“GROWTH was more than an after school program. It helped me academically and pushed me to graduate on time, but more importantly, it helped save me.”

“GROWTH Foundation has been by my side since I was 12 years old. I’m in my mid 30s and I can truly say that if it weren’t for GROWTH and its founder, Deana Ruggieri, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

“I was able to obtain my GED thanks to the one-on-one tutoring from a GROWTH volunteer.”

“Growing up, my experience with law enforcement wasn’t so great because of what I saw and heard. Thanks to being part of the PAL program (police activities league) I was able to understand that not all officers are the same.”

“I developed a passion for volunteering and helping people within the community.”

“My mom was a single mother of two teen girls, and didn’t have time to take us to after school activities. That’s where GROWTH stepped in. I became a Girl Scout and now my daughter is part of the Scouts of America. GROWTH even sponsored her first camping trip last year.”