Durant rises above

Like all kindergartners selected into the Friends of the Children program, Durant was screened and determined to be one of the most at-risk children in his classroom. He had struggled with physical ailments and what clinicians call regulating his emotions (he may fall apart at the word “no”).  Also, he was in the bottom quartile of his class for literacy and math skills.

Once enrolled in our program, he was paired with a professional youth advocate, Mr. Eric, an expert at radiating empathy while staying calm and firm — the kind of adult support missing in his life. He wipes away the tears and reminds Durant that he can handle disappointment.

Right now, that couldn’t be more important. A few months ago, Durant’s father was killed. It’s a tragedy all too common in his New York City neighborhood, and yet unimaginable to many. Durant’s mother is struggling and Durant deeply misses this steady figure in his life.

Mr. Eric’s constant presence is critical to Durant’s success and the balance of life is shifting: more accomplishment and nurture, less violence and fear. Durant is getting the academic support he needs through our Afterschool Enrichment Program.  By the time he reaches the third grade, he will be testing at grade level – one of the most important predictors of his future success in high school and beyond.

Thank you all for your support of Durant and Friends of the Children NY.