Dear Friend,
Meet Melvin — a perfect example of resilience and the power of community. His journey with Morristown Neighborhood House began in first grade. Life was difficult for Melvin. His mother, a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet, passed away while he was still in elementary school, leaving him with both emotional and academic challenges.
Melvin faced difficulties in school due to his dyslexia. He struggled with reading and often felt discouraged. But thanks to the unwavering support of our staff, he never felt alone. Melvin recalls, “The before and after school teachers never gave up on me!” With their help, his reading skills improved, and his confidence grew.
One Christmas, shortly after his mother passed, Melvin felt love and warmth, something he hadn’t experienced in a long time. The Neighborhood House provided his family with compassion and gifts, reminding him that even in his darkest days, he wasn’t forgotten.
Melvin continued our programs through middle school, and at age 15, he joined our teen program, taking a leap toward leadership and growth. He became a Summer Camp Counselor, finding joy in guiding younger children. Recently, in a full-circle moment, Melvin joined our staff as an Assistant Teacher in the afterschool program.
Now, Melvin dreams of becoming a teacher. He wants to inspire future generations just as he was inspired by the mentors who never gave up on him. “The Neighborhood House is a loving place. I want to give kids the same experience I had. It’s a safe space, and everyone is like family.”
Melvin’s story shows how life-changing our programs can be for young people and right now your support is critical. We provide more than just academic support — we offer a safe haven, a sense of belonging, and the tools needed to thrive, even while facing adversity.
Every day more young people like Melvin are searching for the guidance, love, and opportunities that we provide. With your generous donation, we can increase access to these vital programs, offering hope and a brighter future. We are fortunate to have such a caring community supporting our programs so that everyone has a chance to live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Together, we are creating a stronger community!
With sincerest gratitude,
Patrice Picard, Chief Executive Officer
Cornerstone Family Programs