Announcements

For the graduates of Greater Life of Fayetteville’s (GLOF) 2019 I Am YOU-nique Summer Academy, graduation day was a moment to recognize the possibilities that exist when students are encouraged to discover who they are, explore who they can become, and understand that their future can be as extraordinary as they imagine.

The 14 students, representing grades 1–6, completed the summer academy surrounded by family, supporters, volunteers, community leaders, and advocates who had invested their time and resources in their success.

Throughout the academy, students were given opportunities to learn, create, explore, build relationships, and experience new things. But perhaps one of the most memorable experiences was having the opportunity to meet and interact with leaders who help shape the community in which they live.

GLOF extends special appreciation to Fayetteville Mayor and Attorney Marshall Pitts, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright and members of his staff, Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins, Tim Carmichael and his family, as well as each of the community leaders and their teams, for stepping away from their busy schedules to spend meaningful time with the academy participants.

For a student, moments like these can matter. A conversation with a community leader can become a memory that sparks the inspiration to dream big.


Fourteen Students. Countless Possibilities.

Ask the graduates what they want to become, and the answers reveal just how expansive their imaginations are. Among them were aspiring physician-scientists, fashion designers, soccer players, basketball players, football players, veterinarians, astronauts, politicians, and even a future comedian.

Their dreams reflected something important: they could see themselves becoming something greater. GLOF's message to its students has always been that being unique is something to embrace. Every student has individual gifts, interests, talents, experiences, and possibilities. The responsibility of a community is to help create an environment where those possibilities can grow.


Mission-Led Partnerships

Every helping hand made a difference. Businesses, churches, educators, families, volunteers, community leaders, and individuals came together to provide the resources and encouragement necessary to give these young people a meaningful summer experience.

GLOF extends its heartfelt gratitude to Covenant Love Church, B.O.S.S., Belk Department Store, CJK Custom, Jay Lax, Perfection Completion, Jermaine Stern, JL3 Brand, Knight Consulting, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Dr. Lowery, and his staff, and the many other contributors whose generosity helped make the program possible.

Donations of art supplies, school supplies, toys, books, games, coolers, apparel, printing, photography, design services, and other resources were provided. Those contributions also helped GLOF become a part of the Cumberland County Schools Free Summer Lunch Program, providing an opportunity to support the nutritional needs of youth while helping strengthen the broader community.

The academy's success was further strengthened by the many volunteers who gave something that cannot be purchased... their time. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to encourage every student, assist with activities, help create experiences, and contribute to the spirit of the program.

GLOF also recognized its Board of Directors, whose support included helping organize the parent workshop and strengthening the connection between the organization, the academy, and the families it serves.


More Than A Graduation

As the 14 graduates celebrated, the real significance of the day was about affirmation, telling every student that “We see you.”, reminding them that "Your dreams matter.”, and perhaps most importantly, it was about ensuring them that “We believe in you.”

That kind of encouragement can leave an impression long after the summer ends. They carried forward new experiences, new relationships, new memories, and perhaps a little more confidence in the possibilities that await them.

GLOF understands that investing in students is an investment in the future of the entire community. The organization remains committed to creating opportunities that encourage youth to discover their unique gifts, develop confidence, and envision positive pathways for their lives.


Possibilities Are Limitless

Congratulations to the 2019 I Am YOU-nique Summer Academy graduates and thank you to every person who helped Greater Life of Fayetteville remind them that their uniqueness is their strength and their dreams are worth pursuing.
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MEDIA INQUIRY | INTERVIEW REQUEST

Greater Life Of Fayetteville
hello@glofnc.org

Georgeanna Pinckney, Executive Director, 910-364-9531
Christy McNeil, Communications, 910-779-0003
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About Greater Life of Fayetteville, Inc.

Greater Life of Fayetteville, Inc. is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families, empowering youth, and building stronger communities through year-round educational enrichment programs, mentorship, prevention and intervention initiatives, and community-based services that inspire growth, create opportunities, and equip families and their youth with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to thrive.