Meany Middle School students Ben and Joey (left to right, below) have seen their grades and their confidence improve, thanks to their ongoing participation in The Rising program, one of Seattle CARES signature programs. In addition to Meany, The Rising also has a program at Denny International Middle School.
When signing up for The Rising, Ben’s mother Tiffany hoped it would expose her son to positive role models and help him develop a more confident self-image. She also wanted him to make new friends. Marauita’s son Joey has seen himself become “more of a leader and have more confidence.”
The young scholars also gave positive marks to The Rising. Joey found that his participation in the program “kept me out of gangs and gave me something to do.” His favorite part was working with mentors and getting additional tutoring. Ben also liked that he made new friends and that the teachers were very supportive.
Both moms participate in the Wellness Circles for parents, a safe space for them to meet with other women and de-stress. “The Wellness Circle has impacted my life and helped me have an effect on other women,” said Marauita. “I take the things we talk about and see how they can be incorporated into my own life.”
While the boys are looking forward to time off this summer, their mothers hope their sons’ progress will continue to grow. “I want him to take the values he learns from The Rising and apply them not only to school but in his future life, as well,” said Marauita.