Summer School in 2020

​Hello All.
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We hope this article finds you in good health & high spirits. As most of you may already know, we’re currently running our very first program since the state of emergency was declared back in March. The program is our 2020 version of RISE Summer School. Despite countless hurdles & challenges, we worked diligently to figure out a safe & healthy way to get kids back in a learning environment. Our Summer School programs have historically been amongst our most successful initiatives. The reasons for this sustained success are many. There’s one ingredient specifically that I truly believe sets, not only this program, but our entire organization apart from other youth focused organizations. That lone reason is the caliber of our staff.

​Throughout the rest of the calendar year, our programs are led and managed by various members of our regular SSYO staff. Although all six of our staff members are phenomenally gifted and passionate leaders, none of us would claim to be a “professional” or an “expert” yet in regard to our careers. At Summer School, that all changes. 

Getting to watch such an amazing staff lovingly teach and invest in these kids, is nothing short of pure magic. When it comes to youth program staffing, we’re convinced that we have ‘The Best Of The Best'."

​During Summer School, we have the privilege and honor of welcoming an extraordinary All-Star Team of professional education experts onto our campus. A highly skilled and very experienced team of Corvallis School District’s finest teachers and educational assistants make up a majority of our Summer School Staff. This team of between 12-15 exceptionally talented educators, is composed of some of both the most accomplished and fastest rising stars in our school district. 

Dennis 'D' Foster

​​Leading this coalition of educators extraordinaire is our Program Director, Dennis Foster. Lovingly known as “Mr.D”, Dennis brings over two decades of expertise and experience to our SSYO culture. He currently serves as the Corvallis School District’s Behavior Specialist for the middle school level. Dennis annually assembles the best of the best, when it comes to staff members. He’s able to do that largely due to his endless investment in relationships around the city.

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When I first started to learn about leadership, I had a coach tell me to always focus on two main things when building a team. “First off, set up a healthy culture. And secondly, hire good people. The rest will take care of itself.” I can honestly say, Summer School is one of the strongest examples of what happens when we apply that advice. Getting to watch such an amazing staff lovingly teach and invest in these kids, is nothing short of pure magic. When it comes to youth program staffing, we’re convinced that we have ‘The Best Of The Best’. And we’re grateful for them. It isn’t the programs or productions that make SouthSide Youth Outreach special. It’s the people. Our Summer School Staff continue to be integral parts of “Building strong, young lives so our community will thrive.” If you don’t believe us, come see for yourselves.

Thank you all for your continued support of SSYO. 
 
Peace.

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Jake Moevao

Liavaa Iakopo Moevao is known to most, as “Jake.” Jake is currently serving as the Executive Director at SSYO. Prior to joining the Team here, Jake served as a Youth Pastor at Calvary Corvallis & also was involved with coaching high school varsity football at both Santiam Christian & Crescent Valley. Jake is very passionate about doing Family & Leadership well. Outside of work, Jake loves: spending time with his wife & daughter, hanging out with Family, traveling, watching sports, & having time alone to play sports video games.