My Nonprofit Reviews

Hi! I was introduced to this program by my sister who was actively involved in SRA. She kept telling me what a great organization it was so I agreed to attend one of their gala events a little over a year ago. I was so impressed by what I saw and heard at the gala that I found myself announcing that I would like to become an SRA mentor! I think I was taken most by how sincerely appreciative the kids are. They just seemed to "get it." So, before I knew it, I was signed up and assigned to mentor a young woman from San Francisco and I met her almost a year ago in October of '09. I have to say I was a little bit nervous and didn't really know how it would all work out given the differences in our background, but it's been a great experience for me and I think I've been able to provide a little bit of help to a young woman who is an amazing person in every way. I have to say that I've grown to really love her like she were my own and I think she will be in my life for many years to come. In addition, I've been able to observe the effectiveness of the SRA program close up through her experience and I must say, it is extremely impressive. They do a GREAT job with these kids, who otherwise I'm sure would not be at all properly directed. The kids are guided through their senior year in high school by the SRA counselors to make sure they get their college applications in completed and on time and they really assist them with that entire process. My student was successfully accepted into several colleges and then it was just a matter of helping her select the right one for her...which is where I got to play a role. She's now safely tucked in at the college of her choice and is experiencing her freshman year like any other kid...having a great time, going away to school, leaving home for the first time, and dealing with all of the changes and experiences that come with going away to college! She's the first in her family to attend college which is a great source of pride to her and to her granny! I love this program. The kids really do appreciate the assistance they are receiving, and the program actually works! SRA's graduation rates far exceed the average for this demographic. So, one student at a time, we slowly change the world!

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