Ezra is the kind of child who brings energy with him. He is 9 years old, in 3rd grade, outgoing, friendly, and happiest when he is outside running and playing with his peers.

 

But behind that bright spirit is a story marked by hardship.

 

Ezra’s father is incarcerated. His mother is not engaged in his best interest. And last year,

he was diagnosed with epilepsy.

 

For a child so young, that is a lot to carry.

 

Still, Ezra keeps showing up.

 

For the past two years, Leaven Kids has been a steady place in his life. A place where he is safe. A place where he is seen. A place where he knows he is loved.

 

That love has made room for growth. A year ago, Ezra was afraid to even open a Chromebook. Now he thrives on it.

 

A year ago, he was unable to read at any level. Today, he is making meaningful progress and even asks to read out loud.

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He often says he loves coming to program because he knows he is cared for here and never judged. And that sense of belonging is helping him grow in every way.

 

Ezra has shown incredible emotional, mental, and academic progress. Even through the struggles he faces at home and at school, he continues to show strength, resilience, and a desire to become a good person.

 

Because of friends like you, Ezra has a safe place to go after school, caring adults to walk beside him, and the opportunity to keep building a more hopeful future.