YFT Graduation Ceremony

June 12, 2014

Graduation is certainly a special milestone. It is an especially significant accomplishment for the children at Youth For Tomorrow. Children come to YFT struggling with behavioral issues, failing in school and having given up in their classwork. Through a personalized approach and small class sizes at YFT, these children learn to overcome their struggles and the majority of children complete their coursework successfully.

On June 12th, families and friends of YFT graduates, along with members of the Board of Trustees, excitedly filled the auditorium for this year’s commencement ceremony. Students actively participated in the ceremony. Brandon, a high school graduate welcomed the guests and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dezmond provided the invocation. What an accomplishment for these students to confidently address a crowd of more than 200 guests!

Two girls powerfully and bravely shared their testimonies. Gabi, who was named Valedictorian for her graduating class, shared how she had been abused by family members and made her rounds through foster care since she was 11 years old. Gabi describes, “People who don’t want help won’t change. I didn’t want anyone’s help – I didn’t want anyone’s advice or love – I wanted nothing but what I thought I needed, which was freedom.”

Gabi continued to rebel and was placed in home after home. Until she reached Youth For Tomorrow. “Becoming a resident at YFT has been life changing. I could not be more thankful. I love the program and Joe Gibbs, for being such a creative man to build this place. Gabi continues, “I came to YFT thinking I didn’t need help. I wasn’t here for the same reason as other residents, but then I realized we all need the same thing. We need shelter, people to protect and guide us – and we need love. That’s what YFT has provided for me.”

“I have been accepted to Valley Forge Christian College and have been awarded a $40,000, 4 year scholarship from YFT! I have also received an Academic and Athletic scholarship from Valley Forge and I am playing volleyball for their school. Here I was, worried that coming to Youth for Tomorrow would not help me accomplish the goals I worked hard to establish. But only in Gods time, YFT truly blessed me and my future. I have to say thanks again to everyone who supported the students at Youth for Tomorrow and we are all blessed to have you in our lives.”

A former YFT resident (2004), Gabriela also shared her story at Graduation. She did not want to come to YFT and even ran away several times. She left YFT with the same mentality. Shortly after, she became pregnant and reality hit her. She knew she needed to change, not only for herself, but now for her unborn child. Gabriela successfully earned her GED and went on to college. She received an Associate’s Degree through Northern Virginia Community College.

Gabriela has been awarded a scholarship through Youth For Tomorrow and will continue her education at George Mason University in the fall, majoring in Philosophy & Law. She aspires to become an attorney.

Gabriela shared, “YFT was a blessing in disguise; I did not realize how important this foundation of constant love, encouragement and support would be in helping me face difficult situations in the world. This is not the end, but rather, the beginning.”

What remarkable young ladies! We are so proud of what they have accomplished and wish them God’s richest blessings on their journey ahead.

Our graduates are attending colleges such as Northern Virginia Community College, Valley Forge Christian College, Germanna Community College and more. They aspire to become missionaries, lawyers, nurses, social workers or to work in law enforcement.

Thank you for generously supporting Youth For Tomorrow. You are having a direct impact on these young lives. Because of you, these students were able to receive the help they needed to redirect their lives both academically and behaviorally. Thank you so much!