Dear ICYO Friends,
Every child deserves the chance to succeed, to feel confident in the
classroom, and to look forward to their future. For many of the students
we serve at Inner City Youth Opportunities, the path to success is often
blocked by circumstances far beyond their control.
We want to share the story of Charles, a bright and resilient 7th grader who, until recently, was on the brink of academic failure.
Charles has faced significant challenges since he was a toddler. He has been raised by his great-grandma, Charlotte, since he was just 18 months old. Charlotte provides a loving and stable home, but the emotional and financial strain has been immense.
For years, Charlotte watched Charles struggle in school. She reached out to the school for support, but without the means to afford a private tutor or a learning center, the critical academic intervention Charles needed remained out of reach.
By the time he reached 6th grade, Charles had all “F’s” on his report card. He was losing hope and falling further behind. A compassionate teacher finally connected Charlotte with ICYO—and that’s where everything began to change.
At first, Charles was reluctant to attend our after-school program. It took his great-grandma begging him to give it a try. But the support and positive environment we offer soon changed his mind.
- He stayed for the summer programs, where he got to experience the joys of summer camp, learn a new skill like tennis, and—most importantly—receive focused, consistent support for his academic skills.
- By 7th grade, Charles couldn’t wait to come back. He now eagerly attends ICYO, is engaging socially, and is already making great improvements in the classroom.
- Charles has all “B’s” and one “C” on his report card!
Charlotte is incredibly thankful. “ICYO has been the resource I couldn’t afford to give him,” she says, grateful to see her great-grandson growing academically and socially.
You Can Be the Anchor for a Child Like Charles! Charles’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact our program has. Your contribution directly provides the essential services that hardworking families like Charlotte’s simply cannot access otherwise: tutoring, academic intervention, safe after-school supervision, and enriching activities.
Please consider making a gift today. Your support doesn’t just fund a program; it funds a future—a future where a child like Charles can leave “F’s” behind and embrace the excitement of learning and success.
Thank you for believing in the power of every child.
Sincerely,
Nick Lazaro
Executive Director
