“Friends are Family…!

Thanksgiving For Much!

It is December…and the Copey Learning Center (CLC) is closed down for their summer break. Before closing, CLC conducted its annual graduation ceremony Sunday, November 24th. Among these graduates are a couple future “Pathway Project” recipients we can expect to see in June 2020.

The enthusiasm continues among the Copey parents and the community for the work of the CLC. This grass roots level of folks is determined to keep this learning center operating.

Congrats to all of the students, parents, and the Board of Directors and thank you for letting us be part of your success.

Ana Yancy…says goodbye!

Ana Yancy’s final week of work with the CLC ended last week. She has served as the Executive Director and “interim” director for four years. She traveled twice to America as chaperone for the “Pathway Project”, and has been my key contact with the CLC since Angela left. I have enjoyed working with her and will miss her cheerful and positive “can do” attitude she always expressed. Ana recently posted her final goodbye on the CLC Facebook page. She says…

“Today I say goodbye after four years of unforgettable experiences. Feelings found, but above all, a deep thank you to all the people who through these years I have known, have helped me, corrected and supported.

To every family father, to every volunteer, to every student I say thank you and wish you growth and prosperity in the most human program I have ever known. Thank you to all the people who provide selfless support of time and money for this program to hold. Thanks to the board of directors.

Thanks to Arthur Broady and all the friends of copey, who despite the distance, collaborate and identify with each of our purposes.

I’m following a dream, but with the certainty that these years have turned me not only into a better professional but a better human being. With a deeply grateful heart and with a thousand memories.”

Ana Yancy

From all the “Friends” Ana touched along her journey with the CLC, “Thank You”! 

Maliek Broady…!

My oldest grandson, Maliek, played his final regular season football game for the University of Nevada last Saturday. Game day was also Senior Day and several family members and friends attended the game to share “Senior Day”.  Nevada lost in overtime but still seem to have a great chance of being invited to a bowl game during the Christmas season. 

Being a grandpa means you can be proud of your grandchildren for anything. And, I am often proud! The past few days in Reno sharing time with family and friends and especially time with Maliek and his brother Mykel have been very special.

Maliek arrived at the University of Nevada as a “walk on” out of his desire to be a member of the football team. After two years of personal determination and devotion to his dream of  playing college football, he was awarded a very precious scholarship which are not just handed out. He earned it and this alone speaks volumes about his willingness to sacrifice, to hold fast to his dream, meet all the obstacles in his path, and have the power of faith. There are many life-lessons played out in Maliek’s journey to “Senior Day”.

So hats off to a really wonderful grandson who has completed his college journey as an excellent student, a really decent young man, well-mannered, well-adjusted, and academically successful in spite of all the demands imposed on him as a student athlete.

Maliek reminds me that dreams are powerful and important. Whether on the football field or sitting in a learning center in some remote part of Central America, young people have dreams.

Our job is to care…to motivate…to inspire! We can be engaged to guide young folks through those wonderful life-lessons. Helping in small ways produces big results. I continue to remind us of the motto we adopted nearly six years ago as it seems more and more appropriate to our efforts as “Friends of Copey”.

“When many will do just a little…A lot will get done for Kids!”

Family Illness Continues!

Harold Evans (my uncle), who resides in Hampton, Virginia has been reported having experienced a stroke following Thanksgiving Day. He is in need of prayer and I call on all my “Friends” and prayer warriors to get busy with prayers. AMEN!