There IS Hope

Sometimes it seems like we are surrounded by stories of tragedy, hardship and tough times to come. But in my role as President of United Way of Pickens County, I have a front row seat to witness the good in people, too. Neighbors helping neighbors through gifts of time, talent and donations reminds me that there is hope in the world. Today, I want to talk about that hope.

Most recently, hope appeared to me in the form of a Junior at Daniel High School, Keyla. When Debbie Vaughn from Lakes and Bridges Charter School called to endorse Keyla as a summer intern with United Way, I said yes! Why not? I love working with students, and there was plenty to do at our summer reading remedial program, Camp iRock.

Keyla said she was up for anything, and on her first day, I immediately introduced her to Paige Holliday, the Camp iRock site director for our Easley location. For the next four weeks, Keyla showed up to work on time and performed her tasks without direction. To say Paige was over the moon is an understatement.

Keyla had the most amazing gift of talking with the children who opened up to her about their true feelings. Even though I have spent the last 9 years of my summers at Camp iRock, I was viewed more as a grandma. One kindergartener reminded of this when he said, “You look like my Mee Maw.”

Point made.

One little boy opened up to Keyla about his feelings of embarrassment and hopelessness. He felt dumber than his peers because he had a hard time concentrating. He missed the 3rd grade reading mark and without Camp iRock, he was slated to repeat the 3rd grade. He told Keyla that he felt safe at Camp iRock because everybody was struggling like him.

These feelings of belonging, along with the phenomenal support system of teachers, YMCA counselors, and Call Me MiSTER interns, motivated him to improve. Soon he became the most curious student in the classroom, asking questions with genuine interest. His willingness to learn and not give up paid off big time…he made an almost 20-point jump in his MAP reading test score, the highest growth in the class. Now he feels empowered and smart. His new found confidence made him excited about reading, and has given him hope for a bright future.

Another little boy poured his heart out to Keyla. He was a quiet, introverted and shy boy whose mother was recently incarcerated. Through writing exercises, he found an outlet to express his emotions and cope with his grief. Through his improvement in writing, he was able to communicate with his mother, whom he rarely saw. Although, heart wrenchingly sad, what a wonderful gift Camp iRock gave to this child. He now has hope for a continued relationship with his mother.

Camp iRock would not be possible without the support of this community. There were almost 500 children at Camp iRock this summer, and we needed every extra pair of hands and hearts available. We also needed extra funding because Camp iRock is an expensive investment in these children and in our community. Individuals, foundations, corporations, Rotary Clubs and more, stepped up and contributed because they know READING is the future. They provided hope to struggling children.

Even though it is almost a year away, we are gearing up for Camp iRock Year 10. We can hardly believe that the first class of Camp iRock campers will be graduating from high school in 2024. What a testament to the power of a community that believes and supports education. I am humbled, and your generosity gives me hope.

If you would like more information about Camp iRock, I am just a phone call, text or email away. Here is my contact information…jcapaldi@uwpickens.org. My cell is 864-420-1635. Talking about reading is my most favorite thing.