Early Childhood Education is important to me. With the huge education crisis in/around Chicago, it is viable that the village steps up. I started my journey with VOCEL back in 2014 in their very first classroom. Since then, I have supported VOCEL in various ways. Currently, I serve as the President of the Associate Board. I continue to support VOCEL for 2 reasons:

1. Because of their mission. Their mission states, VOCEL ensures Chicago's young children have the early foundation they need to be successful in school and life. A passion for education starts before a child enters the classroom. VOCEL brings both the child and parent together to be able to strengthen many skills, including their engagement in the classroom. This teaches the child how to "be" in the classroom setting before it is time to leave home for an extended period without a parent/guardian for the first time, while also building the parents awareness on importance of being involved in their childs education. 

2. Their audience. As VOCEL continues to grow, their programming continues to reach more and more kids and families each year. Currently, VOCEL has its' programming in just about 15 locations across the city in neighborhoods like Austin, Gage Park, and Auburn Gresham (just to name a few). Being a Chicago native, they are serving communities that I have once lived in and can attest that programs like VOCEL are needed!

Being able to give back to my community is important to me. Please consider assisting me in reaching my personal goal of $250 by the end of the year. The Associate Board as a whole, has a goal of reaching a total of $3,600 to support VOCELs continued growth. Please connect with me if you would like to know more about myself, VOCEL, or possibly joining the Associate Board.  

-Phillip Lee

PS - Yes, that is a picture of me dressed as Santa at VOCEL's holiday party last year. #AnythingForTheKids