Ready Yourself For the Future
May 2016
Ready yoUrself For the Future Leadership Team
Anthony Graham - Founder
Contact # 256-652-1790
e-mail agrahamruff@gmail.com
Lorie Wilson - Director of Operations
Contact # 205-270-6981
e-mail lwilsonruff@gmail.com
Jeff Owen - Board President
Contact # 256 -527-3289
e-mail - ruffpresident@gmail.com
Bruce Skrabanek - Board Vice President
Contact # 256-929-2917
e-mail - ruffvicepresident@gmail.com
Diane Sterling - Board Secretary
Contact # 256-655-1254
e-mail - ruffsecretary@gmail.com
Vanessa Schulte - Board Treasurer
Contact number - 571-435-3986
e-mail - Rufftreasurer@gmail.com
Karen Owen - Board Public Relations Director
contact number - 256-604-3703
e-mail - ruffprdirector@gmail.com
Ready yoUrself For the Future established 12/10/10
Email: agrahamruff@gmail.com
Website: www.ruffleadership.org
Location: 25836 Melrose Lane, Madison, AL, United States
Phone: 256-652-1790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RUFF-Ready-yoUrself-For-the-Future/189305831107430
Twitter: @readyyourself
Teachable Tuesday 4/26/16 Synergize
Alabama "A" Day 4/9/16
Alabama "A" Day 4/9/16
Teachable Tuesday - Dress to Impress 4/12/16
Special thanks to our AMAZING Sponsors!
Semper Fi
The Home Depot of Madison
Matt Curtis RealEstate
La Quinta on Hwy 20
Madison Hospital - You all are amazing!
Kristina Bass - We thank you for your Support!
Thank you Thomas Tingle and Redstone Federal Credit Union!
Allison Worley
May Schedule of Events
Applebee's Pancake breakfast Fundraiser
When: Saturday, May 14th
Time: 7:00 - 10:00am
I need 20 boys to help serve and recruit people to eat breakfast.
Boys need to wear a RUFF t-shirt.
Where: Applebee's 302 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL 35758
Date: 05/14/2016 (Sat.)
Time: 7:00am - 10:00am CDT
Location: 302 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL 35758
Signup here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0949afa822a31-applebees
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 07:00 AM
Applebee's, Hughes Road, Madison, AL, United States
Each One Reach One - Leadership class/BBQ
Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12:00 PM
25836 Melrose Lane, Madison, AL, United States
CASA ramp build
Saturday, May 21, 2016, 08:00 AM
403 Stella Dr, Madison, AL 35758, USA
A R.U.F.F. " Night of Honor"
http://goo.gl/forms/bRZDSN6GTn -- sign up here
When: Thursday May 26th
Where: Madison City Hall 100 Hughes Road
Dress: Business professional
5:30 - 6:00 - Social Hour
6:00 - 8:00 - Dinner/Graduation Ceremony
Families on R.U.F.F. members welcome and encouraged to attend
Thursday, May 26, 2016, 05:30 PM
Madison City Hall 100 Hughes Road
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT R.U.F.F.
When and where did R.U.F.F. begin? R.U.F.F. began on December 10, 2010 at Heritage Elementary school.
Is R.U.F.F. a nationally recognized organization? No, R.U.F.F. was founded by Anthony Graham for the young men of Northern Alabama.
Is R.U.F.F. a non-profit? Yes, R.U.F.F. is recognized as an operation 501C3 by the Federal Government. Our tax id number is 47 - 2490837.
Who can join R.U.F.F.? Any 5th - 12th grade young man coming from ANY TYPE of family situation. Registration for DEVELOP class # 3 begins May 2016.
What are the demographics of DEVELOP class #1? White - 55%, African-American - 33%, Asian/Pacific Islander - 5%, American Indian/other - 7%
How is/are the character trait(s) being taught to the young men? The R.U.F.F. leadership team currently writes and teaches our own curriculum based off the needs of our boys and the issues of our community and nation. We teach in large and small group settings, one-on-one counseling sessions and/or over technology methods.
What is DEVELOP, INPSIRE, EMPOWER and LEADER? These four programs are designed by the R.U.F.F. leadership team to turn our young men into outstanding leaders in their schools, homes and communities, Each program is a year long class. The boys start their R.U.F.F. journey in DEVELOP and have to graduate each level in order to move through the ranks.
How are donations used? 100% of the money donated goes directly to the young men, their families and ways to give back to our community. Our current goal is to pay for 75% of all activities and trips for our young men.
What is the current/projected R.U.F.F. budget? $40,000 a year in 2014 -2015: $80,000 in 2015 - 2016; $180,000 in 2016-2017 and $200,000 in 2017 - 2018.
What schools are associated with R.U.F.F.? We are currently working with young men from the following schools: Bob Jones, James Clemens, East Limestone High School, Columbia High School Discovery Middle School, Liberty Middle School, Hampton Cove Middle School, Heritage Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Country Day School, Columbia Elementary, West Madison Elementary, Rainbow Elementary and several home school young men.
TESTIMONIALS
"I can't tell you how refreshing it was to see 4th, 5th, 6th graders recognizing the importance of their choices that positively reflects on the group." Russ Kennigton, Captain, City of Madison Fire & Rescue
"It's making responsible citizens. One of our key elements of education is preparing future leaders for our country and this is helping meet those needs." - Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler
Mr. Graham is a man who gives of himself freely, not only to his family and the school kids, but his community. His involvement with fostering positive development in our boys plus being a great teacher, makes this a win/win for our kids and community. John D ~ Proud parent of R.U.F.F. son
I think that RUFF is an important organization because it helps us understand what life will be like. It helps me realize that I will be an important person and with the right decisions I will be successful…..John August Busch, former R.U.F.F. member
Let it be known to the world that Mr. Anthony Graham is a wonderful influence on the young men he has taken under his wing. Thank God for blessing my son and these other young men with such an AWESOME role model! I'm sure other parents won't mind me speaking for them and saying THANK YOU!!!! - Lorie W. - R.U.F.F. parent
Two years ago our son came home from school and said he wanted to join RUFF. What’s rough we asked? Anthony Graham came into our home and hearts and has become one of the most generous, positive role models my son has ever had. His program teaches our young men how to have Courage when their self confidence is being tested, Integrity when it would be easier to go along with his peers, and unconditional love and guidance that makes them strong of heart. Anthony has the gift that touches people’s heart with his words and sincerity, his passion is unequaled. - Char J. R.U.F.F. parent
“I have seen the R.U.F.F. program in action, and it is outstanding. The program teaches and instills core values of integrity, commitment to excellence, and leading by example to our youth. I continue to receive comments from parents with children in the program, and they are very thankful for what this program has done for their child. It is a motivational, team building, friendship bonding program that is shaping our youth today……to be our future leaders!” - Troy Trulock, Madison Mayor
Spotlight on R.U.F.F. Member of the Month - Brandon
Brandon is a 7th grader at Discovery Middle School. His various interests include reading, photography, learning to play the violin, and playing challenging video games. He joined the RUFF program because,“I wanted to learn things young men should know, be active in my community, experience fun things and make new friends.” “I’m excited about all the upcoming events.”