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.
The Carolina Youth Development Center Freedom Schools® program has launched an online fundraising initiative to raise $2,500 to support our children and help curb summer learning loss.
With school winding down for the summer and the start of the CYDC Freedom Schools summer reading and enrichment program ready to begin on June 15, your tax-deductible contribution will help provide books, supplies, instructional support, meals, activities and more for 50 vulnerable youth in our shelters and from Title I schools in the community.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer, in which groups of young people of all races known as Freedom Riders traveled to the South in buses and bravely joined up in the fight for equality, we are asking that you give $50 towards CYDC Freedom Schools’ ultimate goal of $2,500.
While there is no charge to families to enroll their child in Freedom Schools, it costs $1,200 per student to participate in the program. Please visit our donation page to give $50 or more, and help us continue to offer this nationally-recognized program of the Children’s Defense Fund, which boosts students’ motivation to read, and generates a more positive attitude towards learning. 2014 Freedom Schools end of program results indicated that 96.3 percent of 27 children either maintained or gained in instructional reading level and did not experience summer learning loss. Additionally, 80 percent of parents said they planned to be more engaged in their children’s school work in the coming year.*
If 50 individuals give $50, we will reach the $2,500 benchmark, all while supporting children like Terika Youngblood, a first year scholar with the 2014 Freedom Schools. Every day Terika enthusiastically arrived at 8 a.m. for the start of Freedom Schools with a smile and a kind word to all the other scholars and Servant Leader Interns (SLI) leading the program. She displayed great manners and was recognized for her perfect attendance. Terika also was a stellar emcee at our Freedom Schools Finale event. She was always willing to assist others, and took time out of her free play time to help clean the cafeteria.
*2014 CDF National Assessment
THE CHILDREN OF FREEDOM SCHOOLS THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!