Epstein Community Foundation
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The employees of Epstein, a Chicagobased architecture, interiors, engineering and construction firm, have founded the Epstein Community Foundation to partner with communities for improved schools, safe environments and sustainable design.
The first major Epstein Community Foundation project is with McNair Academy, located at 4820 W. Walton Street in the South Austin neighborhood. The K-8 student body of 650 (including 150 special education students) is composed almost entirely of African-American students from low-income households.
The employees of Epstein created the Epstein Community Foundation to help build brighter futures in areas that need help and McNair School was the perfect candidate to partner with. McNair is embarking on positive changes, including significantly improved test scores. The percentage of students who meet or exceed standards for their grades grew from 23% in 2005 to 41% in 2007. Epstein wanted to support the efforts of the principal, teachers, students and the community to continue the momentum of these improvements.
Currently underway at McNair is the Epstein-sponsored program, "Real Men Read." Epstein employees regularly visit McNair to participate in reading sessions with students, aimed at demonstrating that "real men" read and value education. The program aims to encourage and improve literacy skills of students, provide mentoring opportunities, and reinforce the importance of student achievement as well as community
partnerships.
The Epstein Community Foundation has put in place a number of other programs for McNair students, including:
" Letters to Santa (wishes fulfilled by Epstein employees)
" 3,500 items donated in a school supply drive
" Summer Build program, in which students learned design, engineering ; construction techniques at Epstein offices
" Architectural Field trips
Epstein Community Foundation -