CYDC / news
Protecting childhood. Preparing for adulthood.
Fall 2011
Volume 1, Number 1
Big Brothers Big Sisters: we raise self-worth
Dear Friends:
While many of us
communicate most
of the time using
electronics ("smart"
phones, computers, etc.),
I believe there are many who
appreciate holding old-fashioned
paper in their hands, periodically.
We are sending this brief
newsletter so that you will have
that opportunity and will learn
more about our work, our youth,
and other activities in which CYDC
is involved. We plan to send this
newsletter quarterly, and hope you
enjoy both the medium and the
message.
Happy Thanksgiving to All,
Barbara Kelley Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Charlie* was just 8 years old when his father took his own life. The effects
his father’s suicide had on him were devastating. He became quiet and
reserved, started failing his classes, began being bullied in school, and
was diagnosed with ADHD. His mother signed him up for Big Brothers
Big Sisters when he turned nine, and Charlie’s life began to change. After
meeting with his "Big Brother" Brian* weekly for the next year, Charlie
became more outgoing at school, met a lot of new friends, is on the A/B
honor roll and
has even been
"I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Everything has
taken off his
been wonderful! Brian and Charlie really seem to get along
medications!
great and Charlie looks forward to seeing him each week.
His mother
I am more than happy with the entire relationship and
couldn’t be
the service we receive! Charlie is definitely doing better
and has been able come off his ADHD medication. Your
more thrilled.
organization has been a godsend to us!
- Charlie’s Mother
Charlie
continues to
thrive through his match with Brian, and Brian enjoys watching him grow
into a confident young man. Charlie and Brian’s friendship is just one of
more than 200 matches supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters of CYDC. For
more information, please visit www.cydc.org or call (843) 266-5200.
*not their real names
Thankful for Altria’s Tradition of Giving
A group of employees from Altria Group recently spent a day on a series of
beautification and improvement projects outside of our Bakker Career Center.
The 30 volunteers, who hailed from all over South Carolina and coastal Georgia,
worked together to extend the rear patio, spread fresh pinestraw and planted
annuals, and built new picnic tables and benches, among other tasks. Altria
Group generously donated $15,000 to fund the projects.
Members of the Altria group later came together with CYDC staff to dedicate a
special sign for The Tree of New Beginnings, a 100+-year old tree behind the
Bakker Center, so named by the children on campus last year because many of
them felt it describes the second chance they receive at CYDC. The sign reads:
Volunteers from Altria Group with the sign
naming The Tree of New Beginnings.
"This grand oak tree is a symbolic reminder to us all that no matter the Transitions we face, we too are firmly grounded, confident
that we will overcome the Endings, navigate the Neutral Zone, and succeed in the New Beginnings."
Since 2001, Altria Group has donated over $186,000 and its employees have given over 1,400 volunteer hours to
various landscaping and maintenance projects at CYDC.
Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Charleston, SC
Permit No. 565
Our Mission
Carolina Youth Development Center
(CYDC) assists children in reaching their
full potential as healthy and well adjusted
individuals by delivering a continuum of
prevention, assessment, intervention, and
treament services.
Founded in 1790 as the Charleston Orphan
House, CYDC serves the Lowcountry and
coastal South Carolina.
5055 Lackawanna Boulevard | North Charleston, SC 29405 | (843) 266-5200
Protecting childhood. Preparing for adulthood. cydc.org
Bringing the Barbados-Carolina Connection to Life
by Jay and Monica*, Bakker Ambassadors
This summer I (Jay) participated on the Bakker Ambassadors' Journey
into Charleston's historical and cultural connection with Barbados. When
we first left we went to Middleton Plantation and saw the rice fields and
learned about how the African slaves farmed them. Since the plantation
slavery system that took root here came from Barbados, this was an eyeopening look into the culture we share. Then, we went to Beaufort to learn
how that culture stretches across the whole Lowcountry. At the Beaufort
National Cemetery I (Monica) got to visit my grandmother's grave which
was my first visit since her passing over four years ago.
The next day, we explored Magnolia Plantation, and afterwards roamed
Downtown Charleston to learn even more.
Monica* takes a closer look at her grandmother’s
grave.
Some of my favorite parts of the trip were the hands on learning. Like, we were taught some Barbadian cuisine
at Charleston Cooks. The next day, we learned how to surf along with kayaking. We also learned about the men
who fought in the early war at Sol Legare Seashore Farmers' Lodge, a cultural meeting house on James Island.
On the final day, we talked to Rhoda Green of the Barbados Consulate in Charleston, who taught us fully what
Barbados-Carolina Connection was all about and what it really meant to be a Bakker Ambassador. I think we are
all excited about sharing this history with the Charleston and Bajan communities.
*not their real names