Fundraiser Story

“Every child is one caring adult away from a success story.” In 2023, I met a first grader through our Project Turnaround group. Whenever he made a mistake, he would harshly criticize himself, saying things like, “I’m stupid,” or “I can’t do anything right.” I made it a point to counter his negative self-talk by acknowledging his courage to participate and volunteer answers. I also thanked him for showing respect, such as when he raised his hand to respond to a question. One of the core concepts we emphasize in our program is self-worth, which includes self-awareness and celebration—helping students recognize their value and develop a more compassionate inner voice. In 2025, I had the pleasure of working with this student again, now a third grader. This time, he did not exhibit the same negative self-perception he once had. His growth was a powerful reminder of the impact a caring adult can have.

About the Organization