“Graduating High-school has always been one of my biggest goals and to have accomplished it is definitely something I’m proud of. Now, the next goal is to graduate College in hopes of creating a change in the community that has raised me.” – Anahi
“Graduating is my biggest accomplishment and I am excited for the next step. I’ve always wanted to go to college and become something of myself so that I can move my family out of poverty.” – Armonte
Anahi and Armonte first joined us at the Vine between the ages of 5 and 8, and now we celebrate their graduations from High School! With years and years of sharing joy, sorrow, and love together, we can’t help but be excited! We are proud of their hard work, learning, and resilience as we have watched them grow from children into powerful young people. The Illinois University of Technology and Rockford University will be better with them there!
Thank you to each of you who have supported us in any way to invest in their young lives.
Even as we celebrate their success, our hearts have been heavy this year as COVID-19 and its impact most viciously affected the education of students living in low-income communities. This injustice to our youth is inexcusable and city-leaders continue calling for policies to address the inequity our students are confronting. For now, the youth deserve that we stand in this gap. Will you join us? We suggest the following:
- Educate yourself on the history of racism and segregation, and then work to start dismantling it in your own heart. Please feel free reach out if you need resources.
- Consider how you might redirect and leverage resources and connections to strengthen disinvested communities.
- Pray, Go, and Do
“I think there are so many possibilities and ways to respond in the coming school year as many students will struggle to catch up, but New Life Centers will be here to continue to support, empower, and help each child learn and grow here.”
– Jessica Quigley, Humboldt Park Site Director
