Our Impact
EYFO’s programs are integrative, embedded with outdoor exploration, academic support, STEM, financial literacy, community outreach, sports, art, cooking, and other enrichment programs.
Our goal is to break down ideas of impossibility by showing them real-life examples of people who have achieved their dreams. Our youth excels within this model. Lana’s story below is an example of the impact of our staff, volunteers, and partners.
Lana’s Story
“My grandfather sent me to EYFO for the academic support and tutoring needed to get me back to grade level. Growing up in a home of violence, neglect, and instability leaves you feeling worthless, unseen, and hopeless. The staff noticed this and connected me to their mentorship and sports programs. Having a mentor allowed me to ask questions and learn about things most girls would learn from their mothers. I also participated on EYFO’s track team. Through this program, I got on a plane for the first time to go to the Junior Olympics. When I got to high school, EYFO gave me my first job as a summer camp intern. when I came to EYFO. By the time I left EYFO, I felt like my life had purpose, that I was valuable, and that my future was bright. I felt confident and had lifelong friends and a support system I knew I could always reach out to. The programs and staff at EYFO help to transform my view of myself and my view of life. They are more than a program. They go above and beyond to help youth just like me succeed.”
Caleb Headen shared, “EYFO helped me during challenging times of my life. When I transferred school districts in the 3rd grade, they helped me adjust to my new school with transportation and tutoring in their after-school program—having tutors made a huge difference in my grades and made me feel safe as I sometimes learned differently than others. Because of EYFO, I’ve traveled to California, New York, Washington D.C., and other East Coast areas through their college tours. I cannot express my gratitude and gratitude for EYFO providing me with experiences some kids can only dream of. Caleb is now attending Seattle University.
Daria Soukamarane’s mother shared that "EYFO helped my daughter talk in summer camp class. My daughter grew up with EYFO, which built her self-esteem, confidence, and socializing skills. My daughter also had the opportunity to get a summer job at EYFO. We so appreciate you, Charlett Shoecraft, and the EYFO programs that helped Daria throughout the years, from preschool until graduating from high school. Thanks for all you do."
Simya Gibson, a first-generation college student, told us that her family did not know much about college applicants and scholarships. “EYFO has helped me through everything in my path to college, and I know that without the EYFO team, I would not have gotten into as many schools or have had any idea of what to do. Thanks to our donors and partners, Simya received a $5,000 scholarship which she used to attend Jackson State University.
Sosna Biniam is now attending Yale University. She shared, “I know many people who become overwhelmed with their school and work schedules and end up compromising their education, so to have EYFO College and Career Readiness relieve me of that burden is something I will always be grateful for. I also got access to financial literacy courses, which have helped me manage my money, and taught me skills I will carry for the rest of my life. Without this, I don’t know if I would have had the grades that I did, which would have impacted my college acceptances.” Sosna was provided a $3,000 scholarship She shared, “This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams because it will mean that I will not have to find a part-time job in my first year of college, allowing me to focus on my academics and finding clubs and organizations I want to be involved in.”
Josiah Toye “EYFO impacted me in more ways than one. Being with EYFO since the second grade… I can’t imagine being the same without them. I’ve learned so much about myself and my future, leadership, and, more importantly, the importance of relationships. I’ve made lifelong friendships and can honestly call most of the people family. EYFO helped me develop leadership skills and provided me with my first job at 14. They instilled moral values that I will take with me throughout my journey in life.”
"Hi, my name is Alex Taylor I graduated from Cleveland High School. My first time meeting the founders of EYFO was when I was 8 yrs. old. A group of my friends wanted to have a basketball team but did not have anyone to coach us. One day we were in the gym playing with a girls’ team because they had a coach when a man walked in and said, “Hey young men, what’s going on?” The girl’s coach, who happened to be his daughter, told him we were playing with them because we had no coach. He said, “Well, I guess we will have to fix that.” That man was Mr. Shoecraft, Coach John, to us. From that day forward, the EYFO family has played a huge part in my personal, athletic, and academic future”.
Josiah Pilot shared, “This program was good for me. It helped me throughout life and kept me out of trouble, and motivated me to do whatever I wanted to do in life. Coach John and Charlett were like another set of parents. They helped me realize how smart and intelligent I am. Throughout my journey, they took me to places I had never been before, like Seaside, Oregon, and Hershey, Pennsylvania, I want to thank them both for everything they have done for me, and God bless you both!!!”