As a DEF scholarship recipient, I was able to alleviate any financial hardships I would have had by attaining a post-secondary degree. The scholarship allowed me to realize that despite our financial struggles, I could find success through my academic achievements and that I am made for a bigger purpose and for bigger things.
Every Monday afternoon, I hurry to the DHA Community Resource Center to meet with my mentee Tamiya. We discuss serious and silly issues, try unique snacks from around the world, swap school horror stories, offer solicited advice, study, listen, laugh often and freely, and daydream endlessly.
My little brother has benefited tremendously academically and socially from the mentoring program. Before he joined the program, he was shy and reserved. Slowly he began to open up and became more socially aware. His mentor not only built up his confidence, but he has become someone my little brother looks up to and admires.
At Winnona Park, DEF’s Arts-Infusion Grant allowed us to delve into a musical journey with Elise Witt, an internationally known performer, songwriter, and linguist. Students studied insects commonly found in the Winnona Park school garden and composed songs about the insects with verses in English and Spanish. And the first-graders composed songs about chimney swifts. Winnona Park was blessed to have benefitted from DEF’s Arts-Infusion Grant!
I am thankful for the work that the Decatur Education Foundation puts into making the City Schools of Decatur a better place for teachers and students.
Most of us think we don’t have that much to give, but that’s not what’s most important. You don’t have to be a fount of wisdom; you just have to show up.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for the Decatur Education Foundation. Through the Lighten the Load program, DEF provides snacks and non-perishable items to help meet the nutritional needs of many of our children who attend the City Schools of Decatur.
The Decatur Education Foundation’s Lighten the Load program and other initiatives have been essential to supporting social work in the City Schools of Decatur. Our partnership has allowed us to reach families in need, remove barriers, and support school success for many of our students.
I cannot express the weight you have lifted from me. Thank you again for your kindness toward me and my children; it will not be forgotten.
The Decatur Education Foundation is an essential partner in all of our work at Westchester Elementary. Our teachers look forward to designing their Teacher Innovation Grant projects each year because they have the chance to dream big and be creative!
The City Schools of Decatur equity retreat was a powerful and intensive experience. We reached some breakthrough moments with the team, and our equity affiliates walked away with real projects to implement and a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks so much to DEF for providing this important opportunity!
The pressures and stresses faced by high school students these days are unprecedented. Fortunately, in Decatur, much-needed mental health services and addiction counseling are now being provided to our students by the Decatur Education Foundation and the City Schools of Decatur.