The Rascob Foundation has pledged $20,000 to Notre Dame Urban Education Center for its technology needs. Founded in 1945 by John J. and Helena S. Rascob as the Rascob Foundation for Catholic Activities, the Rascob's felt abundantly blessed by God and through this Foundation could support works of the Catholic Church. "When building, build forever," was Helena Rascob's directive. With the help of the Rascob Foundation, NDUEC will now begin its work building the future of urban children.

The Butler Foundation has announced a three-year annual Challenge Grant of $25,000 for a total of $75,000 in support of Notre Dame Urban Education Center for their first three years of operations. "The immediate demand for our summer program proves that Covington students want and need the free tutoring services we provide," said Executive Director Sister Mary Lynette Shelton. "This challenge grant will help us launch and sustain our educational outreach in the urban core." Corporex chairman Bill Butler, founder of The Butler Foundation, called this grant a chance for local stakeholders to strengthen Northern Kentucky's educational system. "The Sisters of Notre Dame are proven educators," he said. "They have engaged an impressive volunteer base to offer one-on-one tutoring to students, and they are coordinating efforts with the Covington Independent Schools. It's a win-win for the community." Individuals and businesses can help the Center earn its 2 for 1 match with donations or pledges. The Butler Foundation is a private foundation established to help Northern Kentucky's low-income families as directly as possible.

The temperatures are warmer, the daisies are in bloom, and the children are spending more time outdoors. That can only mean one thing – it’s time for the annual 4th of July Festival and Social. It’s a time when families come together and enjoy an afternoon of good food, raffles, and socializing with our sisters, families, and friends. In today's world, people are often rushing to work, soccer games, or the grocery. As our grandmothers would say, "we need to stop and enjoy the simple things in life." The 4th of July Festival and Social celebrates the simple but important things in life. “Fourth of July has always been a time when our families came together and renewed their friendships with one another,” says Sister Mary Jean Clare Lamping. “Friendship is a gift,” added Sister Mary Stefanie Fritz. “Fourth of July is a time to come and make new friends as well as renew old friendships.” As in the past, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy games such as Big Six, Beat the Dealer, Split the Pot, Bingo, and Air Mail. There will be entertainment, including a very exciting magic show. The children can enjoy balloon sculptures, incredible face painting, Sun Rock Farm Petting Zoo, as well as an array of games. The Sisters' Market and the Silent Auction will return. There will be something for everyone. So bring your smiles and get ready for a great afternoon. We are sure the sun will shine bright on the 89th Annual 4th of July Festival and Social. Hope to see you here!

The Charles H. Dater Foundation awarded Notre Dame Urban Education Center $5,000 in operating support. Founded in 1985, The Charles H. Dater Foundation supports non-profit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Area that benefit children. “Established to ensure that funding for worthwhile community programs would continue after his death,” the Dater Foundation carries on the legacy of Mr. Charles H. Dater and his ancestors by “enriching the lives of children.”

The Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, D.D. Bishop of Covington officially opened Notre Dame Urban Education Center (NDUEC) on May 21 with prayers of blessing and dedication. Among those present were: Mayor Denny Bowman, Board Chairperson Dick Tapke and other members of the NDUEC Board of Directors, representatives of the Butler Foundation, Covington Business Council Foundation, and the Charles H. Dater Foundation. Covington Independent Public Schools, local community, cultural and service organizations and friends also attended in support of the new Center. It was a joyful time to call down God’s blessing on all who will be served and who will serve at NDUEC. The Sisters of Notre Dame have been blessed to sponsor NDUEC and ensure that the mission of the Center is carried on to offer transformative educational programs to individuals and families, providing support, restoring hope, and promoting a fully human life for all. The first place of ministry was Mother of God School on 6th Street in Covington. It is not by chance that NDUEC stands in the shadow of the steeples of Mother of God and its cornerstone should read: “Laid to the glory of God and the welfare of mankind.” 136 years later, Sisters of Notre Dame still continue to minister within the Diocese and the City of Covington. After the final blessing, Bishop Foys gave a wonderful tribute to the Sisters of Notre Dame with deep gratitude for many years of ministry and commitment to the urban area. Congratulations to Sisters Mary Lynette Shelton and Reinette Kroeger. Their on-going commitment and dedication to the new Education Center was evident to all those present as they toured this magnificent facility. Their leadership and inspiration, their passion for this mission -- is truly contagious.

The Covington Business Council (CBC) Foundation assisted with the renovations of NDUEC building through a $10,000 matching grant. The CBC Foundation, the charitable and fundraising arm of the Covington Business Council, offers grants for the revitalization and rehabilitation of older buildings in the urban center of Covington as a catalyst for economic development in keeping with Covington’s strategic plan and Vision 2015.

Sister Jean Marie Hoffman was one of five recipients of the 2010 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky. Sister Jean Marie was nominated by Mr. Bob Hoffer for this award. He says, "For more than 25 years, she has worked with the utmost compassion in helping not only rehabilitate the children that come to her and DCCH for help, but to help them look forward to a better and brighter future with her endless love and support. Even in the face of the challenges in her own life and as a breast cancer survivor, Sister Jean Marie has been unwavering in her commitment to others and the community, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, a prayer, and a hug (and perhaps a sense of humor that you just have to hear to believe!). She is truly a woman who inspires, encourages, and challenges all who have been, and are, lucky enough to know her."