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For Immediate Release (click here to view as a document)
Celebrate
Life Int’l hosts reception at new headquarters location
New
location gives CLI more visibility and flexibility
Atlanta, GA, December 2, 2010 -- Celebrate Life International,
the creators of the Teach
One to Lead One® philosophy, hosted a reception for
volunteers and investors at its new headquarter offices in Metro Atlanta and
thanked businesses and individuals who made it possible for the organization to
occupy the beautiful new facilities.
After 11 years at its previous location, the organization
decided to move to the new facility when a long-time supporter offered to
subsidize part of the lease in one of his company’s office buildings; the
offices are owned by Classic Elias Properties, LLC. Many other supporters joined
this project and helped in many different capacities. Nationwide Integrators,
Inc. also joined in this project by donating the installation of all telephone equipment
and electronic building security. Pastor Nathan Nielson, senior pastor of Town
Center Community Church, offered a heart-felt prayer of dedication for the new
offices at the well-attended reception.
“We couldn’t have made
this happen without the help of such committed friends and supporters. The new
offices are great and will greatly help in our mission to reach kids who are in
trouble not only in our city but around the country and the world,” said Dr.
Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International (CLI).
CLI will continue its aggressive
roll-out of the new and improved Teach
One to Lead One® program from its new offices as it enters into
the new year. Public school administrators and juvenile court authorities from
counties across the U.S. have been requesting the organization’s programs. The
new facility will help the CLI staff provide a faster turn-around to those
requesting support since it has now consolidated all of its materials and most
of the staff in one location.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate Life International, Inc., is
a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service organization dedicated to transforming at-risk
kids into responsible citizens. Founded in 1996, the organization has reached
tens of thousands of at-risk kids through short- and long-term programs
throughout the years. The organization is headquartered in Metro Atlanta,
Georgia with program sites in public schools, juvenile courts and community
centers across the United States, Australia, El Salvador, and South Africa.
# # #
For Immediate Release
How Do We Know It Works? -- Just Ask the Kids
Board Members Traveled To Louisiana Looking For Action
Shreveport, Louisiana, April 24, 2009:
The Board of Directors from Celebrate Life International (CLI)
descended on Bossier City and participated in a three-day marathon of
activities to review first-hand the effectiveness of the Teach One to Lead One
program among at-risk kids in that region. Dr. Lori Salierno, CLI’s
Founder and CEO, kicked off the weekend activities by speaking at an
assembly to students and educators gathered at Charlotte Ann Mitchell
Educational Center School. Ken Kruithof, Bossier Schools
Superintendent, was among the educators who were present at the
assembly. Educators commented that they were impressed with how
Salierno had earned the undivided attention of the student audience
during her presentation about universal ethical principles.
The
CLI Board also met with regional authorities from various government
offices including the Office of Juvenile Justice, Drug Court Program,
Juvenile Court, and the Truancy Center. Vernon Williams, Office of
Juvenile Justice Program Manager, met with the group and spoke highly
of the efforts made by the CLI local team in reaching at-risk kids in
the community. “[Teach One to Lead One] goes beyond reaching
kids, it also brings the families and the community together,” Vernon
told the board members. Probation Officer Clyde Jefferson also
commented on the program. “Whenever you want to know about the quality
of a program, you ask the program participants. I did that when I first
heard about this program. The kids told me what they had learned and I
was impressed,” said Jefferson.
Dr.
Barbara Davis, the Samuel Guy Sample Chair in Business Administration
and professor at Centenary College, hosted the CLI Board at the college
campus for a full day of planning and discussions regarding the
expansion of CLI’s programs. Surrounded by elegant and historic
grounds, the team was able to review the organization’s performance and
chart the course for the next 12 months. Under the leadership of Walter
Mickels, CLI Board Chair, and Davis, Board Vice-Chair, the team gave
much effort to planning and fundraising to carry out the organization’s
mission during these unprecedented times. At the end of the day, the
team was optimistic about the future. “We are confident that our
partners will continue helping us reach kids with their finances and
volunteer efforts. Recession or no recession, many of our nation’s kids
are in trouble. It takes you, me, CLI. Together, we can be bigger than
the economy,” said Salierno.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in California, Colorado,
Louisiana, Cape Town—South Africa and volunteer chapters established in
metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Anyone interested in
bringing CLI’s programs to their community needs to contact the CLI
Customer Relations Office in Atlanta, GA.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
# # #
For Immediate Release
Laborers Do Not Accept Wages for Their Labor
Laborers Gathered At Luncheon To Inspire Others To Do The Same
Marietta, Georgia, May 1, 2008: The
United Way in Cobb County hosted 35 nominees during its 23rd Annual
Heart in Hand Volunteer Recognition Awards luncheon at the beautiful
Marietta Conference Center in downtown Marietta. The event makes it
possible for organizations from throughout the county to recognize
their star volunteers. The nominees competed for five Heart in Hand
Awards and financial contributions for their sponsoring non-profit
organization. Celebrate Life International nominated and recognized
Mrs. Penny Sheppard as its Volunteer of the Year and thanked her for
her above-and-beyond commitment to the mission of transforming at-risk
kids into responsible citizens.
Dr.
Tim Mescon from Kennesaw State University introduced the nominees by
listing their accomplishments and highlighting their specific
commitment to their sponsoring non-profit organization. Mrs. Sheppard
was applauded for her commitment as a role model not only to her family
but also to the at-risk kids in her community. She humbly accepted the
introduction and recognition. The President of the United Way of
Metropolitan Atlanta congratulated the nominees and challenged others
to follow their example by reaching out and making a difference in the
places within their communities where we find tangible human need.
Sheppard also received congratulations from Dr. Lori Salierno, founder
and CEO of Celebrate Life International. Prior to the luncheon,
Salierno said, “Penny’s integrity and maturity are an example to
everyone who comes in contact with her. She is competent at all she
does for our organization. She averages 250 hours of service per year,
and in her ten years of volunteering she has helped us reach thousands
of people across our nation with our message of encouragement and
support for the at-risk kids with whom we work.”
Celebrate
Life International depends on volunteers to accomplish its goals and
vision. The organization also provides programs, materials, training,
and personnel to develop young people across the U.S. and the country
of South Africa. The company has worked with young people for over 11
years and has successfully implemented programs that reduce violence in
schools and drug abuse among teens, increase academic performance and
interest in higher education, and help kids catch a vision for their
life.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in California, Colorado,
Louisiana, Cape Town—South Africa and volunteer chapters established in
metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
# # #
For Immediate Release
Schools: Five Citizens Answered Looney's Plea for Help
Kids Not Visiting Principal’s Office as Often as Before; Adults Excited About This Trend
Greenville, Alabama, Feb. 19, 2008: Two
men and three women came together to mentor students from Greenville
Middle School as a response to a community-wide challenge presented
back in May by Butler County School District Superintendent Mike Looney
when he asked for caring adults to stop being spectators, get involved
and become positive role models for kids.
The
superintendent’s plea for help resonated with many people but it took
five individuals to step out of their comfort zone and begin looking
for a program that would allow them to come in contact with kids and
foster positive mentoring relationships. Retired teacher Margie
Kennedy, former school counselor Edith Williams, homemaker Mary Love
Helms, Attorney Jason Simmons and youth pastor Keith Simmons were the
five people who did some research and found the Teach One to Lead One® Living Principles™
(T1L1 LP) mentoring program created by a youth development organization
headquartered in Atlanta. Armed with financial sponsorship from Simmons
and Simmons Attorneys-at-Law, First Baptist Church of Greenville,
Simmons Auto Sales and Call to Life Church of Greenville, the mentoring
team trained themselves with materials provided by Celebrate Life
International, Inc. (CLI) and began working with two groups of students
week after week.
Ms.
Lisa Adair, Student Mentoring Program Advisor of Butler County Schools,
was the school district administrator who took charge of verifying the
curriculum’s educational credentials and supervising implementation of
the program. She gave final approval to the adult mentoring team to
begin the weekly sessions in October. Adair was present at the program
graduation on February 11 because she wanted to congratulate the 25
middle schoolers who graduated from the program on that day. Other
officials from the Butler School District and Celebrate Life
International were present at the graduation ceremony. Among them were
Superintendent Mike Looney, Principal Jai Hill, teacher Doris Rankins,
youth development professionals Denise May and Andrea Williams, CLI
Chief Program Officer Robin Harshbarger, and CLI Program Development
Specialist Jennifer Sewell.
“Since
this program started, I have only seen one of these students in my
office [for discipline referral] whereas beforehand I saw them on an
almost daily basis,” Hill told CLI representatives from Atlanta.
Teachers and community leaders who have been observing the kids during
the past few months had very positive comments to say about the
students’ newfound commitment to be respectful, honest, and interested
in their school work.
Dr.
Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of CLI commented from her office in
Atlanta about the success of the mentoring team in Butler County. “I
have followed this project with special interest because of the five
individuals who stepped forward to make such a difference in the lives
of young people.” She added, “We can see how partnerships between
school administrators, local businesses, churches, and caring adults
can make a huge difference in the lives of our youth; I hope other
communities can embrace this approach.” Celebrate Life International
provides programs, materials, training, and personnel to develop young
people across the U.S. and the country of South Africa.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in California, Colorado,
Louisiana, and Cape Town, South Africa, as well as volunteer chapters
established in metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
# # #
For Immediate Release
Celebrate Life International's Founder Mourns Passing of Her Father
Vancouver, Washington, Dec. 7, 2007:
Reverend Gerald J. Marvel died today at a Vancouver hospital. Dr. Lori
Salierno, founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International, is one of
Gerald and Lorena Marvel's three children. As Lori mourns the passing
of her father, she shared with CLI staff the legacy Gerald Marvel left
behind. Lori credits her father with passing on to her a love of
creative storytelling to express timeless truths, to speak publicly
without notes, and to devote time to memorizing passages from the Bible
word for word.
To read the news article in Clark County, Washington's The Columbian, please follow this link:
http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2007/12/12082007_Vancouver-pastor-dies-of-heart-failure.cfm?emilStry=1
About Dr. Lori Salierno and Celebrate Life International
As the Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life
International, Inc., Dr. Lori Salierno is invited to speak at
conferences and business meetings throughout the U.S. and other places
in the world. Her work with at-risk kids and her passion to train
adults on how to create a better world for our next generation has made
her a much-desired keynote speaker.
Celebrate Life
International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service organization
dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible citizens
through the building of their character based on practical leadership
skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Acworth, Georgia with offices in California, Georgia,
Louisiana and volunteer chapters established in metropolitan areas
throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
###
For Immediate Release
Salierno Helps Georgia Teacher Educators Preserve Democracy
Savannah, Georgia, Oct. 11, 2007:
Georgia teacher educators from throughout the state gathered in the
beautiful city of Savannah for a three-day conference with the purpose
of informing educators about new trends in education and recognizing
those who have excelled in their fields during this past year. The
theme for the conference was the preservation of democracy through
changes in education. Dr. Beryle Baker, Georgia Association of Teacher
Educators (GATE) President, chaired the event and encouraged the
participants to make a difference in the children of Georgia through
their training of the next generation of teachers. Baker selected great
keynote speakers and a wide selection of seminar and workshop
presenters. The keynote speaker on the second day of the conference was
Dr. Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International.
Salierno addressed the issue of ethical transformation among our youth
and its importance in the preservation of our democracy.
“Modern
society is faced with a crisis of monumental proportion that has
already begun to threaten our way of life and the very foundation of
our democratic institutions,” Salierno told the audience of educators
during her keynote presentation. She went on to explain that “the
origin of this crisis can be traced back among our new generations, to
a lack of knowledge of universal ethical principles and their critical
implementation in everyone’s daily life. We must combat this lack of
knowledge through the kind of education that makes those principles
come alive and in doing so, protect the future of democracy.” She
challenged the educators to continue their fight for our way of life
and acknowledged them as the true heroes of our society. “It is not the
Hollywood celebrities who deserve recognition and fame. That
recognition is better placed on the educators who are shaping the
future of America,” she emphasized.
Salierno
had the opportunity to speak to many of the educators after her
presentation and fielded questions about her organization’s work with
at-risk kids. She shared about projects led by her staff throughout the
U.S. and the country of South Africa. She explained that her
organization has developed programs with delivery models that allow
members of the community to mentor kids and guide them through the
difficult teenage years. Her staff handed out information to many
educators who asked about bringing Salierno’s organization’s Teach One to Lead One®
program to their communities. Later, CLI’s founder mentioned that she
was excited and encouraged about the passion seen in those educators
about the future of our youth and our nation.
About Dr. Lori Salierno and Celebrate Life International
As
the Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International, Inc., Dr. Lori
Salierno is invited to speak at conferences and business meetings
throughout the U.S. and other places in the world. Her work with
at-risk kids and her passion to train adults on how to create a better
world for our next generation has made her a much-desired keynote
speaker.
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Acworth, Georgia with offices in California, Georgia,
Louisiana and volunteer chapters established in metropolitan areas
throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
###
For Immediate Release
Atlanta, GA, April 13, 2007: Dr.
Lori Salierno, founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International,
addressed 180 members of the Georgia State House of Representatives
during Legislative Session on April 13. By invitation of the Honorable
Ed Setzler, Dr. Salierno spoke to the legislative body about the youth
of America and the significant contribution that Celebrate Life
International, Inc. has made to young people during the past 10 years.
A video archive of the session can be viewed by clicking here.
The reading of House Resolution 506 and Dr. Salierno's presentation
begin at minute 57 into the archive. HR 506 formally recognizes the
contribution Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One® have made to transforming at-risk youth in Georgia and the U.S. into responsible citizens.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate Life International, Inc., is a
501(c)(3), nonprofit service organization dedicated to transforming
at-risk kids into responsible citizens through the building of their
character based on practical leadership skills and universal ethical
principles. The organization is headquartered in Acworth, Georgia with
offices in California, Georgia, Louisiana, Colorado and volunteer
chapters established in metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
###
For Immediate Release
President Bush invites Youth Development Leaders
Chevy Chase, MD, Oct. 10, 2006:
The White House convened a one-day summit on public school safety
following the recent shootings at schools throughout the country. At
the urging of President George W. Bush, the U.S. Attorney General,
Alberto Gonzales, and Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings
invited selected leaders from various disciplines to discuss issues and
share best practices in an effort to take quick action to deal with
this precarious situation. Dr. Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of
Celebrate Life International, was among the leaders at this meeting.
First
Lady Laura Bush addressed the group following separate brainstorming
sessions moderated by Attorney General Gonzales and Secretary
Spellings. Mrs. Bush promptly addressed the need to give children
throughout the nation hope and a feeling of safety. "Let [the children]
know that grown-ups are working to protect them," emphasized the First
Lady. She also asked for everyone’s involvement by telling the
audience, "More adults must invest in the lives of young people."
During
the all-day meeting, Craig Scott, former Columbine High School student,
was asked to speak to the gathering. Scott was a first-hand witness to
the shootings at Columbine High School in 1999 where his sister Rachel
and a couple of his friends were fatally shot by two other students.
His words spoke loud and clear to all who were present about the need
for all adults to model compassion and respect to his generation.
President
Bush joined the meeting in the afternoon and moderated one of the
discussion sessions. The President thanked those who were present for
attending the meeting. He said, "I wish we were not meeting [because of
the reason for the meeting] but I thank you for attending on such a
short notice." Mr. Bush challenged all who were present to implement
solutions as a result of the brainstorming sessions and to take
immediate action to ensure our schools are "gentle places of learning."
Major television and independent
cable networks filled the meeting hall with lights, cameras and
microphones. During an on-camera interview, Dr. Lori Salierno expressed
her concern that a group like this may put too much emphasis on dealing
with the symptoms of the issue rather than on the cause.
Salierno further told the interviewer, "At our organization, we see the
cause as the character of each child. Our communities must emphasize
character development far above reactive measures such as disciplinary
actions and law enforcement." Later, CLI’s founder mentioned that she
was encouraged after seeing the level of cooperation that surfaced at
the meeting between government agencies and community initiatives.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Acworth, Georgia with offices in California, Georgia,
Louisiana and volunteer chapters established in metropolitan areas
throughout the United States.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
###
For Immediate Release
Dr. Lori Salierno speaks about the next 20 years at CLI's ribbon cutting ceremony
Acworth, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2005:
Celebrate Life International, Inc. (CLI) staff and supporters gathered
to officially dedicate the organization's new headquarters at a
ribbon-cutting event officiated by the City of Acworth Mayor, Tommy
Allegood. The initial ceremony took place under a large tent located in
front of the office suites at 6060 Lake Acworth Drive in Acworth.
Attendees heard opening remarks
from the organization's COO, José Maldonado, about how the new facility
became a reality thanks to the generosity of several individuals.
Maldonado also emphasized CLI's commitment and mission to reach at-risk
youth.
Mark Burns, United
Parcel Service's Corporate Controller and CLI Board Member, made
special presentations to recognize CLI supporters Nick and Mary Kay
Guillaume, Curtis and Marlene Dickinson, and Charlie and Pam
Strickland; unable to receive their recognition personally were Mike
and Charleen McBrayer, and Duane and Elsie Kennedy in memory of their
son Jay Kennedy.
CLI's founder
and CEO, Dr. Lori Salierno, spoke with passion about the journey and
the blessings received by the organization since its inception in
1996. For several minutes, CLI's founder transported the audience
with her stories about many of the challenges and victories experienced
by the team in their quest to reach kids who are in trouble. Salierno
also spoke about the future of the organization. There are 3,142
counties in the U.S. In the next 20 years, we want to have Teach One to Lead One® reaching kids in all 3,142 counties, said Salierno as a challenge to herself and the rest of the CLI team.
The
prayer of dedication for the new facility was offered by Dr. Johnny
Hunt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Rev. Hunt
also highlighted the work done by the organization and the worthiness
of their mission. Immediately following the dedication prayer, Mayor
Allegood offered words of recognition and encouragement to the CLI team
for their contribution to the community and its youth. Mayor Allegood
spoke from personal experience when he recalled his work as a volunteer
for CLI's Teach One to Lead One program at North Cobb High
School located in Cobb County, part of the Metro Atlanta area. I have
been involved with many programs [Teach One to Lead One] works. The kids were engaged and willing to make changes, Allegood remarked.
Acworth
Business Association (ABA) President, Brian Binzer, presented a plaque
to CLI Executives acknowledging CLI as an official member of the ABA .
After the cutting of the ceremonial yellow ribbon, the attendees toured
the facility which is beautifully decorated with pictures of kids.
Guests asked questions and listened to CLI staff members discussing the
future plans of their progressive organization.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to transforming at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The organization is
headquartered in Acworth , Georgia with offices in California and
Georgia and volunteer chapters established in metropolitan areas
throughout the United States . Information about CLI and the Teach One to Lead One program can be found at www.CelebrateLife.org .
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
### For Immediate Release
Teach One to Lead One ® welcomed by Juvenile Courts Association
Dr. Lori Salierno talks about Leadership with Juvenile Court Workers
Atlanta , Georgia , June 8, 2005:
The Juvenile Courts Association of Georgia held its annual conference
at the beautiful Pine Isle Resort just 45 miles north of Atlanta .
Various training sessions and tracks focused on social, legal, and
educational issues related to the work of juvenile courts across the
state. Celebrate Life International (CLI) executives were invited to
this event to present a unique session on personal leadership and Teach One to Lead One ®
program initiatives. CLI is a non-profit corporation with the mission
to reach at-risk kids and transform them into responsible citizens and
is the creator of the national Teach One to Lead One ® program.
Dr.
Lori Salierno , founder and CEO of CLI, discussed the need for
influential leaders and positive role models within the courts system.
Illustrating her points through extensive personal experience with
at-risk youth, Salierno emphasized that court workers must be willing
to spend great amounts of time in the discipline of self-leadership by
focusing on the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual areas of
their lives. Influence through initiative, teamwork, positive
relationships, and universal principles are also indispensable aspects
of each officer's work, according to Salierno.
Celebrate Life International's unique Teach One to Lead One ®
curriculum teaches universal principles such as respect, integrity,
excellence, teamwork, self-control, and honor to middle and high school
students. José Maldonado, Chief Operating Officer of CLI, related
generational statistics to help the conference participants understand
the challenges and behaviors of the millennial generation. This session
also highlighted how Teach One to Lead One ® (T1L1) program
implementations have lowered drug and alcohol use, disciplinary action,
and drop-out rates in students from California and Georgia. It is CLI's
vision to expand the successful T1L1 curriculum to schools and court
systems throughout the country over the next few years.
The
court officials thoroughly appreciated the vision and focus of CLI. I
really enjoyed it [the presentation], stated Laura McElrath, a current
probation officer and former detective for a government agency in
Georgia . Dr. Salierno is very enthusiastic and keeps your attention.
[Her work] really touched meIt's going to take educating the community
in this way so we can make a difference.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to the transformation of at-risk kids into
responsible citizens through the building of their character based on
practical leadership skills and universal ethical principles. The
organization is located in Atlanta , Georgia with volunteer chapters
established in metropolitan areas throughout the United States .
Information on CLI programs can be found at www.CelebrateLife.org.
Celebrate Life International and Teach One to Lead One are registered marks of Celebrate Life International, Inc.
### For Immediate Release
March 22, 2005
"We ask Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the
victims who are suffering unimaginable pain by extending prayers and
expressions of support," Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said,
according to ABCNews.com.
At
Celebrate Life International, we were shocked and saddened to hear yet
again about a youth on the fringe using violence to express the pain
and hopelessness he had bottled up inside. The Associated Press now
counts 14 separate incidents of shooting ranging from March 21, 2005
back to February 19, 1997, where shooters from age 6 to 18 killed a
total of 51 people and wounded more than 94 others (Other Fatal
Shootings at U.S. Schools, http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=602003 ).
Described
as a loner who wore black, posted to a neo-Nazi website and was teased
by classmates, the shooter, 17-year-old Jeff Weise, fits the
description perfectly of the kind of child we want to reach throughout
the nation with our philosophy of Teach One to Lead One®. We
believe that as we cross the cultural barriers erected that alienate
young people from hearing truth, many Jeffs will make an about-face and
actually begin to lead their peers to embrace Integrity, Humility,
Honor, Courage and Compassion. These are but a few of the Universal
Principles that we currently present on a weekly basis to Teach One to Lead One®
students across the country. Our vision is hugewanting to have this
effective program active in every county of the US. But as hopeful as
we may be that someday the Teach One to Lead One® influence
could be this widespread, we must pause today and just comfort, pray
for, and stand with the hurting families and friends of these 10
victims in Redby, Minnesota.
###
For Immediate Release
Award to not so At-risk Youth
Dr. Lori Salierno delivers challenge to Youth and Community Leaders at graduation ceremony
Acworth , Georgia , July 31, 2004: Over 60 parents and community leaders gathered at the Roberts School in downtown Acworth to honor Teach One to Lead One ®
graduates who had just completed an intensive camp in Leadership and
Character Development designed to equip teenagers with life skills and
universal ethical principles. This was the first time that the Teach One to Lead One ® program was modified to fit into a typical summer camp schedule.
Cobb
County Juvenile Court Judges A. Gregory Poole and Stephen Schuster
attended the graduation and interacted with the graduates and their
families. Poole said he was glad to see many parents present at the
event and acknowledge d that the parents play a key role in supporting
their kids' newly - made commitment to make the right choices. The two
judges are advocates for positive youth development and volunteer as
mentors, working with young children at risk.
This is great, Vivian Roberts said. We need to start planning the next Teach One to Lead One ® program
for additional kids this fall. Roberts, a Family Therapist at the
County's Juvenile Court was awarded a certificate to recognize her as a
leader in the quest to help court's kids become responsible citizens.
Chris Anderson, Celebrate Life International, Inc.'s National Program
Director , presented the award and commended Roberts for her tireless
efforts.
The Celebrate Life
International (CLI) team coordinated the event to end their summer camp
experience on a high note with this group of not-so- at-risk- anymore
teens. Not only did the kids and their families enjoy a great lunch
provided by Cobb County Juvenile Court but each teen who completed the
program received their own diploma as a reminder of the commitments
that they made during the camp experience.
Kids
from all walks of life are able to participate in Celebrate Life
International's programs in the cities where the organization has
established its chapters. CLI is a non-profit corporation with the
mission to reach at-risk kids and transform them into responsible
citizens . CLI is the creator of the national Teach One to Lead One ®
program. CLI staff and volunteers make the work possible and dedicate
themselves to serve as role models for the youth with whom they work.
CLI's
President and CEO, Dr. Lori Salierno, addressed the audience at the
Roberts School and challenged the students to live lives of integrity
so they can someday come back to that school as judges, counselors, or
executives who want to give back to their community. She also
encouraged and thanked the parents for their commitment to stick by
their kids and help them get back on the right track. Salierno travels
extensively around the country gaining supporters and advocates for
at-risk kids and her organization. She flew back from a speaking
engagement with the US Air Force to attend this event.
Thinking
about all that you guys taught us makes me cry, said Kim, one of the
students who received an honorable mention for going above and beyond
to demonstrate the principles of humility and compassion during one of
the group ' s outings into the community. Without prompting, Kim and
her classmate Brittney put into practice what they had learned at
previous Teach One to Lead One ® sessions by publicly
recognizing and thanking a handicapped young man at a local restaurant.
The young man was surprised at first and then visibly joyful when he
realized someone had actually noticed him as he cleaned and swept food
spills. This would not have entered their minds in the past, commented
one of the adult program volunteers about the two students.
Teaching
young people practical life skills that they can use to live a life
based on universal principles is one of the cornerstones of the Teach One to Lead One ®
philosophy. Among other teachings, students are also challenged to
share what they learn with their family and peers and be people of
positive influence. Administrators and educators whose work directly
has an impact on teens are encouraged to consider implementing Teach One to Lead One ® in their institutions.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to the transformation of at-risk kids into
responsible citizens through the building of their character based on
practical leadership skills and universal ethical values. The
organization is located in Atlanta , Georgia with volunteer chapters
established in metropolitan areas throughout the United States .
Information on CLI programs can be found at http://www.celebratelife.org/ .
### For Immediate Release
President Bush gathers faith-based & community leaders to issue progress report
Social entrepreneurs outline priorities for our nation through their work and commitment
Washington, D.C., June 1, 2004: President
Bush hosted a group of social entrepreneurs at the nation's capital to
issue a progress report about his administration's efforts to change
the culture in Washington, D.C. for one that allows people in
faith-based and community grassroots organizations to meet social
objectives. The gathering at the Washington Hilton hotel also allowed
the leaders of these organizations, who attended this
by-invitation-only meeting, to network with several of Bush's cabinet
members and their staffs.
It
was refreshing to hear not only the President but his staff talk about
the importance of transforming lives and support for those who have
taken on the challenge to make it happen, said Dr. Lori Salierno,
founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International, Inc., a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the transformation of at-risk kids into
responsible citizens. It was also a highlight to be able to shake hands
with the President. His down-to-earth demeanor speaks volumes about the
kind of person he is.
Staff
from different departments in the federal government spent one-on-one
time with nonprofit leaders who wanted to learn about specific
initiatives and the administration's plans to channel federal
funds to communities and the organizations that serve in those
communities. Under the theme of Compassion in Action, the staff
explained efforts to remove barriers that until recently had kept
faith-based organizations from partnering with the government to meet
social objectives.
I am
leaving the meeting feeling even better about being an American. The
President talked about the true strength of our country being in our
ability to love our neighbor and care for each other rather than in our
military or our wallets, commented Salierno as she met with other
community and faith-based leaders. We have our marching orders; we must
transform America one person at a time.
About Celebrate Life International
Celebrate
Life International, Inc., is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service
organization dedicated to the transformation of at-risk kids into
responsible citizens through the building of their character based on
practical leadership skills and universal ethical values. The
organization is located in Atlanta, Georgia with volunteer chapters
established in metropolitan areas throughout the United States.
Information on CLI programs can be found at http://www.CelebrateLife.org .
###
We hope this timely news release is valuable to you. Please tell us what you think by sending a message to: feedback@CelebrateLife.org
Your
support can help Celebrate Life International further its mission to
transform at-risk kids into responsible citizens. You can make an
online charitable contribution by visiting www.CelebrateLife.org/support.htm
© 2004 Celebrate Life International, Inc., 6060 Lake Acworth Drive, Ste. N, Acworth, GA 30101
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
Teach One to Lead One® visits the Big Apple
New York , NY , May 11, 2004:
Colonel (USA Ret.) Jeffrey McCausland, Ph.D., Director of the
Leadership in Conflict Initiative at Dickinson College, gathered
innovative leaders and visionaries, who have a passion to help young
people, for a best practices exchange at The Big Apple with the goal of
sharing innovative ideas that have proven successful in making a
difference in public education and the nonprofit sector. In typical New
York style, the day started a block away from Times Square at 7:59 a.m.
and ended nine hours later at Columbia University after visits to the
Leader to Leader Institute and public schools in Brooklyn and the
Bronx. Among the selected group to participate in this exchange were
Dr. Frances Hesselbein, Founding President and current Chairman of The
Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Peter Drucker Foundation); Dr.
Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International; Iris
Baum, Principal of the McKinley Educational Center in Brooklyn; Kirsten
Busch, Director of the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished NYC
Principals; Andrew Person, Director of Leadership Development at
Maritime College; Gertrude Carabas, Principal of the New School for
Arts and Sciences in the Bronx; Sally Mixsell, Project Director of the
Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education at Columbia
University Teachers College; José Maldonado, COO of Celebrate Life
International; and others.
Several
of the exchange participants had the opportunity to meet and talk with
students as they visited selected schools. During their visit to the
New School for Arts and Sciences (NSAS), the group had the privilege to
sit in a student government council meeting. Everyone present was
impressed by the quality of the students in this alternative high
school located in an old building with limited resources in South
Bronx. While at the school, Dr. Salierno asked the students to think
about Helen Keller's life accomplishments and see her as a role model
for their own lives. A couple of students readily commented that they
were familiar with Helen Keller's life and were grateful for the
message. I want students to have a vision for their lives and never
lose sight of itthat is what our Teach One to Lead One®
philosophy is all about, commented Salierno to some of the visitors
after shaking hands with the students and encouraging them to make a
positive difference in their schools.
Dr.
Frances Hesselbein shared a couple of stories with the group about her
previous visits to NSAS and the leadership potential that she has seen
in those students. Despite great improvements in the graduation and
pursuit of higher education rates seen in this school in the last
couple of years, one student who makes the wrong choices and drops out
of school is one student too many, said Hesselbein with concern and
hope in her voice. Dr. Hesselbein listened with interest to the vision
of the Teach One to Lead One® program , which aims to help
at-risk kids who may fall through the cracks in the educational system
but who can also end up being our future city or business leaders given
the right coaching and mentoring. The principal of the school indicated
to the Celebrate Life International executives her desire to bring the Teach One to Lead One®
program to her high school. The program team will immediately begin
work to make this project a reality in this corner of the city that
never sleeps.
Dr. McCausland
was pleased with the results of the leadership exchange and will
continue looking for ways to make leaders in different areas of the
country come together to learn from the success and failures of other
enterprises.
---
Dr.
Frances Hesselbein was a recipient in 1998 of the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, for her leadership
as CEO of the Girl Scouts from 1976 to 1990, as well as her role as the
Founding President of the Drucker Foundation, which grew into The
Leader to Leader Institute. This institute provides intellectual
resources to leaders in the business, government, and social sectors,
and fosters partnerships across these sectors. Dr. Hesselbein is an
accomplished author and speaker on the subject of leadership in the
nonprofit community, editor-in-chief of the quarterly journal Leader to Leader, and co-editor of a book of the same name.
Dr.
Lori Salierno is the Founder, President and CEO of Celebrate Life
International, Inc., a 501(c)(3), nonprofit service organization
dedicated to the transformation of at-risk kids into responsible
citizens through the building of their character based on practical
leadership skills and universal ethical values. The organization is
located in Atlanta, Georgia with volunteer chapters established in
metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Information on Dr.
Salierno's speaking schedule, her books and CLI programs can be found
at www.CelebrateLife.org and www.TeachOneToLeadOne.org.
###
We hope this timely news release is valuable to you.
Please tell us what you think by sending a message to:
feedback@CelebrateLife.org
Your
support can help Celebrate Life International further its mission to
transform at-risk kids into responsible citizens. You can make a
charitable contribution online by visiting www.CelebrateLife.org/support.htm
Celebrate Life International, Inc, 6060 Lake Acworth Drive, Ste. N, Acworth, GA 30101
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PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
USAF Academy hosts Salierno on Character & Leadership
Eleventh Annual National Symposium
Colorado Springs , CO , February 13 An assembly of Who's Who'
in Character and Leadership gathered just outside Colorado Springs
at the 18,000 acre-campus of the US Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Invited by the Center for Character Development, well-known personalities
such as John Wooden, former UCLA Coach; Ted Sundquist, Denver Broncos
GM; Dr. Lori Salierno, Founder & CEO of Celebrate Life International;
Phillip Svalya, Trial Attorney and several others took turns in
speaking to USAFA cadets and a few hundred visiting students from
colleges and universities from the US and around the world. The
cadets and visitors had the opportunity to discuss critical moral,
ethical, and leadership issues facing our world. The 11th Annual
National Character and Leadership Symposium emphasizes character
and leadership from both a military and non-military perspective.
Dr. Lori Salierno addressed the cadets
and visitors at the Arnold Hall Theater with words of thanksgiving
for their chosen profession and encouragement to accomplish their
mission while living lives based on ethical principles. The topic
of the evening was leadership and Salierno was asked to energize
the audience while encouraging them to make the tough' decisions
based on integrity, honor and excellence. There was plenty of
energy in the room when the speaker asked the listening audience
to find their purpose in life and serve the nation before self.
Making references to her faith, Salierno encouraged everyone
in the audience to live the life that they were created to live.
It is time for me to identify my purpose in life and make good
use of the education that I am receiving were the words spoken
by one of the cadets who stood in line for over an hour waiting
to shake hands with Dr. Salierno. It was good to be reminded that
being a man of integrity has a major effect on my leadership,
said another conference participant at the reception that followed
the evening presentation. Chaplain (Maj.) Cherri Wheeler of the
Academy's Center for Character Development and Excellence Division
Chief added, Dr. Salierno presented a thoughtful and provoking
address. In baseball terms, she hit a grand slam. Academy senior
officers and university administrators must now begin to discuss
ways in which to build on what was accomplished at this year's
symposium. Salierno shared her thoughts at the end of her stay
at the academy's campus, Lieutenant General John W. Rosa (USAFA
Superintendent) is doing a great job at shaping the mind, body,
and spirit of our nation's future military officers. Socrates is
quoted as saying that an unexamined life is not worth living',
General Rosa is making sure that there is plenty of self-examination
and leadership being taught to these cadets.
Dr. Lori Salierno is the Founder, President and CEO of Celebrate
Life International, Inc., a 501 (c)(3), non-profit service organization
dedicated to the development of young people through the building
of character based on practical leadership skills and universal
ethical values. The organization is located in Atlanta , Georgia
with volunteer chapters established in metropolitan areas throughout
the United States . Information on programs and materials created
by the organization can be found at www.TeachOneToLeadOne.org and www.CelebrateLife.org .
###
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Celebrate Life International, Inc
6060 Lake Acworth Dr., Suite N
Acworth, GA 30101
770-529-7700 / 770-529-7711 (fax)
____________________________
Salierno Discusses
At-Risk Youth at the White House
Teach One to Lead One® program Highlighted
Washington, D.C., November 3
- Dr. Lori Salierno, Founder and CEO of Celebrate Life International
(CLI), met with Jim Towey, White House Director for Faith Based
& Community Initiatives (FBCI) to discuss the work that her
organization is currently doing with at-risk youth in California
and Georgia. Dr. Cheryl Sanders, Professor of Ethics at Howard University
and Jeremy White, Associate Director at FBCI joined Towey while
Dr. Salierno and Celebrate Life's COO, José Maldonado, presented
their solution for transforming the lives of at-risk youth in our
nation.
This meeting was significant in the life of this Atlanta based organization
because it presented an opportunity to show the federal government
the existence of a solution that can be replicated to at-risk youth
across the nation. CLI currently works with youth who are involved
with gangs, in danger of dropping out of school, involved with drugs,
or currently on probation. The changes that have taken place in
the lives of these kids are dramatic and have come as a result of
work done through CLI's Teach One to Lead One® program. This
long-term program is an effective solution that teaches Absolute
Truth to troubled kids and guides them in the transformation of
their character and their behavior. "Our vision is to change
the face of the nation one student at a time "explained Salierno
when asked why she had founded the organization.
Jeremy White's comments about the solution that CLI presented at
the meeting were positive and encouraging. His feedback centered
around how the unique approach is ethically and educationally sound.
White will act as a liaison between President Bush's Office of Faith
Based Initiatives and officials from various other federal departments.
"There is much work still to be done, this just the beginning"
explained Salierno after the meeting. "Conferences with officials
from the Education and Justice Departments are being scheduled to
create new alliances and define strategies on how Teach One to Lead
One® will reach many more kids".
Celebrate Life International, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit service
organization dedicated to the development of young people by building
character based on practical leadership skills and strong ethical
values. The organization is located in Atlanta, Georgia with volunteer
chapters established in several metropolitan areas throughout the
U.S.
###
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