we believe in and support the Blues In The Schools initiative?
Program Mission Statement
The VCOF Blues in the Schools Program Outline
The VCOF Blues in the Schools’ unique programs are “hands on” activities that are similar to an actual rehearsal for a live performance. Over the course of sixteen sessions, the students learn how to play the basics on different instruments; the “blues” scale; call and response; and how to create their own lyrics and revise them, which enhances language development. They also learn the twelve-bar blues form, how to sing together and provide musical accompaniment for each other, and how to perform as a group.
Blues is the root of all American music, and is a healing experience that can be used in a creative, positive and even humorous manner throughout one’s life. The music itself is very accessible, and while the students are learning these new skills, they are involved in “cooperative learning” while interacting with each other in a positive activity.
Our programs include the history of blues music, its evolution and significant cultural influence in the United States, the women of the blues, the instruments and maintenance of them, and the recording history of the music.
After School Programs
Each program begins with a live “kickoff” concert presented at the school by the teachers and other professionals from the area. The concert serves as an entertaining, informative, and “seed planting” experience. This is followed by the actual sixteen-session program itself, concluding with a live performance at the school in front of peers, parents and teachers.
Our programs are usually conducted during “prime risk hours” (e.g., 3:30-5:30 pm) as an After School Program. The VCOF Blues in the Schools program seeks to provide a positive alternative activity for kids during the time of day that most youth problems occur
Music in Schools – Filling the gap
The VCO Foundation will help fill the gap caused by decreased spending on arts and music in our schools and also provides a unique goal-oriented program delivered by professional musicians and teachers to support and nurture the youth in the greater metro Atlanta, Georgia area. Young people attending this program will realize the following benefits through the power of music:
- A constructive and educational alternative to the streets, by way of music, most often during high-risk, after school hours.
- An emotional and creative outlet.
- A sense of accomplishment to promote self-esteem.
- Experience the positive nature of teamwork to realize a common goal.
- Education on American history and culture as seen through music.
How will the VCOF / Blues in The Schools programs be funded?
VCOF is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on corporate sponsorships, private contributions, and grants from public and private agencies and organizations. All contributions are tax-deductible. VCOF also periodically will promote benefit concerts and other fundraising activities to supplement other forms of income.
How will the money be spent?
Ninety percent of our funding goes directly into the program to cover costs of teachers, equipment, recording sessions and consumables (CDs, tapes, DVDs). Ten percent of funding is set aside for operations and administration costs.
What are the goals for The VCO Foundation?
Over the next 18 months our goal is to make the VCOF Blues In The Schools Program as one of the best known and sought after musical education programs in the greater Atlanta area. To accomplish this we will significantly increase fundraising efforts to enable the following:
- Expand our programs to reach more schools and communities in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area, providing a full 3- to 5-week program for every school or community center that desires one.
- Develop and implement a teacher remuneration model to attract and retain the best teaching talent and enable us to conduct simultaneous programs.
- Increase awareness of the program through promotional and fundraising activities such as concerts and assembly programs performed by the faculty.
- Purchase additional equipment and recording supplies to ensure recording sessions after every concert.
- Ensure long-term follow-up with the participants and track our graduates into their futures.
The Veterans & Community Outreach Foundation of Clarkston
Wish List for each Participating organization
- A new PA and monitors (VCOF is able to get Peavey equipment at almost cost.)
- Four microphone stands
- Four microphones and cords
- Four Electric Guitars (VCOF is able to aquire new “Squire” Stratocasters for $150.00 apiece.)
- Four guitar amps with at least a 12″ speaker in them
- Six guitar stands
- Congo drums
- A set of good bongos
- Electric and Acoustic Guitar Strings, Electric Bass Strings, Picks and Cords
- A Bass amp (Peavey Keyboard amp with 3-4 inputs for bass)
- Good Drum Cymbals, hardware and drum heads, sticks, etc.
- Harmonicas (VCOF will purchase for students to keep. Costs are around $200.00 for each program.)
- Overhead Projector and Stand
- Computer Printer
- One Computer Scanner
- One Fax Machine
- One Mac Computer & Flat LED Screen Monitor
VCO Foundation is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions to VCOF are tax-deductible. Your contributions will be used to fund our program, helping to purchase musical equipment and supplies, pay teacher costs, and provide ongoing support for our operations.
Please consult your tax and financial advisers regarding the benefits of giving to The VCOF Blues in the Schools programs. Your contributions are greatly appreciated, and will be used wisely. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to our mission.
VCOF Blues in the Schools is in need of new equipment and instruments in good condition. Donations are tax deductible. What a great way to spend your community service dollars.
Creating Hope….Restoring Lives….Building Community
Donations should be sent to:
The Veterans & Community Outreach of Clarkston
PO Box 68
Clarkston, GA. 30021-1145 FED. ID#582013130
Categories: Support Our Soldiers, Veterans, Volunteer | 
Tags: Blues Foundation, Blues In The Schools, clarkston ga, VCOF, Veterans | 
No Comments »
Atlanta Institute for Medical Research
How many new customers could your business use?
