Help Your Kids Achieve Their Dreams
Published April 25, 2013 | 
Every parent and teacher wants their kids to be successful. By working with them to help them identify their goals and desires, you can help them increase their odds of pursuing and achieving their dreams.
The first step is to set specific goals and write them down. Dreams can help you decide what you want to achieve in life. Dreams help guide you to your goals. Talk to your kids and help them create a clear, detailed vision of what they want their life to be like. Discuss what they want their job to be, where they want to live, who they live with, what they are wearing, their values, the relationships in their life, and anything else they imagine and foresee. Now, have them write or draw about what they see on a piece of paper.
Once they have their vision for the future, set a detailed goal in each area to help them reach their vision. For example, if they want to be a math teacher, set their goal in math.
If they want to stay close to your family, set a goal to have strong relationships with them. If it makes them happy to help others, set a goal to volunteer at a hospital or nursing home.
Creating this road map will increase their chances of achieving their goals and motivate them to be successful in life one step at a time.
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Leave a commentWinning Futures Receives GM Foundation Grant
Published September 7, 2012 | 
The GM Foundation recently presented Winning Futures with a generous $14,000 grant to support our mentoring and career development programs in metro Detroit. Pictured at the presentation ceremony are (left to right): Jaffe Raitt Heuer and Weiss law firm partner and Winning Futures board member James Parks, Winning Futures program specialist Julie Rayes, and GM Foundation president Vivian Pickard.
Thank you, GM Foundation, for supporting Winning Futures!
Learn more about the GM Foundation and its good works here.
Posted in Uncategorized | General Motors, GM, GM Foundation, goal setting, grant, mentor, mentor program, mentoring, non-profit, volunteer, winning futures | Leave a commentMENTOR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINNING FUTURES PROGRAMS
Published August 10, 2012 | *** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***
WARREN, MI, August 10, 2012 – Mentors inspire, educate and motivate our youths – and you could do the same by teaming up with Winning Futures! Winning Futures is an award winning non-profit that provides school-based mentoring programs for middle and high school students.
We’re currently recruiting business professionals to mentor the students we serve in Harper Woods, Detroit, Warren, Madison Heights and Pontiac. Our mentoring programs begin the week of October 1st and range from 10 – 24 weeks in length. All programs are easy to acclimate to, fun to do and fulfilling both personally and professionally.
If you might be interested in join the Winning Futures team, you may learn more about us, our curriculum and students at www.WinningFutures.org or by calling 586-698-4387.
Winning Futures is an award winning nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of young people by offering school-based mentoring programs and workshops for middle school and high school students in Southeast Michigan. Its programs focus on the life skills of character value identification, goal setting, career preparation, and strategic planning. Founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Sam Cupp, Winning Futures now partners with organizations throughout the country to implement our life skills workbooks and activities. For more information, visit www.winningfutures.org or call 586-294-8449.
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Posted in Uncategorized | Community High School, Detroit, Detroit Pulic Schools, goal setting, Harper Woods, harper woods high school, Jalen Rose Academy, Madison Heights, mentor, mentoring, Pontiac, Pontiac High School, Strategic Planning, University Prep Science and Math High School, volunteer, Warren, Warren Consolidated Schools, warren mott high school, winning futures, Youth | Leave a commentWINNING FUTURES’ PROGRAM DIRECTOR HONORED BY THE TWILIGHT BENEFIT FOUNDATION
Published October 30, 2011 | 
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – Laurie Tarter, Program Director and Vice President of Winning Futures, a non-profit school-based mentoring program, has been named one of this year’s Twilight Civic Leadership Award Honorees. The Twilight Foundation Community Leadership Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has made a significant impact in their particular Detroit metro area communities. Laurie was honored for her passion and commitment to building foundations of success in our youth through mentorship.
“I never expected to receive an award for the work that I do. I want to thank Twilight Foundation for acknowledging my efforts to make a difference in the community. I wake up each day hoping that in some small way I can make a difference in the lives of the young people of our community, and this award suggests that perhaps I have succeeded in some measure. Thank you for inspiring me to work a little harder and to give a little more,” said Laurie Tarter.
Joan Mantini, former mentee and award nominator, stated, “Laurie’s expectations as a mentor were to be a motivational coach for my team within the Winning Futures program. Laurie was so much more than just a coach to all of us. She was an encourager, a highly respected role model, an inspiration, and a friend.”
Laurie expressed gratitude to Sam Cupp, the founder of Winning Futures, as it was he who showed her the magic of mentorship. “Sam taught me that in just one hour, one day a week, one person could make a significant difference in the life of a teen.” Laurie dedicated the award to the hundreds of mentors she has met throughout her journey with Winning Futures for helping inspire Michigan youth to tap into their potential to reach their dreams and goals.
Laurie is married 25 years to Michael Tarter and they have two grown children, Ryan and Melissa. She credits her passion for giving back to the community to her parents.
Winning Futures Volunteer Honored by Governor Rick Snyder with the Mentor of the Year Award for Michigan
Published October 26, 2011 | 
Detroit, MI, October 24, 2011 – Local Winning Futures volunteer, Kimle Mitchell, won the overall Mentor of the Year for Michigan through the Governor’s Service Awards.
Kimle Mitchell was honored at the Governor’s Service Awards dinner “An Evening with the Stars”, held at Gem Theatre in Detroit. The Governor’s Service Awards are given annually to individuals, businesses, and organizations to acknowledge their commitment to solving community issues through volunteerism.
“Michigan is blessed to have so many volunteers who are working together to make a difference in their communities,” said Governor Snyder. “Though we can never truly thank them enough for their service and for the profound impact they make in their communities, the Governors Service Awards are a way that we can recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Michigan’s dedicated volunteers.”
“Ms. Mitchell is committed to empowering young girls and women of all ages to excel in every area of their lives because she believes women have the largest range of influence to improve the lives of our families and communities,” stated Winning Futures Program Director, Laurie Tarter.
Kimle Mitchell has been a mentor for youth throughout the Detroit Metropolitan area since the mid-nineties. Ms. Mitchell is committed to mentoring youth so they have the opportunity to uncover their interests, set goals, and passionately begin their journey early in life to reach their potential.
“Receiving the Governor’s Service Award is truly awesome and signifies that being of service is the only way to truly experience the rich rewards in life. Being acknowledged for doing something that I love doing is very humbling, but also motivating as it encourages me to keep helping, so I am continually blessed to help even more. Giving to others is the only way we all succeed,” said Mitchell.
In 2010, Kimle Mitchell of Detroit formally joined Winning Futures, a Metro-Detroit non-profit organization whose main purpose is to work with young people to develop a strategic five-year plans, leadership skills, character education, and self-esteem. Through this program, Kimle mentored three high school girls. In addition to her formal mentoring, Kimle founded Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. – an organization designed to empower women through sisterhood and to help women and girls discover their inner beauty, strengths, and talents.
MENTORS NEEDED TO SUPPORT CASS TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL AND HARPER WOODS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Published September 15, 2011 | *** MEDIA ALERT ***
September 12, 2011
WHAT: Complimentary lunch at Hockeytown Café to introduce community members to Winning Futures and recruit new mentors for upcoming programs at Cass Technical High School and Harper Woods High School
WHO: Winning Futures, a school-based mentoring program.
WHEN: September 30, 2011 ~ 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hockeytown Café, 2301 Woodward, Detroit, MI
COST: FREE and open to the public with food and drinks provided.
Pre-registration is required for attendance at www.WinningFutures.org.
Why: Winning Futures is a school-based mentoring program seeking volunteer mentors for its inaugural school year at Cass Technical High School and continuing for a third year at Harper Woods High School. An informational lunch and learn will be held at the Hockeytown Café in Detroit, Michigan. Guests will enjoy lunch while they learn about the programs benefits, goals, and successes. Business mentors are an integral part of the program. They are members of the local business community who agree to volunteer their time, one hour, one day a week for twenty-four weeks. Often, business mentors are the “link” that allows students to interact and network with adults who have walked a similar path. Mentors help to build young people’s character and confidence, expand their universe, and help them navigate a path to succ
This is a great opportunity for Cass Tech and Harper Woods High School Alumni to give back to their schools; however it is not a requirement to be an alumnus to be a mentor at one of these schools.
Winning Futures is very unique compared to other mentoring programs. Each week when the mentors come to the school, a staff member leads them through the topic-based session with fun, hands-on activities, group discussions, and written lessons. Winning Futures curriculum includes: character value identification, goal setting, career exploration, and employability skills.
Pre-registration is required for attendance and can be completed at www.WinningFutures.org. For more information call 586.698.4418.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Laurie Tarter
586.698.4536
laurie@winningfutures.org
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Posted in Announcements, Event | business mentors, career exploration, Cass Tech Alumni, cass tech high school, character value identification, employability skills, goal setting, Harper Woods Alumni, harper woods high school, hockeytown Cafe, job readiness skills, life skills, local business community, local businesses, mentoring, volunteer, winning futures | Leave a commentNew Mentoring Program for Pierce Elementary in Birmingham
Published September 1, 2011 | Birmingham, MI, August 29, 2011 – A new leadership and character education program will empower fourth and fifth graders at Pierce Elementary after school on Wednesday this fall. Winning Futures is partnering with iMatter for Kids to implement this innovative program.
Winning Futures implements unique mentoring programs. Each week when the mentors come to the school, a staff member leads them through the topic-based session with fun, hands-on activities, group discussions, and written lessons. It is all packaged for the mentor so when you arrive, you can jump right in! Mentors are asked to attend a three-hour training session, participate in an interview and background check, and to coach two-three students through the Winning Futures curriculum that includes: character value identification, leadership skills, and goal setting.
Another unique part of this program is the partnership with iMatter for Kids. After each mentoring session at the school, they will host Family Workshops with the students and their parents. This is an ideal structure to bring students, parents, schools, and businesses together in the best interest of children.
Parents of fourth and fifth graders at Pierce Elementary will be able to submit an application for their child through the school in September. Parents should contact their principal for more information.
If you are interested in learning more on how you can become a mentor call today or visit our website to set-up an orientation to get more information.
Register by calling (586) 698-4587, emailing taquaryl@winningfutures.org, or visiting www.winningfutures.org
Winning Futures is an award winning nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of young people by offering school-based mentoring programs and workshops for middle school and high school students in Southeast Michigan. Its programs focus on the life skills of character value identification, goal setting, career preparation, and strategic planning. Founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Sam Cupp, Winning Futures now partners with organizations throughout the country to implement our life skills workbooks and activities. For more information, visit www.winningfutures.org or call 586-294-8449.
Founded on the principles of the iMatter™ program, iMatter for Kids™ is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization established to help kids realize they matter. The mission of iMatter for Kids is simply stated by thier motto – “Be Kind, Be True, Be ‘Greatful’, Be You!” They build a positive culture in schools and communities using the Winning Futures programs which inspires and prepares young people to succeed through life skills programs and mentoring relationships that focus on character values identification and goal setting through fun structured activities.
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Helping Detroit youths shoot for stars
Published July 18, 2011 | 
TODAY’S SUBJECT: Detroit-based Powerlink Facilities Management, a provider of building management services, including housekeeping, groundskeeping and general facilities maintenance for business customers, provided support of Winning Futures and the Gregory Kelser Detroit Basketball Camp.
THE CAUSE: Winning Futures, a nonprofit organization based in Warren, provides goal setting, mentoring and scholarship programs for teens. More than 20,000 students have been helped, and $1.5 million has been awarded in scholarships since 1994. This year, the organization will collaborate for the first time with Gregory Kelser for the basketball camp to work with eighth-grade boys and girls enrolled in the program in Shoot for your Goals sessions to help them set goals, enhance teamwork and attitude, and prepare for ninth grade.
BACKGROUND: Powerlink became involved with Winning Futures first as a supporter of its golf outing in 2008 and now principal Scott Rice is on the Winning Futures board of directors. The company is now a major sponsor of the organization.
RESULTS: Powerlink and its Detroit partner Sodexo funded the camp and Shoot for your Goals program, investing more than $25,000 into the camp and creating a partnership for Winning Futures with Greg Kelser. The camp provided 79 eighth-graders from Detroit Public Schools with the opportunity to work directly with Kelser to improve their basketball skills while stressing the importance of education through the Winning Futures life skills and mentoring sessions. Volunteers at the event included 12 Powerlink employees, including Link Howard, president and CEO and Scott Rice, chief operating officer, and 55 additional volunteers. 100% of the students set an academic goal during the program for their ninth-grade school year and mapped their way to achieving that goal. In addition, the company recently sponsored the Winning Futures Golf for Kids Classic and its Corks & Forks events adding another $2,500 in contributions to Winning Futures.
ON GIVING: “We planned the camp to give eighth-graders more of the skills they will need to succeed in that first year in high school,” said Howard. “What Greg Kelser can teach about focus and discipline from an athletic perspective will be supported and applied to academics and everyday life through the Winning Futures curriculum. It’s a powerful combination.”
INFORMATION: To learn more about Winning Futures, visit www.winningfutures.org . To learn more about Powerlink, visit www.powerlinkonline.com .
Posted in Announcements, Sponsor/Donor | attitude, corks and forks, detroit basketball camp, detroit public schools, goal setting, golf for kids classic, gregory kelser, link howard, mentoring, mentoring sessions, ninth grade preperation, powerlink, powerlink facilities management, scholarship program, scott rice, shoot for your goals, sodexo, teamwork, volunteers, winning futures | Leave a commentCEO WINS “WONDER WOMAN” AWARD
Published May 25, 2011 | 
TROY, MI – Kristina Marshall, 34, CEO of Winning Futures, a non-profit school-based mentoring program for youth and teens based on character values, goal setting, and strategic planning, received the Women Officials’ Network “Wonder Woman Award” for being a distinguished advocate for youth. Past winners include Justice Maura Corrigan of the Michigan Supreme Court, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and State of Michigan School Board Member Elizabeth Bauer.
The Women Official’s Network is an organization of elected officials, present and past, to promote women leaders in the public sector. Each year its foundation holds a dinner to raise funds for the work of sponsoring young women to participate in events that lead to their growth. At the dinner, they honor women who have made a difference…to be exact, they honor Wonder Women.
“This award was unexpected and I am so honored to receive it. I am inspired every day to do what I do because of my husband. He overcame obstacles growing up that no child should have to deal with…all with the support of a mentor. I saw that one person could make a life changing impact on a teen who had no hope,” stated Kristina. “My mentor and founder of Winning Futures, Sam Cupp, gave me the amazing opportunity to empower thousands of youth through this program. Children in need have no voice, so we must be their voice. That is why for the past 13 years, I have been dedicated to engaging the public sector and private companies in supporting our goal-setting and mentoring programs through financial commitments and volunteer opportunities.”
The next step for Marshall is to raise an additional $75,000 to expand their mentoring, goal-setting, and scholarships programs in Birmingham, Detroit, Harper Woods, Pontiac, and Warren. She will continue advocate to city, state, and federal officials to ensure that quality program for youth remain intact.
Marshall was the first mentee in the Winning Futures program in 1994 at Warren Mott High School. Since graduating from Michigan Technological University in 1998, she has grown the organization to impact 20,000 youth, awarded $1.5M in scholarships, and implemented the Winning Futures goal-setting curriculum into 100 schools and non-profits across 30 states. She has won many awards including the prestigious Crain’s 40 under 40 in 2008. Marshall has her Masters in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, is the Chair of the Mentor Michigan Providers Council, is a member of EO Detroit’s Accelerators Program, has been married to her high school sweetheart for 12 years, and has a very active four year old son.
Winning Futures is an award winning nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of young people by offering school-based mentoring programs and workshops for middle school and high school students in Southeast Michigan. Its programs focus on the life skills of character value identification, goal setting, career preparation, and strategic planning. Founded in 1994 by entrepreneur Sam Cupp, Winning Futures now partners with organizations throughout the country to implement our life skills workbooks and activities. For more information, visit www.winningfutures.org or call 586-294-8449.
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Posted in Announcements | advocate for youth, children in need, goal setting, Kris Marshall, mentoring programs, michigan supreme court, quality program, Sam Cupp, school board member, volunteer opportunities, wayne county prosecutor, winning futures, women leaders, womens officials' network, Wonder Woman Award | Leave a comment