Danny is an 11 year old who is not very keen in our after school program. When he came to the program, he didn't want anything to do with school and would be disruptive to those who wanted to study. All the volunteers couldn't connect with him and preferred to leave him alone. The school always suspended him and that is the only option we too were left with. Everything changed when he joined one of the soccer games and scored a goal. It was a huge moment for him and he was well praised! He feels like a somebody again. He now listens to all staff, does his homework without any hassles and respects other students. He used to fight him mom; since the dad left the family. He now enjoys coming to our program instead of the mall and streets. His social skills are improving and we can now work on his academics; making sure he doesn't drop out of school and makes it to college.

Andrea has been coming to our program since grade one. Her behavior has been very challenging. She was expelled from a catholic school in grade two, and now goes to a public school. We have always accommodated her by talking to her and showing care. We are starting to see some positive signs of progress. According to her mom, her conduct both at home and in school has improved. She is one of the few students showing great progress in her great four class. In her recent report card; she has moved from NI (needs improvement) to G (good) and E (excellent) in all categories, and for the first time has attended a whole semester without suspension last fall.

We now celebrate birthdays at Reaching Up, thanks to Shirley. She came to the program one day very upset not wanting to socialize. After some discussion she shared with tears pouring down her face. Her dad didn’t show up to take her out for her birthday as he had promised. To make matters worse, her step brother had just had a great birthday with his dad a week before. I couldn’t help but get her a McDonald’s gift card. We then had a birthday party for her and all the other birthdays that month. Everybody now gets a $10 McDonalds gift card and a party on their birthday. For Shirley, Reaching Up is like her family. She listens to staff, willingly does all her school work and volunteers to help out.