Rising Stars Volunteer Tutors, a School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) affiliated ministry, began in 2004 with one pilot Catholic school and a handful of volunteers. Rising Stars called Milwaukee area SSNDs to stay present and committed to marginalized and vulnerable populations impacted by social and economic disparities. The goal of Rising Stars was to help elementary and middle school students in underserved areas achieve their fullest potential by emphasizing and enriching the education they were receiving in the classroom. This was in line with SSND’s mission of transforming the world through education, a mission established by foundress Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger in 1833 in Bavaria, Germany, and inherited and brought to the United States by Mother Caroline Friess in 1847.
On that foundation, built by Sisters Debra Sciano, Mary Catherine Dundon, Sylvia Hecht, Suzanne Moynihan and others, we continue to stand strong! Volunteer tutors share their time, enthusiasm, care and compassion in 16 schools throughout Milwaukee and surrounding areas. We are committed to boldly and courageously sharing SSND’s charism and history by:
- Educating with desire so our students grasp the star rising within them, beckoning them to achieve their greatest potential.
- Building a community of volunteers committed to educating, believing that the world can be changed through the transformation of persons.
- Creating a bond of trust and confidence through support, mutual respect and a model of presence.
- Remaining flexible and proactive in our methods to reach out to all students, especially during times of unprecedented crisis.
- Collaborating with local communities to ensure no one is excluded.
