Success Story: Alfonso, Kimberly, and Jose

Thursday, 17 of June, 2010

Through your generosity and your commitment to our students, you helped to make SRA’s seventh Annual Gala our most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history. It was truly a memorable evening, highlighted by the heartfelt speeches by three SRA students, siblings Kimberly Armstrong, Jose Taylor, and Alfonso Taylor. Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that Alfonso, Kimberly, and Jose faced, each one made the choice to “rise above.” They recognized SRA and thanked us all for helping them navigate the challenges of college and of life, and for helping them to realize their shared dream of earning a four-year college degree. “SRA is our family,” they commented, “We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Growing up was extraordinarily painful and difficult for the three siblings. After witnessing the murder of their mother, they went to live with their grandmother who was physically abusive. When the beatings became too much, they moved in with their aunt. But the abuse began again. They survived by finding strength in each other and by focusing on the one avenue that held promise for a different life—education.

Students Rising Above supported all three siblings, providing the financial and emotional support they each needed to prepare for and succeed in college.

Alfonso, Kimberly, and Jose, like all SRA students lack the emotional and financial support of their families. SRA tailored its support to meet their individual needs so that they could be successful in college, career, and in life.

Kimberly Then: Kimberly arrived at Cal in her freshman year with only a backpack filled with clothes. She had nothing else. When SRA Program Director, Barb Hendricks, learned of Kimberly’s plight, we immediately responded by purchasing Kimberly bedding, towels, a laptop, and school supplies.

Now: Kimberly graduated from UC Berkeley in 2006 and is currently attending USF Law School. And, SRA learned a valuable lesson from Kimberly’s experience. We now send all our freshmen off to college with the necessities of dorm living.

Jose Then: Jose was failing some of his classes in his freshman year. The reason was because he couldn’t see the blackboard; Jose needed glasses. Dixie Ruland, SRA Healthcare Coordinator located an optometrist in New York, nearby where Jose was attending college. We purchased him a much-needed pair of glasses and Jose’s grades quickly turned around.

Now: Jose is attending Manhattanville College and will graduate this month.

Alfonso Then: Despite his success as a college student, Alfonso worried about whether he would be able to compete in the workforce upon graduation.

Now: After receiving the one-to-one support he needed from Lauren Brener, SRA Summer Internship Coordinator, Alfonso has a leg up on his peers. Lauren worked closely with Alfonso, helping him write his resume and setting him up with a volunteer who coached him on interviewing skills. With SRA’s help, Alfonso impressed Wells Fargo Bank and was offered a summer internship that provided him with valuable, real-life work experience. Alfonso will graduate from Ohio Wesleyan next year.