The Beginning

The purpose of this blog is to document the dream and the journey of what is to be the Green Bee Foundation. It started with two people with the same desire to improve the lives of children, especially for those with special needs. Our mission is to do what we can to provide services and supports to children with special needs. Some questions to keep in mind as we embark on this journey are: Where do these students go to be educated and receive services? Who decides what they need? How do teachers prepare themselves for children with diverse needs? What can be done to ensure children receive the best and most appropriate tools necessary? How can we serve as community role models? How can we create a safe, intellectually stimulating, resource savvy, supportive and environmentally sustainable community center?

Before I go any further, let me introduce ourselves. Rachel V and I (Rachel B) are two individuals who have had hands on experience within many areas of special needs including issues that go along with teaching, technology, funding, and the process of school admission to an appropriate educational atmosphere. Our experiences have led us to witness moderate to grave injustices when it comes to children receiving the kind of education and support they need and undeniably deserve. For me, growing up within the overcrowded New York City public school system provides our team with a unique perspective. Additionally, my graduate studies at Bank Street College have given me the opportunity to delve deep into many areas within education as well as opportunities to reflect on my own experiences as a student and as a teacher. This kind of personal reflection will be important for any of us working at the Green Bee Foundation in order to effectively understand and work with the diverse people, needs, and situations we will encounter in the many years to come.

Updates to this blog may include: what we are currently working on, personal anecdotes, the joys and trials of starting a non-profit, interesting research, visions for the foundation, philosophical queries, or topics presented in order to generate public discussion.

We welcome all to join us as we embark on the building of Green Bee!