Success Story: Judeline and Youth Mentoring

At United Way of Central Florida, we are increasing the educational success of children who who start school without the basic language skills they need to succeed, including those without a background in the English language. When children work with a partner program like Camp Fire USA's Youth Mentoring, they show measurable improvements in their academic standaing, giving them the leg-up they need to succeed in school and become productive, self-sufficient citizens of our community. Here's one example:

Judeline and her twin brother were born in Haiti in 2000. By the time they were four, civil unrest caused Judeline's mother to decide to leave the country so her children would be safe. With the help of a relative in Florida, they were able to make their journey, leaving the father and other family members behind. Although Judeline's mother wants a better life for her children, her lack of fluency in English made it hard for her to find full-time work. Fortunately, the twins started Kindergarten here in the States, and they have been able to help their mother with some of the communication barriers they have encountered.

But coming to school without fluency in English has also been a problem for Judeline. She has struggled academically, and was held back in the second grade. Recently, Judeline, her twin brother, and her younger sister became involved with Camp Fire USA in Winter Haven. Through the reading and comprehension programs offered, Judeline has improved her reading scores by two reading levels. Her teacher has also reported many improvements and consideres Judeline a success.

Her teacher, Mrs. Larramore exclaimed, "She is making learning gains! In fact, she improved 23% in her reading from August to December! I am very proud of Judeline!"

Judeline's determination to succeed, combined with the resources available through this United Way partner program, has made a lasting, positive change in her life and both will take her a long way toward meeting her goal of becoming a surgeon.

Success stories like this are not isolated incidents at United Way of Central Florida partner programs because our teams of volunteers make sure that funded programs impact the most critical needs in our community. When you donate to United Way of Central Florida, you help thousands of students in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties get the educational support they need to succeed. And because children who are exposed to the educational opportunities available at our partner programs show significant improvement in standardized test scores, and other measurements, than children who do not, you can rest assured that your donation will be used effectively.

Help us to help more students like Judeline. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United.