CLC Network is supported by Dan Bajema of DLB Consulting Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan, providing database programming and consulting services to small businesses, non-profits and schools. dbajema@dlbnetwork.com
THE CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF CLC
1999-2000
The Schools Attuned program began with the Christian Learning Center as a Midwest Regional Training site.
The “Generation to Generation” campaign ended with a grand total of $1,845,553.
CLC statistics: 107 staff members, 31 Christian schools, over 1400 students served.
CLC Adult Services formed its first Business Advisory Committee to assist with development of the STEP Internship Program.
Allendale, Lamont and The Potter’s House schools initiated CLC’s Resource Services.
DirectLine Work Solutions was launched under the guidance of Pam Steenstra.
Annual budget was $3,000,851.
2000-2001
Fred and Kathy Rozema donated a new van to South Christian High School’s CLC Inclusive Education program.
CLC’s DirectLine joined forces with Community Mental Health of Barry County, the Michigan Department of Career Development and the Workforce Development Board of Michigan Works!.
Dr. Mel Levine was honored at a luncheon hosted by CLC administration and Schools Attuned staff.
Annual budget was $3,063,245
2001-2002
12% of students in network Christian Schools in West Michigan used CLC services.
CLC held its first annual golf outing to support Adult Services.
CLC statistics: 49 professional, certified special education teachers (26 full-time, 23 part-time), 55% held Masters Degrees or higher; over 135 para-teachers working side-by-side with CLC teachers; average length of service for teachers was nine years.
Horizons group met on Fridays on the campus of Calvin College.
Barb Newman published her first book, Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, through Faith Alive Christian Resources.
Annual budget was $3,326,245.
2002-2003
Steelcase Foundation gave a $25,000 matching grant for the Access to Information technology project.
Computer stations for students with disabilities provided text-to-speech software.
CLC services reached to 1,763 students in 39 Christian schools.
CLC held 5th annual Schools Attuned training, including adaptations for secondary level teaching.
CLC Resource Room space at Ada Christian was renovated, complete with windows to the atrium, a couch for reading, individual study areas and a private lavatory.
Family Fare Stores partnered with CLC’s DirectLIne STEP internship program.
The CLC SuperBowl moved from Grandville to Eastbrook Lanes in Grand Rapids.
TV-8’s Sports Director, Jack Doles, gets his first-ever hole-in-one at the CLC Golf Outing at Pilgrim’s Run Golf Course.
The Paraprofessional Recognition Day hosted over 100 para-teachers for a day of thanks and encouragement. Glenn Vos, Superintendent of Holland Christian Schools, gave the address.
Annual budget was $3,392,675.
2003-2004
CLC began its 25th year with the theme “Step By Step.”
CLC students attended the Summer Service Learning Academy at Calvin College, a program for 16-26 year-olds with developmental disabilities.
The CLC Psychological Services Division staff totaled three school psychologists and four support staff (two of which managed the Lakeshore CLC office at Zeeland Christian).
CLC staff and board members at network schools made squares for the CLC quilt that was pieced together by Sandy Van Wyk, sold twice at the annual auction, and now hangs in the Central Office at 4340 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Zeeland Christian hosted the CLC Friendship Festival.
South Christian High School’s Connections Council held the first Connections Banquet for CLC students and alumni. It was a night of good food, games and square dancing.
211 bowlers participated in SuperBowl, raising $21,000 for Christian Special Education.
Annual budget was $3,475,208.
2004-2005
Grandville Christian was selected as a Schools Attuned Exemplary School, endorsed by CLC School Psychologist, Doug Bouman.
The CLC Auction raised $29,500 - still held in the Seymour Christian School gymnasium.
The Signature Sound Quartet performed at a CLC fundraiser at Fair Haven Reformed Church.
CLC celebrated its 25th anniversary at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship with Ken Medema and the CLC choir performing.
Annual budget was $3,701,805.
2005-2006
CLC began renovation of its new office building at 4340 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI.
The Steelcase Foundation offered a $50,000 challenge grant for renovation costs.
Christian Learning Center name changed to CLC Network, with a new logo and new colors.
DirectLine began the Ready for Life program in collaboration with the Kent Intermediate School District, Forest Hills Northern High School and Northville Public School.
Under the guidance of CLC teacher Marcia Fortner, the Peer Assisted Learning Program was started at The Potter’s House High School.
Louise Sonderfan retired as Administrative Assistant, replaced by Carla Avink.
CLC Network teacher and church consultant, Barb Newman, authored her second book, Autism and Your Church – Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
CLC launched a new program of special education for churches, led by CLC teacher Barb Newman and Supervisor of Support Services, Judi Warner.
On Thanksgiving weekend, the CLC Network moved into its new headquarters in Wyoming.
CLC’s Adult Services formed partnership with Young Life, launching Capernaum Ministries. Meetings were held in the CLC Network’s new home at 4340 Burlingame Ave. SW.
Drop INN was initiated, a hang-out opportunity for young adults still living at home. CLC Network staff volunteered time to talk, play games, and watch movies.
Annual budget was $3,020,036.
2006-2007
The CLC Network Auction moved to a new location at Calvin Christian Middle School.
Barb Newman and the CLC Network Circle of Friends Drama Team participated in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s Symposium of Worship.
Pam Steenstra and Judi Warner spoke at the Down Syndrome Association of Western Michigan Conference and the West Michigan Inclusion Network Conference.
Jenison Christian hosted the CLC Network Friendship Festival with a Treasure Island theme, and an all-day rain certainly made it feel like an "island" experience!
176 golfers participated in the 6th annual CLC Network golf outing, raising $29,000.
Free adult education seminars were held at the CLC Network offices: “Disability Ministry and Your Church,” “ADD/ADHD and Your Child,” “Homework: Easing the Homework Battle,” and “Autism Spectrum Disorders: What They Are and How to Help.”
The Ready for Life Academy started at Calvin College.
CLC Network Art Auction was held at the Eyekons Gallery in Grand Rapids.
The CLC Network was the Schools Attuned Professional Development Provider for the Midwest.
Largest annual budget ever - $4,210,843.
2007-2008
On-line English classes for academically talented students began through the CLC Network.
Ada Christian School hosted the Friendship Festival.
Team CLC “Think Tanks” were developed, consisting of community members along with CLC staff and board members to set future course for the CLC Network.
The CLC Network received a $20,000 grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to develop work with church congregations in the area of inclusion.
The CLC Network sponsored the first ONE BODY TOGETHER IN CHRIST conference together with Friendship Ministries, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding, and Breaking Barriers - The Disability Concerns Committee of the Christian Reformed Church.
The CLC Network hosted a breakfast for retired Christian School administrators.
The Ready for Life Academy at Hope College began with three students.
Dino performed at a Christmas concert hosted by the CLC Network at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship.
The CLC Network Auction raised $42,000 – securing the Steelcase Foundation matching $50,000 grant.
CLC Administrators consulted with schools in Iowa, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin, following the goal of a national outreach.
CLC Network "Think Tanks" finished their year-long work of structuring a new plan.
The CLC Network Church division introduced G.L.U.E. (Giving, Loving, Understanding, Encouraging) teams to area churches at a dinner held at Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church.
Annual budget was $4,192,264.
2008-2009
CLC Network Drama Team traveled to Iowa, performing at Central College, Pella Christian High School, Dordt College, Trinity College and the Heartland Convention.
EHTC’s "Chipping for Charity" Golf Outing was designated to support the CLC Network.
Dr. Robert Bulten spoke at a free adult education seminar, “ADD/ADHD and Your Child.”
Dr. Sherri Rozema, CLC School Psychologist, and Greg Yoder, Teacher Consultant, participated in the St. Thomas Teacher Inservice Day by talking about stress and learning.
Zeeland Christian finished renovation of the CLC Network rooms used by 54 students daily.
The CLC Network began work with the homeschool community, offering a Menu of Services including parent seminars, on-line classes, psycho-educational assessment, academic skill assessment, ADD/TOVA testing, and student consulting.
Horizons activities continued monthly at Calvin College.
Major CLC Board of Directors decisions:
At the board meeting of September 2008:
To have all 67 teaching staff on the CLC Network payroll transfer their employment to their local Christian school.
At the board meeting of October 2008:
To develop a menu of services approach to give all CLC Network contract schools more choice in how they spend their resources on CLC Network services.
At the board meeting of November 2008:
To find a new home for CLC Network's Adult Services programs and to release control as of August 31, 2009.
"The partnership we have experienced with the CLC Network has been invaluable. As a team we are able to know each student excellently, unwrap their unique learning packages and determine the programming needed to help them be as successful as possible."
Mary Broene, Principal
Grand Rapids Christian Middle School