Champions - Stories of Hope

SO WHAT?

We have 60 at risk urban kids registered for our after school program this year. So what? What does their coming to the Center do for these youth?

Youth are given a chance to improve academics through tutoring and daily homework help

...they have a chance to learn that they have a destiny that is greater than their surroundings.

...they are able to establish several caring relationships with teacher/mentors and regular volunteers and college interns.

...they are given many opportunities to participate in positive alternative activities instead of taking or selling drugs, getting pregnant, or drinking.

Stories of Hope

One young lady, Adrienne, in 10th grade at Harrisburg High School came to us last fall making D's and F's. She was very discouraged and did not like school. Drop out rates are quite high in the city, and naturally we were concerned for her. She was mentored by our teen class teacher, and by spring of that year her grades were up to A's and B's. She graduated successfully and is now at Empire Beauty School.

Another young man in our program, who has known Mr. Eric for about six years through playing basketball and the after school program, has graduated from high school as the first in his immediate family to do so. He has some difficult situations in his family life, but he has risen above the odds and is making it. We are very proud of him.

Gloria is a mother who has been with us for eight years. When we first met her she had come to do community service at the Center for Champions where her children were attending our after school program. Since that time she has given her life to God. She has made a lot of good choices and has been able to buy her own house. She is now on staff at Center for Champions as our Classroom Aid/ Bus Driver and helps with the performances of the dancers. She’s an irreplaceable asset to the Center. She ministers to the other mothers. She continues to care for 7 children, four of her own and 3 of her sisters.

Natasha started CFC 8 years ago and began dancing on our dance team when she was very young. She is now our main dance leader and teacher. She blossomed from shy little girl to a beautiful 17 year old young lady with poise and confidence.