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Next Door Board of Director Marge Laughlin, Brenda Levatich, Nancy Roos, Mary Kellner and Kathryn Housiaux

Guests filled the fellowship hall at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for Next Door’s 50th Anniversary Campaign kick-off event.

Dr. Tracey Sparrow, President of Next Door, shares highlights from the organization’s latest “Report to the Community” about the progress of Next Door and its students.

Todd Gordon shares his memories of the founding of Next Door in 1969. His parents, Royal and Donna Gordon, helped form the organization.

Isouma Shine, Jr. and Franco Childress share their experiences as Leading Men Fellows working in Next Door classrooms this school year. The fellowship is run by The Literacy Lab of Washington, D.C. and recruits young men of color to explore careers in early childhood education.

Dr. Michael DeBisshop, with the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, speaks with guests following the program.