AmeriCorps Paints E. Neal Roberts Elementary with the 'Power of Learning' by Leslie Fountain - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

AmeriCorps Paints E. Neal Roberts Elementary with the 'Power of Learning'

By Leslie Fountain, Community Writer
June 11, 2014 at 10:11am. Views: 67

In recognition of AmeriCorps Week 2014, First 5 San Bernardino AmeriCorps members left students at E. Neal Roberts Elementary with a message of hope on their school grounds. First 5 San Bernardino AmeriCorps, San Bernardino City Unified School District, and Hope Through Housing, volunteered 40 hours to paint a mural designed by Luis Soto and Alex Aguirre called “The Power of Learning”. The mural depicts an open book with the words “Hope” and Spanish translation ”Esperanza”, crowned with the school’s koala bear mascot, and symbols for the alphabet, math, science, and music. A music teacher, doctor and an astronaut stand as icons for career aspirations. AmeriCorps members participate in AmeriCorps Week annually by selecting an activity such as short-term service projects, in an effort to highlight contributions that AmeriCorps members bring to communities that are often overlooked. In addition to volunteering to service projects like school improvements and community gardens, they spend time inside classrooms as school readiness coaches for San Bernardino County Preschools. The First 5 San Bernardino AmeriCorps team including Diana Yegge, Ernesto Beltran, Liliana Ferrer, and Victoria Arce, actively pursue community service projects that align with the National AmeriCorps to facilitate in the County of San Bernardino. The opportunity to paint the mural came about through participation in a Healthy San Bernardino collaborative meeting, which connected First 5 AmeriCorps member Ernesto Beltran, and Brittany Estrada of Hope Through Housing. Upon meeting with principal Beatriz Gonzalez of E. Neal Roberts Elementary, she agreed to the idea and welcomed the project at her site. AmeriCorps was not alone in their effort to get the mural painted. Students, parents, school staff and friends of the AmeriCorps members applied chalk, spray paint and about 10 gallons of paint over the mural to see it completed. They had the opportunity to leave their personal mark with handprints, framing the school’s new quad area stage mural. “To see the joy in the faces of the students when they saw the mural completed is beyond any monetary payment I could receive,” said muralist Alex Aguirre, who contributed his talents to the project. Those sentiments were echoed from many of the participants in the project. Those with personal connections to the school had desire to have an impact and an opportunity to give back. Mary Alvarez, Supervisor for First 5 San Bernardino AmeriCorps said, “We’re proud of our team for bringing a such an inspiring message to students at the school, and ‘getting things done’ in true AmeriCorps fashion.” For more information on First 5 San Bernardino AmeriCorps or First 5 San Bernardino’s programs, call (909) 386-7706 or visit www.first5sanbernardino.org.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 540

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 618

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 543

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 336

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 562

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 720

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 687

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 810

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 548

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 492

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 778

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 382

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->