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Testimonials

GIVING IS MAGIC
Our Kids Grow Through Giving


Children with disabilities often don’t recognize their abilities and become discouraged about learning.

Earning gifts for others infuses these youngsters with a powerful new identity. In fact, gifts are kids’ #1 choice.

Giving works like magic!

Marcus – who’d been ready to give up on school at age 9 – gained confidence from earning hand lotion and bubble bath for his mother. Now when assigned a book, he says, “I can read that!”

By doing my homework four weeks in a row I earned Christmas presents for my family. Now I do my homework without being told!
-- Monte, age 8 

Kaylun started 5th grade not knowing his ABC’s, telling his teacher: “I’m too stupid to learn to read.” After earning gifts for his mother and sister, Kaylun began reading Dr. Seuss. The following year, he read 3rd grade chapter books.

One student saved for months to earn markers for other students. Per his instructions, we distributed the markers while his class was at recess, never revealing his identity. The children were excited about their secret hero – a boy who then met state benchmarks for the first time! 
–- Ann Foulger, special education teacher

Josh started 4th grade reading at the 1st grade level. He earned the Harry Potter collection for his sister one book at a time and ended the year reading at grade level.

Be part of the magic!

Thank you for your continued commitment to our most vulnerable children and their families. Literally, your work is changing and helping children build life-long skills as they learn to love the benefits of hard work and the joy of generosity.
-- Melinda Holben, special education teacher, Pioneer School

The Shadow Project helps me get my work done. The best thing was I got a watch for my mom.
-- Kayla, age 8

This is the best thing in the world.
-- Gwen, age 7

I saw deep and last effects that could not have been reached without the assistance and support of the Shadow Project. My students learned to not only take care of their own desires, but to meet the needs of those that they cared about. This is one of the hardest and most valuable lessons to learn in life.
-- Steve Orndorff, Alternative Education Options program, PPS

It is heartwarming to watch our students who struggle the most become engaged and focused on learning
-- Tina Daily, principal, Bridger Elementary

I used to be bad at math, but now I’m good at math, and at reading and writing, too!
-- Jocilyn, 4th grade

My students arrive on time and get right down to work. They are very enthusiastic and have discovered the pride and joy of accomplishing their goals and achieving success.
-- Caroline Kornberg, Markham Elementary School

Thank you for getting all of the stuff and it makes me want to work. I bought a teapot for my mom for being a great mom. I just gave it to her like a regular day.
-- Gillian, 5th grade.

The Shadow Project helps motivate and give hope to these high-risk children, many of whom were ready to give up on school--and themselves. The average amount of time our students spend out of class dealing with behavioral issue has decreased, the number of students we send back to less restrictive environments has risen and that family involvement has more than doubled at the monthly parent night and other school events. We have also seen a sharp drop in absenteeism. Students are more engaged in school and more motivated to show up.
- Stacey Sibley- Pioneer Special School Program Principal, Jeff Brown- Pioneer Middle School Vice Principal, and Michael LaFramboise- Pioneer Elementary School Acting Principal

 

Nationwide, one in three students with a learning disability drops out of school. With your help, we can lower the odds.

The Shadow Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Copyright © 2006 The Shadow Project, all rights reserved.