Welcome back! Schools are open and CYD’s staff is helping our hardworking students prepare for success. But this year, we are facing unprecedented challenges in education. Funding, support, diversity, truth, and justice in our education system are under attack. I am asking all of you, CYD’s friends and supporters: will we be able to stand up together and fight for the rights of young people and the future they deserve? As Dr. King said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Our goal this year is not only to be heard but to take action where we can, open doors to new friends and partners, and build a coalition of those willing to support students in public education, including our newest New Yorkers, our young people living in poverty, our students with the greatest minds and highest potential who need information and opportunities to build paths to successful futures.
These are the students CYD has served for the past 30 years. As we commemorate that milestone this fall, we are sharing stories of our sheroes and heroes and celebrating the accomplishments of the thousands of young people who CYD helped to achieve a better future for themselves and their families.
As we begin another school year, please join us in our quest. Volunteer, donate, visit, or take a stand for equity, equality, or education in your community. One drop of rain makes many ripples on the water. I look forward to a year of grace, inspiration, and joy for all our young people.
Your dollars make a difference!
Without the support of each and every one of our individual donors, the stories you read about and the programs that make an impact in the lives of our young people would not be possible. Thank you!
