At the Family Success Center at St. Vincent de Paul, kids not only receive personal tutoring, a hot meal, and a great place to play, but they make connections with caring adults. In the summers, kids get the chance to go to robotics camp, learn chess and karate, or be on a dance or wrestling team—all at no cost to their families. The best stories come from the parents we work with, who are our partners in their children’s success.
From a parent:
“Riley started coming to the Family Success Center after being with another after-school program for several months and struggling to get his homework done correctly and on time. As a working mother, I would get off at 5:30 and race to get him by 6:00 across town. No one was helping with his homework, so it was either not done or not done correctly. We would then get home, get dinner started, try to do homework, get baths and get in bed by 9:00. Honestly, I was exhausted. He was falling behind on his sight words and he really needed someone with more time to help him with his homework.”
“He needed more individual attention.”
“After many a late night homework sessions that usually ended in tears (either his or mine) a neighbor suggested St. Vincent de Paul. It was just around the corner and they were open until 7, so no more speeding to pick him up! The icing on the cake was the professional staff who works with the kids. I very quickly saw a change in him when I picked him up from this program. His tutor showed him kindness and attention he needed and with our last report card he received the highest marks in sight words which he had been struggling with all year! His teacher has mentioned dyslexia earlier in the year. He needed that extra time and attention. As a mother, I knew he was capable!”
“Had it not been for the blessing of this after-school program, I would still be scraping by trying to pay for a program that was little more than a day care when my son needed real help with his education. I cannot thank the staff of St. Vincent de Paul enough for the kindness they show me and my child on a daily basis, the opportunities they have provided, and the love and compassion that is evident from every interaction I have had with them.”
It is stories like this that keep us all going. I hope it is a story like this that will inspire you to help make it possible for kids like Riley! Every child we serve has experienced homelessness. We can focus on the needs of these kids in a way no other organization can.
I think you’ll agree that it is crucial that every child succeeds. To have a chance, all children need to read on grade level and graduate on time. Education provides a child with opportunities for college, career, and hope for a better life. With your help, we want to change the odds for all kids!
Here are some ways you can help:
- $55 will provide back-to-school supplies for one student
- $120 will provide tutoring for a child for an entire year
- $600 will provide Chess Club camp for 1 week
- $2,500 will provide the Kentucky Science Center program for an entire school year
Your support means so much! Please make a gift today!
With sincere thanks,
Julio Anthony
Program Manager, Family Success Center
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