A message from our Executive Director, Cheryl Opper:
I want to share an inspiring story with you. It’s hard to choose just one when there are so many, but this one shows how one person can change someone’s life.
Alexis is a third grader living in a motel with her mom. When we first met her, she was two grade levels behind in reading. Often, she would cry or shut down when she got frustrated doing her homework. Alexis’ tutor, Michelle, knew she loved animals, so Michelle would bring in special books and read aloud to her. This would often help Alexis relax and prepare for tutoring.
One day, after listening to her tutor read one of her favorite books, Alexis asked if she could try to read the story this time. She read the entire 10-page book all by herself with a huge smile on her face. I don’t know whose smile was bigger, Alexis’ or her tutor’s! When tutoring was over, she asked if she could take the book back to her room to read to her mother and her little sister. Children living in motels have so few items to call their own, a new book can be a prized possession.
Alexis has gone up a whole grade level in reading this year. Most importantly, she has developed a love of books. Alexis’ teacher tells us that her confidence in reading has carried over to the classroom.
Please join me in supporting students like Alexis who face huge obstacles in school because of family homelessness. There is no better time to show your support for our kids. Our friends, The Weed Family, have agreed to match up to $10,000 in donations in our annual 100 Families Challenge. Their generosity will DOUBLE the impact of your gift to not only provide our children with new books and the school supplies they need, but also to support our tutor training programs for the community volunteers who help children feel important and find success in school.
I want to say a “BIG THANK YOU” to everyone who helped us raise $17,000 towards our $20,000 goal. Your support is what makes our program possible. If you haven’t taken the challenge yet, please consider making a donation today to help us raise $3,000 by June 30th to meet our goal.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cheryl Opper
Executive Director School on Wheels of Massachusetts
