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About AOK
OUR MISSION:
Our mission is to contribute positive, ongoing support to Howard County students in order to enhance their academic, social, and emotional development.
COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY:
It is our goal to operate with transparency as per nonprofit best practice. If you have any questions about our work, impact, or financial information, please contact us: aokmentor(at)gmail(dot)com.
Because of our small-but-mighty size, we file a 990 "postcard" with only the barest of details. However, due to our committment to transparency, we undergo a financial review by an independent CPA each year, at a cost of 10 - 20% of our annual budget. See our financial reviews here: 2021 2020 2019
We have a 2023 Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar/Candid. View our profile here.
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We are up-to-date with the Maryland Solicitation Act, and as a registered business in Maryland with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation - our records can be viewed online.
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OUR HISTORY:
AOK Mentoring & Tutoring began in 2003 on a grassroots level and was entirely volunteer-driven. After many years, in 2009, the program incorporated and only recently has supported a small, part-time, staff to administer the program. Volunteerism is the foundation on which the organization is built and it is the consistency of an adult relationship that the volunteers bring that is the crucial ingredient to helping the students served succeed in school.
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OUR FOUNDER:
Chaya Kaplan, MSW –Chaya is a retired pediatric social worker and parent educator. She began mentoring children in 1970 and co-founded AOK in 2003. Chaya recently retired as the Executive Director of the organization leaving a legacy of devotion to serving children in our community.
Our Students
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can make good use of additional, dependable adult attention.
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may need improvement in academics, behaviors, social development, and/or self esteem.
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may be dealing with a stressful life situation (e.g. a seriously ill family member.) ​
Our Volunteers
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genuinely enjoy children and are interested in the success of all students.
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are flexible, friendly and positive.
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can be counted on as safe, trustworthy adults (over age 21).
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give 100% of their attention to the students when they are together.
Our Board & Staff
​BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
- Keith Lusby, President
- Jeff Plank, Treasurer
- Donna Lyman, Secretary
- Schimri Yoyo
- Barbara Klein
- Karol Olson
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STAFF:
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​Rea Goldfinger, Administrator - Rea is a lawyer by training and a retired Social Security Administration Analyst. She has been with AOK as a mentor for nine years. She became the Administrator in 2011. Rea is part-time with AOK. Email: Rea@aokmentor.org
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Amanda Mummert, Executive Director - Amanda is a licensed practical nurse with a master's degree in nonprofit management who is passionate about helping others succeed. Amanda is part-time with AOK. Email: Amanda@aokmentor.org
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Shantal Williams, Coordinator of Volunteers - Shantal comes to AOK with 15 years of experience in volunteer management where she played a pivotal role in orchestrating and overseeing various organization's volunteer programs. Shantal is part-time with AOK. Email: volunteercoordinator@aokmentor.org
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