Children of the City Success Stories

Once in awhile it is really nice to actually hear about the success of a charity program. In my work with Brooklyn-based Children of the City, I came across a story about a little 12 year old girl named Rosa. A couple of years ago she could not read a book as simple as Dr. Seuss, and when asked, she would scream and pound her fists, turn desks over, and send books flying across the room. Why? She would think, "I would think, 'Are they slow? why don't they understand? I don't read!! Do they even care?'"

But things changed when Rosa began attending an after school educational program sponsored by Children of the City (COC). She found nurturing volunteers, and structure that she needed to help her with her homework. It was also a refuge away from her home where her drug addict, alcoholic Mom lived.

Rosa met Nina, who is currently the director of education for COC. It was Nina who turored Rosa for three years, helping her learn how to read things like C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters .

Today Rosa says, "The plans I wanted for my life weren't possible unless I got an education from someone like Nina." Motivation was the key.

This organization serves the children and families of Southwest Brooklyn, and has for two decades plus. Most success stories include families that have overcome welfare and poverty, and even people who have overcome substance abuse, violence and gang activities. Today, like me, they are putting their time into the community and volunteering.