As a single parent, my seven-year-old daughter, Jocelyn, means everything to me. I want to make sure she gets every opportunity to succeed in life. That’s why I’ve enrolled her in CrossTrainers Academy, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s school for children who live in Joy House or in the community.

I’ve lived in Milwaukee for 20 years and I’ve seen what happens to too many children who attend some of the schools here. The classrooms can be too crowded, there aren’t enough teachers, the kids don’t get the attention they may need, and it’s not safe. I’ve seen kids taking knives and guns to school!

Beyond ABCs and 1-2-3s

Jocelyn started attending CrossTrainers in 2006, when she was in K-4. When I found out the school offered small class sizes with teachers and teacher assistants, I knew she would get the personal attention she needs. And now that she’s in second grade, she’s excelling.

I also want my child to come to school and learn in safety. I never have to worry about her when she’s at school because I know this is a safe environment for her. But what I love most is that she’s learning more than her ABCs and 1-2-3s. She’s learning more than English, math, and science — she’s reading the Bible and learning about God. And she’s learning to believe in herself. There’s more to education than facts. There’s also faith.

Learning to Make Choices

I was a wild young man. I had a lot of opportunities in my life, but I didn’t know how to take advantage of them. So I never reached my full potential. That’s not going to happen to Jocelyn. Her dream is my dream. I want her to grow up knowing how to make good choices.

Jocelyn loves attending CrossTrainers Academy. She’s happy, she’s safe, and she’s learning. I don’t want her going to any other school.