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Letter from Executive Director
Dear Loaves and Fishes Friends,
At Loaves and Fishes we are
excitedly preparing for the upcoming academic year. Before we move on
however, we are also celebrating some of the accomplishments.
We continue to be energized
by the wonderful students in our program! The students come to Loaves and
Fishes each afternoon to get help with homework and grow as individuals
through enrichment activities, community service, character education and
much more. We know that the only other alternative for many of our students
would be the mean streets of Raleigh, and we give thanks that they are
with us doing something positive instead of engaging in high risk behaviors
like so many of our lost. The highlight of the year for our middle and high
school students was a trip to a ROPES course in Reidsville, NC. The students
were reluctant at first when they heard of the challenge before them and
there were a few moans and groans when they found out that the weekend would
include no mobile phones, CD players or TVs. The trepidation soon turned to
wonder as they began to challenge themselves on the low ropes and moved on
the high ropes course. Many did things that they did not think they were
capable of doing and, as a result, their self-esteem grew. They also found
that they really enjoyed the little things like having meals together,
sitting around a campfire, singing songs and telling stories. When asked,
the “worst” part of the trip for every single student came when it was time
to leave. Our elementary students continue to make us smile as they
willingly try to new adventures and show tremendous tenacity in all things.
They often begin elementary school well behind the other students but with
the individualized help that Loaves and Fishes gives them each afternoon. We
are so proud that all of our elementary school students were promoted last
academic year! This is the beginning of a path to academic achievement and
lifelong success!
We celebrate as one
of our students who has been involved in Loaves and Fishes since
kindergarten recently graduated from high school and is now a Freshman and
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In a letter that she wrote
to the Loaves and Fishes students she wrote, “There
are so many fun days to think of, but there are also those days when you
would rather be at home running around with your friends or watching TV or
just sleeping. We all have those days but we get past them because we know
that there are plenty of kids who wish they were in our place. Because in
our place we have so many advantages. We have so many opportunities
presented to us to get us to that higher level. We have so many people who
actually care and want to see us succeed. That is why I stayed here until
the end. Once in a while, you should just stop and say “Thank You” and show
your appreciation.” So, on behalf of all of the children of Loaves and
Fishes, Thank You, Thank you, Thank you!.
Blessings and peace,
Susan Duncan
Executive Director
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News and Upcoming Events
March, 2008 - Lifting Minds and Hearts breakfast
August,
2007 LAF newsletter (pdf)
April, 2007 - N&O Article
March,
2007 - LAF Newsletter (pdf)
2007 - LAF celebrates 25
Years!
November, 2006 - LAF Newsletter (pdf)
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