Friday, February 17, 2012

February Letter from Leon Foundation



February 17, 2011

Dear Valued Supporters,

Greetings from the Leon Foundation. It is likely that if you are receiving this letter than you are very aware of the contributions and impact that the Leon Foundation has on the less developed countries of South America. If not, however, the Leon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which aims towards helping the educational systems of the less fortunate countries in South America by donating computers to the schools in these communities.
On November 16, 2011, Founder and CEO at Leon Foundation, Dr. Joyce Leon-Gomez had the opportunity to go to Juan Pablo II, an underprivileged school located in Lima, Peru, to donate ten computers, software, antivirus, and monitors in hopes that it would better their educational system. The impact that these mere ten computer had on not only the children, but the society as a whole, was immense. Much to the Leon Foundation’s surprise, the community had organized a four hour ceremony including traditional dances presented by each grade, the blessing of the computers by a formal priest, many wonderful speeches, and even an appearance by the current mayor of Lima. The community was never asked to put on such a beautiful and extensive ceremony, they coordinated it out of the good in their heart in order to demonstrate their appreciation towards what so many of us take for granted. Ten computers is not a big deal here, you can go to your nearest Best Buy and find hundreds, but to the citizens of Lima, Peru, it made all the difference. Please take the time to look over the foundation Blog and see first hand the tremendous impact that ten computers had on their society.

Not only is Juan Pablo II of Lima, Peru now using the computers donated by Leon Foundation to their educational advantage in discovering innovative ways of doing things and being exposed to new ideas, but it has also inspired them to be a better community as a whole. Since the donation of the ten computers, Juan Pablo II has set in to action plans of changing their school image to a cleaner and more presentable place to be. Each grade has been faced with a specific section of the school to make unique with landscaping and art in order to enhance their overall image. So these ten computers inspired the entire community to make radical changes to not only the children’s education but also their appearance. What a wonderful thing.

In order to keep helping the children of less developed countries and to keep growing and expanding as a foundation, the Leon Foundation is organizing a happy hour event entitled “La Divina Comida” inspired by  Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy to generate donations. The event will be held on March 24, 2012 between 4:00PM 8:00 PM at 616 Armsmere Place El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. It will feature food and drinks for guests, live piano and of course, great company. Prices will be $30.00 per person and all proceeds will be 100% towards the foundation.

Come and join us in helping to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people. RSVP before March 15. If you are not able to attend, feel free to visit out website at www.leonfoundation.org  and research more about our philosophy, past programs that we’ve implemented and our ideas for the bright future and while you’re there please make a tax deductible donation to the Leon Foundation and become a part of the solution towards a better future.

Sincerely yours,


Mason Leandro                                                                                                                                           Public Relations Director LEON Foundation                                                                                                                     Movil:916-817-7382                                                                                                                              info@leonfoundation.org   
                                                                                                                              
Founder and CEO at Leon Foundation, Dr. Joyce Leon-Gomez with teachers and students from
Juan Pablo II School Moron-Lima, Peru the day of computer donation on November 16, 2011.
                                                                                                                            

2011 Annual Report from Leon Foundation


2011 Annual Report from LEON FOUNDATION
www.leonfoundation.org

A Message from the President

Dear Leon Foundation friends,

It is my pleasure to provide this annual report that captures the work done by the Leon Foundation Projects in 2011. Such volume and quantity of accomplishments is only possible through the diligent efforts of the Leon Foundation’s staff, the enduring support from the Leon Foundation Board of Directors, and the essential and growing involvement and contributions from family, friends and volunteers. Although our endeavors in 2011 may qualify as exceptional. I am particularly proud of our invigorated support to the community of Moron-Peru with the implementation of the computer laboratory for juan Pablo II School, our work with teachers in the Department of Education at Juan Pablo II School to launched the project “Knowing my District” and to develop a plan for the “Environment and Health” project supporting critical thinkers and future leaders. The creation of a Health Brigade to cultivate middle and high school students’ appreciation for the place where they study, for civic engagement and community service on their path to adulthood.

Thank you to all who make it possible for us to realize our vision of a world where people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and ideologies engage in mindful and collaborative dialogue through respectful and engaged discussion-based program. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Joyce Leon-Gomez
Founder-President
Leon Foundation: Giving Hope with your Help!

Programming

In 2011, Leon Foundation delivered on the organization’s vision and promise by remaining focused on its core long-term objective to be in every lower income school of Peru and to make our programs available to all who seek them. Among many other gains in 2011, Leon Foundation

· Engaged students in inclusive and collaborative team work in over 500 students from primary and secondary and over 75 students from high school in the project “Knowing my District.” Research that involved, teachers, students and community. Started on April 1, 2011 ending September 15, 2011
· Provided long distance training to 6 Peruvian teachers 
· Supplying more than $6,500 in free new computers, software, antivirus and necessary tools including donated professional service to 520 students and 24 teachers
· Ran on-site workshop for 20 Peruvian teachers
· Presented a conference for 4th and 5th grade high school about “The Role of Students in the New Millennium”
· Joined with Children’s Juan Pablo II School to know better about their educational needs
· Conference with the Mayor of Chaclacayo to address educational support in the community of Chaclacayo
· Launched a Five month Students Engagement Program   exploring community engagement with students, adult, young leaders and community in the project: Knowing my District 
· Gave more than 40 volunteer hours of pro bono support to school principal and technology teacher  

Detailed Program Growth

In 2011, Leon Foundation added an educational program to students and teachers

· 1 school, Juan Pablo II Moron-Peru, 520 students
· 24 teachers
· 1 church

In 2011, Leon Foundation launched and supported the project   “Knowing my District” to research about the place they are living involving students, teachers and community

Leon Foundation encouraged Juan Pablo II School Moron-Peru to develop a 50 Years Book Anniversary using research and information collected by students of 4th and 5th grade high school from the project Knowing My District.

Volunteer Engagement

Leon Foundation incorporated volunteer engagement in USA and Peru in programming activities in 2011:
· Leon Foundation coordinated 46 volunteers, including 37 first -time volunteers.
· 9 volunteers in USA donated their time to programming all the activities and        fundraisings.
· 5 volunteer Peruvian students donated their time to repair and paint 10 bathrooms   at Juan Pablo II School.  
· 5 volunteer Peruvian teachers gave their time to work in the project “Knowing my District.“
· 10 volunteer Peruvian students donated their time to coordinate community visits for the “Knowing my District” project.    
· 5 volunteer Peruvian teachers donated their time to coordinate and supervise projects.  
. 2 volunteer donated time for General Supervision of  “Knowing    my District” project.
. 5 volunteer gave their time to coordinate computers, monitors, and technology        tools transportation. 
. 5 volunteers donated their time to set up computer lab.

Services Received

Leon Foundation gratefully acknowledges pro bono services received in 2011 from:
  • Xiong Insurance Agency, for facility space in Sacramento.
  • The owner of Jesse’s Restaurant, Zenon Robles in the city of San Jose, CA for facility space for LF activity engagement program
  •  Pedro Marenco for photography.
  • Sacramento band music, The American River Brass Band. 
  • Champion Design Print in the city of Sacramento for website update.  
  • Mike Jaguar from Tech Solutions.org 
  • Annette Shahedi in the city of San Jose, CA for blog and media communication construction. 

2011 Expenditures

Leon Foundation total budget in 2011 was $5,185.86
Contributions:                    5185.86
Expenses:                               00.00

Expenditures 2011:           100% Donation to Programs

Financial Position as of December 31, 2011
Cash:                                    250.00
Checking:                           1484.66
Savings:                               301.00
Other Assets:                    2,500.00


Additional Projects and Accomplishments

The Leon Foundation also launched the following projects in 2011:
Locating a second pro bono office in Sacramento, CA,  saving the organization facility expenses
Presented five awards to teachers and principal from Juan Pablo II for guidance and students support in the Contest “Knowing my District” 
Launched a Blog and posting regularly to the Foundation’s Blog. Use of media communication such as face book and tweeter to informed the community about activities and accomlishments
Launched a cause: Supporting Education Through Technology on Causes.com   
Launched a new donation page on the Leon Foundation website to foster greater giving flexibility and ease. 


Leon Foundation in Peru

Leon Foundation started its mission on October 06, 2009. Leon Foundation was working during 2010 to supplying new computers, and necessary tools to implement computer labs in schools of low income in Peru:
La Cena del Senor Church in the community of Santa Anita-Peru, on December 24, 2010 received new computers and necessary tools to implement their Catechesis and Evangelization Program with the use of  technology, engaging more than 350 students and parents. 
Juan Pablo II School, Moron-Peru, on November 16, 2011 received 10 new computers to implement their computer lab in the “A Dream Come Through” project 2011-2012 serving more than 520 students and 24 teachers. 

Leon Foundation since 2010 has benefited more than 900 Peruvian students and teachers with technology.

Leon Foundation Board of Directors 2012

Dr. Joyce Leon-Gomez
Founder-President
El Dorado Hills, CA    


Ms. Annette Shahedi
Vice-President
San Jose, CA


Mrs. Jacqueline Clark
Treasurer
San Jose, CA


Ms. Elizabeth Leon
Secretary
San Jose, CA


Mr. Mason Leandro
Public Relations Director
Sacramento, CA


Col. USA Army Augustine Gomez
Advisor Committee
El Dorado Hills, CA 


Dr. Anamaria Arellano
Advisor Committee
Lima-Peru


Dr. Silvia Barreto
Advisor Committee
Lima-Peru

Leon Foundation Welcomes the New Public Relations Director Mason Leandro


Leon Foundation has the pleasure to announce and welcomes Mason Leandro who has been appointed as the Public Relations Director of Leon Foundation for the year 2012-2013. 
Prior to this position Mason was a Volunteer in one of our fundraiser on April 2011, where he showed dedication, respect and service for others. 
Leon Foundation considers Mason a brilliant, energetic and inspiring young person that his love for others and outstanding skills made him Assistant President of the Leon Foundation in few months. He wanted to share his gifts supporting the Leon Foundation mission and goals  from June 01, 2011 to December 30, 2011. 
Mason addresses "that  the impact that Leon Foundation has on the children of less developed countries is absolutely incredible. Such a minuscule amount of donation can make all the difference in not only the lives of the children living in these communities but also the entire society as a whole. Unfortunately, these children did not grow up with the convenience of having technology at their disposal so they are stripped of their right to broaden their educational spectrum. Obviously, the density of our foundation can not be realized merely through you hearing my voice so I urge you to visit our website and do further research for yourself at www.leonfoundation.org  Thank you so much to Leon Foundation for having me and giving me the opportunity to be part of this cause."
Mason Leandro lives in Sacramento, CA. and he can be contacted at: info@leonfoundation.org                                                                                         or by phone at 916- 817-7382