Today’s blog post is by Communities In Schools President Dan Cardinali.
As we approach the final days of 2012, there is much to take stock of and celebrate in our large Communities In Schools family. What I’m most grateful for these days is to be part of this wonderful, diverse, passionate and committed family. I had another year of logging a lot of miles, visiting several Communities In Schools local affiliates and partner schools, and being overwhelmed by great colleagues who, through love and sheer determination, help young people transform their lives every day.
On a recent visit to Communities In Schools of New Orleans, I was reminded by the team there of the courage it takes to battle through myriad barriers in order to successfully serve young people. They, like our colleagues in 200 other communities across the country, are the quiet heroes, doing whatever it takes to break the cycle of poverty and broken promises in students’ lives, to ensure each of them is loved and supported until they succeed.
The impact of this courage was beautifully captured recently, when I was chatting with a student served by Communities In Schools. While our organization improved his academic skills and helped him to manage his anger and fears, it was a much deeper transformation that he shared. When asked what was different in his life, he held my gaze and said quietly of his site coordinator, “She helped me turn my heart out.”
It is with deep gratitude and delight that I wish you all a blessed holiday season. And may your hearts continually be turned out!
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