Success Stories

My Story

Meet Sophia and her son

Shortly after coming to this country (speaking no English), Sofia began to be plagued by feelings of depression, choosing to stay inside all day. Roberto, her 4-year-old son, wanted to interact with other children he saw in the neighborhood, and yearned to go to school to meet them.

Sofia was motivated to seek outside help when she realized how terrified she was of being in social settings where people spoke English, and she could not understand what that person was saying. Those instances of helplessness needed to be addressed, so she entered NVCS' Family Literacy Program to help herself and her family. Today Sofia is much less anxious in social situations, and is on her way to developing English conversational skills.

Sofia has also come to develop a social network of friends among the other parents in the program, something that she did not have before. These new friends have motivated her to become more open to sharing her experiences and to not be as isolated as before. Sofia has developed confidence and self-esteem. Roberto has also thrived emotionally, physically and mentally. He loves attending the early childhood educational center. Today Sophia's main goal is to keep studying English so that she can continue to assist her son as he advances through school. Most importantly, she is proud to be a part of a happier and healthier relationship with her family.

My Story

Meet Eva

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Before becoming a part of NVCS' Family, Friends and Neighbors' (FFN) Program, Eva would babysit for one child once in a while on weekends; her childcare skills and knowledge were minimal. Eva did not teach or provide educational activities for the children, all she knew to do, was to make sure the child was fed and entertained with toys or television.

Today, Eva is providing care for three children; as a result of entering the FFN Program, she has changed her frame of reference on how to occupy the children under her care. Eva now has an art center with art supplies, she has learned how to make different educational materials with recyclables, and now plays an active role in what activities, games and toys she will use to stimulate their young minds.

Through participation in the FFN Program, Eva learned how to provide the children with structure, rules and schedules, necessary to aid their growth and development. Eva has also been preparing to become a licensed childcare provider, participating in a Family Childcare Home Orientation, Red Cross Health and Safety Training, as well as CPR and Standard First Aid.

Childcare is becoming a family venture for Eva, whose daughter is now also a part of the FFN Program, as she plans to assist her mother with her business. In addition, Eva's husband is considering leaving his job to join the business once his wife becomes a licensed provider. The entire family has been motivated to make a change in their lives, based on the training and education the FFN Program has provided.

My Story

Meet Ron

When Ron* first came to the Breakfast Program he was about 35 years old. A quiet, unkempt man, Ron was struggling to kick his drug habit. Although he managed to never get arrested, Ron always seemed skittish and anxious, constantly looking around. Ron always came for breakfast, and, without fail, was one of the first in line for the monthly haircuts. He enjoyed talking with and receiving encouragement from the volunteers.

Ron liked to say that he would come to the Breakfast Program to get his stomach and his spirit filled at the same time. After months of struggling, Ron entered a rehab program. He now visits NVCS and its volunteers to share how happy he is with his drug-free life, which includes living in a group home where he proudly makes his own meals.

When Ron comes to NVCS he sweeps the walk and parking lot, but does not eat. He says the meals are for those who need it, as he once did. But he does miss the free haircut, he says

My Story

Meet Marco

Children who speak English as a second language struggle in school every day and sometimes cannot or do not know how to ask for help. This is especially true for the low income children, whose parents aren't able to afford tutoring, or who can't speak English themselves. Marco,* now a third grader, was born quite premature, and suffered from a speech delay; in school he was placed in special education classes due to his learning difficulties. While math and reading were challenging for him, the hardest part of school was the teasing he received from his peers.

When Marco's parents enrolled him in NVCS' Youth Program a year ago, he was reading two years below grade level. Working with his NVCS tutor every day, Marco is now reading at grade level, and has made great progress in math. These accomplishments have given Marco self-confidence and self-respect, and with it, he has learned to stop letting the other children bother him -- instead he has gained many new friends.

Marco still comes to NVCS' Youth Program every afternoon. He still struggles with math, but has come so far in his studies that he no longer needs to attend special education classes at school. NVCS believes in children like Marco. That reversal is what the agency's Youth Program strives to achieve.