To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.
 - Barbara Bush

When Antonio Boyd, national director of US Programs & executive director of HOPE worldwide South Carolina, made an unannounced visit to one of his Saturday Academy Programs at Keels Elementary School in Northeast Columbia, little did he realize that he was in for a surprise.

Mr. Boyd first stopped into the school office to ask for assistance in copying an article on South Carolina's educational system. Ms. Betty, an office attendant, was more than happy to help him, and as she did she began to speak of the excellence of a program called Saturday Academy. Ms. Betty's granddaughter, Amanda, was a participant in the program last year, before graduating to middle school, and is now serving as a Saturday Academy volunteer.

Following his conversation with Ms. Betty, Mr. Boyd went in search of Amanda to hear in her own words her experience with Saturday Academy. Amanda spoke of how she was upset when she first received the invitation to Saturday Academy last year, and even cried. She thought the program was for intellectually-challenged students.

"When I received the letter of invitation to Saturday Academy I cried and cried and cried! I thought Saturday Academy was for the stupid kids and I felt like people would think I was dumb. When the day came for me to attend the first session of Saturday Academy, I was not happy," said Amanda. "But at the end of the day, I was smiling because I had so much fun and the volunteers were so nice!"

Amanda's experience with the program improved her performance in school and self-esteem. She was so inspired with the program that once in middle school, she returned as a volunteer.
 
"The character lessons taught me that I can be all that I want to be, and the staff and volunteers helped me to believe in myself. We played a lot of educational games that were fun and learning became fun," said Amanda. "Finally, my grades went from C's & D's to A's & B's. And, I graduated from Saturday Academy to middle school, but I have returned as a volunteer.  Now, I can help other kids who were just like me." 

Amanda, her grandmother Betty, her mother Susan and older sister Whitney all shared their story before the HOPE worldwide South Carolina Board of Directors.

 "I was so embarrassed when Mr. Boyd revealed that he was executive director of HOPE worldwide South Carolina, said Ms. Betty, Amanda's grandmother. "He probably thought I was crazy." 

Amanda's mother, Susan, shared her thoughts praising HOPE worldwide South Carolina's staff and volunteers.

"Amanda cried so much but she accepted the invitation. When she attended the first day, I picked her up and asked her what she did. She said 'we played games' and I thought, well, it's the first day. But, even today, she still says they play games but her life has changed," said Ms. Susan. "Her attitude changed and her grades improved. I know it was because of the nurturing relationships with the staff and volunteers. She could not wait to get to Saturday Academy. And when I'd come to pick her up, we could never leave because she had to stop and hug everybody!" 

 "My sister, Amanda, changed after she started going to Saturday Academy. She would get up early on Saturday mornings and I'd ask where she was going and she'd reply 'Saturday Academy,'" said Amanda's sister, Whitney, who excels in academics. "I came home from school and I saw her doing her homework. I was shocked! She really changed, and I was so happy because now I have a homework partner!" 

The whole family experienced the power of change in Amanda. This is an incredible family who is worthy of praise for their efforts to work together and make sacrifices to ensure that everyone succeeds in their family. 

HOPE worldwide South Carolina is proud to be associated with such an inspiring family and is so grateful for the Northeast Columbia Volunteers who consistently come to Saturday Academy, pouring their hearts into the children and their families. They are making a difference...they're changing lives...they're empowering communities.

Every single person has capabilities, abilities and gifts. Living a good life depends on whether those capabilities can be used, abilities expressed and gifts given. If they are, the person will be valued, feel powerful and well-connected to the people around them. And the community around the person will be more powerful because of the contribution the person is making. 
 - John Kretzmann & John McKnight. 

Since it's inception in 1994, over 450,000 children and families in South Carolina have been positively effected by the efforts of HOPE worldwide South Carolina. HOPE worldwide South Carolina's programs provide health information, early disease detection, tutors, mentors, after school programs, senior services and community development to the needy in the state.

Pictured: Susan, Amanda, Betty (left to right)