Our Clients Inspire Us

On Tuesday, we had a literacy workshop that was focused on the inauguration. The students watched the main events and then met for a couple of hours with our volunteer Ellen B., a retired teacher, to write about and discuss what the inauguration of President Barack Obama meant to them. There were tears of joy shed by students and staff as we watched the ceremony together.....and lots of cheers. Their written responses were so moving I wanted to share some of them on this Blog and the students generously agreed:

"The inauguration today was a big flag of unity for all waving high for everyone to see! We are going somewhere now that is worth traveling. Especially after the last 8 years. Hopefully this inauguration has a totally positive impact on each and every one of us as Americans. It was a dream and is now a reality! It gave me a sense of pride to be an American and a sense of dignity. And also the strength to understand that above all we can unite and be as one and from the looks of things we will!" - Ariann M.

"The inauguration of President Barack Obama means to me that my ancestors who were enslaved and died did not do so in vain. This inauguration means my young Black sons see in their lifetime what my grandmother who picked cotton could never imagine." - Debra H.

"I felt so emotional and proud to see and be a part of history. Today's event proved that goals can be achieved." - Sandra N.

"There will never be another day in my life that I will feel as proud to be an African-American woman as I feel this day." - Charlotte W.

"Today everyone gets to live the American dream!" - Ebony D.

"I feel this Presidency is going to let other countries look at the US with dignity and respect again. At the end of the day people all over the world will realize that it doesn’t take one race to rule a county or to succeed in life. We are all one." - Sandy L.

"We all know we need a change around the world; a change to accept people for who they are: not their skin color, but for being a human." - Marlene S.

"The people of American elected the best man. A man who happens to be Black. Children as well as adults can reach for the stars and achieve it. It has been proven that it is achievable." - Jackie W.

"I just hope that this brings all races together to help each other." - Ama S.

"Today I have very high hopes and expectations from not only a new President but the whole political administration of this Country." - Yvonne L.

"I feel good because I voted to put in him office. If I was still using drugs I would not have been able to vote or see the inauguration." - Carol B.

It's really a privilege for me to work with such incredible women. Every day, they inspire me.

Rich Lombino, Esq.
Director - First Step Program