CSFP has the pleasure of working with some amazing people across Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Our Young Friends group brings together a diverse group of young professionals with one goal in mind: increasing access to quality education for Philadelphia children. We caught up with one of our young friends, Liz Moyer, to ger her perspective on why she volunteers, and what impact she thinks CSFP makes on the lives of children.
CSFP: How did you get involved with CSFP?
Liz: I met members of YFCSFP at a volunteer fair hosted by Young Involved Philadelphia. Volunteering is very important to me. I was raised to volunteer, and started when I was eight, so when I moved to Philly, I wanted to find an organization to work with.
CSFP: What has your experience with CSFP and YFCSFP been like so far?
Liz: I’ve been able to volunteer a lot, and have never felt pressured to do so. I host CSFP Reads, which is a family book club where we get to talk to kids and their parents about a book we’ve all read together. It’s been great to work directly with families, and it’s also great that the book clubs are on weekends, so I can volunteer while still working full time.
It’s also good knowing that you are helping to work against some of the effects of living in a low-income neighborhood in Philadelphia. CSFP places children in different situations, different neighborhoods. CSFP kids can go to schools outside of their neighborhoods, where sometimes they might not look like everyone else, and not only adapt, but thrive there.
CSFP: Anything else for us?
Liz: I cannot stress enough the importance of giving a child a scholarship, for all parties involved. It’s rewarding knowing that you [as the donor] are doing something right. And for the children, it’s important knowing that a stranger supports you because they know you have the ability to do something. It’s one thing for your mom to say “good job,” or for your teacher to give you a gold star; it’s a totally different thing for a stranger to give you a scholarship and say “You’re intelligent and you can go places, and here is the opportunity to do it.” Even if you are young and don’t fully understand it at the time, you can look back and think “somebody believes in me and I had this opportunity, so I’m going to work hard and keep succeeding.” I think that’s really important.
Read more about YFCSFP, and find out how you can give back like Liz.
You can make a private education possible for #PhillyKids this year! Help us provide quality, safe educational opportunities for thousands of Philadelphia students through scholarships.
