Turning it Around
When “Deron” first met “Skyler” on their first day of United Way’s summer ReadUP program at CAFE, a United Way-funded agency, he knew he had a challenge in front of him. “Skyler has probably been the most stand-offish student I’ve ever had,” Deron said. “It was obvious from day one that Skyler does not warm-up to people quickly and it seemed that he had placed a ton of walls all around him.”
Deron remembers during their first few ReadUP sessions, Skyler would sit with his back to him, mumble, and sometimes even strategically place himself a seat or two away. But Deron made a promise to himself: more than just helping Skyler improve his reading level - which was a top priority - he would get Skyler to open up, engage and gain confidence in himself.
After weeks of Deron’s effort and proven, effective ReadUP programming, Skyler began to make real progress. “I am very pleased to say that along with the help of Skyler's other two tutors, we have turned that kiddo around – and literally, too!” Deron laughed. “He now sits next to us, jokes with us and even enjoys sharing personal stories with us. And he went up to a higher reading level!”
Because of United Way and CAFÉ, Skyler’s reading has improved, and overall he is more prepared to reach success in school. Because of you, life for Skyler - and for so many Central Indiana kids like him - is better.
Note: United Way works to improve the lives of all Central Indiana residents by focusing our work in four key areas – Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs. CAFE, is a United Way-funded agency addressing one or more of these priorities by striving to meet the identified needs of the community through community development, neighborhood organizing, economic development, workforce development, youth services, senior citizen programs and the provision of social services.