Deshun is a sixth grader and the kind of kid other kids look up to. He's great at sports, plays piano and in October Iowa City Mayor, Matt Hayek gave him an Outstanding Student Citizenship Award. He is confident, friendly, and a positive role model to all of the other children. He's the poster-child of the typical hard-working Iowa kid.
Nevertheless, when we first met Deshun four years ago, things were different. He was a second grader, small and very quiet. And as the new kid in the neighborhood, he was pretty shy.
The odds are often stacked against kids like Deshaun, but he was fortunate to discover the Neighborhood Centers.
His first summer in Iowa City, he enrolled in our full-day summer camp program where he went swimming, played games, did science and math activities and made friends. He stayed involved in our afterschool programs as 3rd grader-programs like football, piano lessons, photography club and chess club-programs that taught him skills and helped him gain confidence and friends. Since that time, he has enrolled in every afterschool club and summer camp available to him including sports, music, tutoring, and, most recently, a leadership camp.
Through the opportunities and support available to him at NCJC, Deshun has grown into a leader-confident and ready to take on more responsibility and challenges. Etc..
At the Neighborhood Centers, we reach more than 250 vulnerable children every day. Our programs have proven their success in helping families become self-reliant and in preparing children for the challenges of school and life.
Still, more work must be done and we need your help. Please make a donation to Neighborhood Centers.
