One of the reasons we started LIST was to provide a stable, caring environment for students to come and concentrate on their homework and academic progress. We wanted this for all students, but especially for those students that are facing a crisis in their lives. One example of this occurred last year when one of our student’s father had a stroke, her mother had other physical problems, and her grandmother lost her job. Despite the fact that the family could not afford to send her to LIST, we arranged for her to come at no charge until her family could pay.
This year, two of our students (brothers) who both have learning disabilities, had their house broken into. The thief was leaving the house just as the family came home, and the boys saw him flee. The family called the police, and they were not allowed into their house for several days as it was then a crime scene.
In each example, the routine of coming to LIST and the caring, consistent adults they meet here, are a positive source of strength to the students and their families. Our stable, caring environment is not only beneficial when a crisis has occurred, but it can also be a calming place for students who have had a bad day, or are not feeling good about themselves. It has been fulfilling to be able to play this role in our student’s lives, and it fulfills our 4 mail goals:
L We want to teach children to LOVE themselves
I We want children to INVEST in their future
S We seek to help students STEP UP to the challenges they face
T TOGETHER we will succeeed!
