Dear Friend:

Graham is on a mission to provide every young person we serve with the support they need to unlock their full potential and to thrive. Because of your support, over 150 young people graduated from middle school, high school, and college this year -- many as the first in their families!

We celebrated those students at Graham's annual Graduation Celebration on June 26th at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

At the Celebration, Takeyer, who graduated from High School this year, shared her inspiring story:

"It has not been an easy road to make it to my senior year, and most importantly to graduation...I would often cut class, without the realization of how my future would be impacted. During that time, I wanted to have fun and live in the moment. When I got pregnant, I struggled with the idea of going to school and having a baby. I wasn't sure what to do and I felt hopeless."

That changed with support from Takeyer's Family Success coach.

"She told me that I needed to take control over my choices, choose myself first and that it is okay to fail. She expressed to me that failure is just the beginning to success."

Takeyer will transition to College in the Fall with a goal to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her dream is to help others, which is something that her grandmother instilled in her.

For Yenifer, the Graduation Celebration was one of the proudest moments of her life:

"I am no stranger to facing challenges head on. During my first semester of college, I was placed on academic probation. I failed all but one of my classes...I am standing here as a witness that we are not our situations, and that we can elevate from where we once were. I did it, and so can you!"

With support from Graham, Yenifer set goals for herself and reached out for help when she needed it.

"Who would have thought I'd be here I am today? The Ms. Nobody to many is actually a somebody! Not just someone, but a strong, powerful, courageous, leader and go-getter! Congratulations to all our achievers in the room!"

Thank you for supporting Graham's mission and giving Yenifer, Takeyer and all of our achievers a reason to hope, and to believe in themselves and their future.

Sincerely,

Jess Dannhauser
President & CEO



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