the emPOWERment project: Funding/Donate

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Nash's Story

Nash (not his real name) was a student with a troubled past and was
bent on continuing it. A reluctant participant, to say the least, Nash
walked out of the first class mumbling decidedly disrespectful comments
about our program. He was no better the next session, to his teacher’s
chagrin, and we were told what a troublemaker he was in all his classes.

During the third session, one of the emPOWERment facilitators
followed him out of the room when he “escaped” and talked with him at
length. The rapport they developed eventually led to the facilitator’s
becoming Nash’s mentor for the rest of the school year.

From then on, Nash was pleasant and helpful during the Respect and
Manners classes — so much so that he was asked if he would like to lead
the students in the receiving line at the Metropolitan Community
College luncheon. At first he said no, claiming that he was too shy.

The Friday before the luncheon, we learned that Nash would not be
allowed to attend the luncheon because of missed homework in several
classes. Monday we discovered that he had made up thirty assignments
over the weekend so that he could go with his class to the luncheon.

Nash accepted the honor of leading his class through the receiving line.
Pride showed in his stance and demeanor... and we were so proud of him.

This and other “turnaround” episodes confirm that the
emPOWERment project is on the right track. Respect and
Manners at School and Work is truly turning young people around
and sending them in the right direction.