Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Helping children worldwide build resiliency, improve focus, and overcome poverty and abuse.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Focus for Success
Educational and services to improve focus and attention, nutritional education, child development education, parent coaching.
The St. Vincent Initiative
The St. Vincent Initiative is our collaboration with localorphanages and programs for children in SVG. In August 2017, we conducted a Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study (NAFS) to see how we might be of assistance. Our initial analysis involved orphanages.
The NAFS recognized the need for training to help people serve children who have been traumatized. The population expanded to all traumatized children.
From 2018 - 21 we are developing a core group of adults to provide mentoring to children and adolescents at three levels:
• Kinship Partners training – to foster long-lasting relationships between caring adults and children and teens.
• Stephen Ministry training – to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to children and teens who are hurting. (Later, this might expand to serve adults as well.)
• Mental Health training and Spiritual Direction – to provide guidance to overcome trauma and abuse, and to find connection to God acting in our lives.
Emerson Spanish Immersion School Collaboration providing Focus for Success
We provide volunteer staff, provide equipment, and assist in the development of an after-school Extended Learning Course. The program will follow the Focus For Success framework which includes a computer-based software called Play Attention to help increase focus, attention, and executive functioning.
Where we work
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Program I: Helping traumatized children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
Resiliency can be nurtured through a relationship with a caring adult who can share a sense of hope. We will train local community members to help children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines using 3 "layers" of accompaniment.
Program II: Focus for Success
Improve learning and school performance for children by teaching focus and attention skills. Develop brain healthy lifestyles using the 6 pillars of brain health
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Program I:
Each child will be matched with adult mentor(s) based on their needs. We will provide training for adults to serve as mentors and models. Training layers will be:
• Kinship Partners training – to foster long-lasting relationships between caring adults and children and teens.
• Stephen Ministry training – to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to children and teens who are hurting. (Later, this might expand to serve adults as well.)
• Mental Health training and Spiritual Direction – to provide guidance to overcome trauma, abuse, and to find connection to God acting in our lives.
Program II: Cedarbrook’s Focus for Success
Children will learn to focus using Play Attention – equipment originally developed by NASA. Sensors read brain waves much like a stethoscope reads heartbeats. Students learn to activate the "brain waves for focus" by controlling computer activities ("games") with brain activity alone.
Other components fo our Emerson Focus for Success program include:
• Movement – physical activities that improve brain function and focus
• Nutrition – enjoy healthy brain snacks (and bring recipes home to share)
• Nature and Nutrition – plant and grow a brain-healthy potted garden
• Relaxation & Mindfulness – learn relaxation and calming techniques that improve focus (and likely improve sleep at home)
• Interact with others at brain-stimulating strategy games (chess, checkers, Go, and others.)
• Students will also coach peers to improve focus and gain the benefit of improved learning and focus for themselves
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Few in number but passionate volunteers. No administrative expenses (all-volunteer).
"Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow." ~ D. Everett 1797
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Accomplishments
Mentors for kids in SVG
Needs Assessment & 3-layered mentoring planned
2 years preparation
5 trips
Enrolled local Mentor Coordinator & SVG Coordinator
Kinship Training in February 2020
Stephen Ministry Leadership training Spring 2020
Training teachers & counselors in SVG
150+ teachers / 5 schools
Working with & teaching traumatized children
Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies
Stress reduction for teachers & students
Developmental Assets & Adverse Childhood
Experiences
Communication & Self-Awareness training for 15 Peer Counselors
Attachment & Child Development training for Staff at 2 Children's Homes
Delivered 100 lbs of school supplies collected by St. Francis School
Emerson in Minneapolis
33 students served in Focus for Success
4 PA Brain Training systems acquired
2 workshops for 35 teachers
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Cedarbrook Center
Board of directorsas of 08/30/2022
Jerry Jensen
Jerry Jensen
Cedarbrook Counseling LLC
Sandra Larson
Brainerd Public Schools
Brianna Jensen
Emerson Spanish Imersion School
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 11/17/2020GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.