Lee Rappaport

Putting Kids First: helping at risk children worldwide

Posted by: lrappaport on February 26, 2010

Putting Kids First: helping at-risk children worldwide
As part of Cultural Care Au Pair’s mission to break down barriers of culture and language through educational exchange, a group of local childcare coordinators and staff recently visited South Africa to see firsthand the difference the donations from the Cultural Care community have made through our charitable organization Kids First.

Since it’s inception in 2004, Kids First has supported many worldwide organizations that work with at-risk youth. From the daycare center in Brazil to the school library in New Orleans to an orphanage in Russia, Kids First has supported a wide range of global organizations. Our most recent work at an orphanage and daycare center in a poverty-stricken township outside Capetown, South Africa is another great example of the work we are doing worldwide.

Cultural Care staff and LCCs had an opportunity to visit several projects funded through CHOSA, an organization that Kids First supports. CHOSA provides support to programs that work with at-risk children and their families to provide nutrition, medication, clothing, food, shelter and an education.

During the service visit, those who participated had a chance to visit the Ubuhle Babantwana Care Center, which helps 150 children, some of whom are HIV positive. Donations received from au pairs, host families and Cultural Care LCCs and staff have provided funds for the building of a new structure for the infants and toddlers in the center. The group from Cultural Care Au Pair had an opportunity to see the new structure, meet the inspirational director and dedicated teachers and had some time to play with the children.

In addition, the group visited the Ilitha-Labantwana Place of Safety, the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Project, the Emasithandane Children’s Project and the Baphumulele Children’s Home. The Cultural Care team is now bringing their experience back to the U.S. to raise awareness, and additional funds for even more projects that Kids First supports.

“Our Kids First trip to Cape Town was truly amazing and inspiring,” says Local Childcare Coordinator Trudy Mar. “The work, effort, love and sacrifice the women heading up these projects give to all of the kids goes well beyond what most of us could imagine. If one little body sleeps better, eats better and smiles more, we’ve helped to change their future and make the world a better place. Every dollar we raise for Kids First definitely does make a difference.”

For information about how you can make a contribution to Kids First, or raise awareness for the programs it supports, visit http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/kidsfirst/ or contact your Local Childcare Coordinator.

PiNkBeRrY KiDs FiRsT EvEnT

Posted by: lrappaport on July 20, 2009

Photos from the July 2nd Pinkberry Kids First Event.

DOUBLE KAYAKS are TWICE as MUCH FUN!

Posted by: lrappaport on June 14, 2009

Sunday, June 14th–Lee’s awesome au pair group enjoyed perfect weather in Marina Del Rey, CA while kayaking tandem.  While paddling through the open channel and inlets, we were able to spot playful dolphins and frolicking seals.  All agreed that the fun, sun and exercise made for an exciting au pair meeting

Lee’s Awesome Au Pairs Gear Up for Fashion Show and Tea

Posted by: lrappaport on May 9, 2009

Moms and Au Pairs will enjoy an Afternoon in the Garden for Tea and a Fashion Show on Sunday, May 17th from 2-5 p.m.  The models?  Au pairs from around the world wearing clothes that reflect Paris, Milan, the Serengeti, St. Tropez and right here in the USA such as the Hamptons and San Francisco.  Everyone is very excited to descend the staircase & take to the runway in the lovely home of one of our host families.  PLease RSVP if you have not done so my 5/13/09.  Remember ladies, pinkies up when sipping tea.  Cheerio!

Learn more about your LCC

Posted by: lrappaport on February 24, 2009

This was a post in a Cultural Care Au Pair Newsletter.

http://www.culturalcare.com/aboutus/newsletter/0108/default.aspx

Over 100 Au Pairs “Kick up their Heels” Learning Country Line Dancing at the February meeting

Posted by: lrappaport on February 10, 2009

We traveled by car, bus & possibly covered wagon to get to our February meeting at a local restaurant/bar/dance hall in Thousand Oaks, CA.  Twice during that evening, we were taught  Country Line Dances.  The dance floor had people tapping, sashaying, twirling, laughing & singing along with the lively music.  Three au pairs won Starbucks gift cards awarded for Best cowboy/cowgirl costume.  Additionally,  we had a drawing where two lucky au pairs were awarded a $25 gift certificate.  This was a true Americana experience for our au pairs that represented over 20 different nations.

WINTER SAVINGS FOR NEW FAMILIES

Posted by: lrappaport on January 19, 2009

Cultural Care Au Pair will waiver the application fee for new families.

Just a reminder to host families & au pairs

Posted by: lrappaport on September 5, 2008

Lee’s office hours are between: 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. MONDAY through FRIDAY. Please call my office phone first. If it’s urgent, you may try my cellphone after that.

No weekend hours except for Saturday morning meetings by appointment. Also, I schedule one evening per week for appointments.

Calls will be returned in a very timely fashion.

I do not answer my phone after hours. If it’s a true emergency, you should phone the Cultural Care Au Pair office at: 800 333 6056.

Lee’s office hours are between:  9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.  MONDAY through FRIDAY. 

Please call my office phone first.  If it’s urgent, you may try my cellphone after that. 

No weekend hours except for Saturday morning meetings .  Also, I schedule one evening per week for appointments.  Daytime meetings are set on a case by case basis. 

Calls will be returned in a very timely fashion. 

I do not answer my phone after hours. If it’s a true emergency, you should phone the Cultural Care Au Pair office at: 800 333 6056. 

Photos from our Kids First/Olympics meeting

Posted by: lrappaport on August 16, 2008

Cool gelato with yummy toppings, was served by our international au pairs at our August Olympics gathering.

Cool gelato with yummy toppings, was served by our international au pairs at our August Olympics gathering.  The money raised will benefit KIDS FIRST. View the photos below.

OLYMPICS PRESS COVERAGE in Daily News

Posted by: lrappaport on August 16, 2008

CHECK OUT THE GREAT NEWSPAPER ARTICLE ABOUT THE AUGUST MEETING!

Please see the super photo & wonderful article about our August meeting.  (View ATTACHMENTS) Watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics, holding flags from our nations, was a global event for our au pair group.�