NOTE: As of Feb. 29, 2024, Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) has rebranded to Landmarks for Families. Our nonprofit, community programs and residential services remain committed to cultivating thriving youth and families in this new chapter.
Chantelle,* a victim of neglect by her mother and boyfriend, has bloomed under the compassionate care of Callen-Lacey Center, who rave about her determination to further herself and her motivation to succeed. Living in a safe and protective environment has allowed her to focus on creating a better life for herself, and she has excelled academically. She graduated from Berkeley High School in December as part of their early-out program and will begin classes at the Art Institute of Charleston on January 11.
Her ambitions include opening a restaurant and starting her own clothing line after majoring in Culinary Arts and minoring in Fashion Design. Her passion for cooking derives from observing that meals bring people together; she hopes her dishes will bring more people together and make them happy.
While the prospect of earning a good living and improving her quality of life are key motivators, something else drives Chantelle. With growing confidence, she declares “I want to show [the doubters] that it doesn’t matter where you came from, you can still succeed.”
