Next Stage was proud to partner with Greater Enrichment Program, Incorporated, a quality after-school program that has existed since 1975 and has served more than 10,000 elementary-aged children who are underserved in the Charlotte community by providing academic, cultural and social instruction in a safe and loving environment. GEP is a licensed after-school program that operates Monday through Friday during the school year at several Charlotte-Mecklenburg school sites.
About GEP, Inc.
GEP is a gem to the Charlotte community offering a two- and multi-generational approach of supportive programs and services, including transportation, childcare at no cost to student participants, and homework and tutoring assistance. Likewise, the organization strengthens families on parenting skills while encouraging parent involvement within their after-school program and supports students in building knowledge, confidence, and exposure through additional learning experiences through the arts, sports, and more.
To sustain and grow throughout its 50-year history, GEP has relied heavily on funding from the City of Charlotte, grants, and tax-deductible contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
The Need
Due to the changing backdrop of education, funding, and governance, GEP pursued a strategic plan that primarily focused on these areas as a pathway to move forward.
- Programming – The pandemic caused lingering impacts upon students (and their families), mental and behavioral health became challenging in several aspects, and academic achievement suffered especially upon students who needed extra support and resources.
- Funding – Traditional avenues of financial support shifted, leaving organizations like GEP vulnerable with decreasing government support and the need for new donor audiences to sustain operationally.
- Governance – GEP was founded with tremendous leadership and that garnered cycles of prominent leaders over the years. Yet, the organization decided to focus on new efforts to recruit board members and outline a sustainable model for internal operations.
Next Stage’s Approach
During the process of the strategic plan, Next Stage reviewed materials and conducted in-depth research to understand the challenges being faced within the educational system for students and families, which led to an effort of discovery and exploration entrenched in community voice – listening to those most impacted by the variables and hardships as well as key partners and schools instituting programs in thoughtful ways. With this approach, there was collective buy-in amongst the staff and board to:
1) Evolve its theory of change and build a contemporary construct and model to express the value of its service and program offerings which strengthens students and families holistically with essential supports.
2) Diversify funding streams to broaden revenue potential from various constituencies and donors as well as continued cultivation from standard resources and grant opportunities.
3) Strengthen internal operations for sustainability and longevity amongst its leadership and staff level teams while prompting the board to review its organizational structure and align for current and future positions
4) Expand the visibility and awareness of the organization and celebrate 50-year history and present-day achievements. GEP has been purposeful, intentional, and transformative with its mission on behalf of students and families, and that mission will continue to optimize and grow.
Impact of Our Services
GEP has proven the value of its programs and services to date, but also realizes that mental and behavioral health need to be prioritized and amplified within its curriculum. It is also important to be a resource (and an unofficial placement agency) for students and families who graduate out of the program from elementary school, knowing that it’s their responsibility to keep in touch and deepen those ties. This means that they will be able to recommend programs that align with their values and guiding principles. Plus, there may be room to grow and scale their student-base within each school – school partners welcome the opportunity.
Bronica Glover, Executive Director of GEP, shares her sentiments, “I am excited about the future of the organization and the ability to strengthen our impact in the community. We are extremely grateful to partner with Next Stage as we approach 50 years of service. The Greater Enrichment Program remains committed to supporting families while evolving and increasing its footprint to ensure sustainability for many years to come.”
To learn more about the Greater Enrichment Program, Inc. and its impact, visit https://www.gepinc.org/.
