UrbanPromise has an exciting project underway.  Through our vision to be a community in Christ, we have the privilege to be a part life changing stories in Wilmington.  We see hope rise from situations that seem dark and difficult.

Though a few generous donors, we are able to partner with Gordon DelGiorno of Film Brothers (Lower Market District, downtown Wilmington) to produce a short video giving viewers a glimpse into the hope we see multiplied each day through the amazing children, youth and families in our community.

So stay tuned…..soon we will be releasing a new tool for you to share the vision of UrbanPromise!

Hereʼs what some of our StreetLeaders had to say about their experiences on the College Vision Trip this year:

Jaquan:
“I would recommend this trip to my friends because I feel it gives you information to base your college choices on, and gives you the chance to ask questions in person. Itʼs also a great way to explore and get out of the state… New Orleans was fun, and the food down south is great!”

Moshea:
“The trip was valuable because it gave us an outlook on the college lifestyle. I was surprised to learn that many colleges we went to didnʼt have out-of-state fees.”

Marcus:
“After finishing this trip, I can say that Iʼve been to 19 states – a lot of them because of UrbanPromise. Iʼve been given lots of opportunities in my life which shouldnʼt let go to waste. College is the next step. I would say that if you are thinking about college or have never travelled, you need to go on this trip.”

Manlove:
“It was interesting to learn the great history of the HBCUʼs (historically black colleges & universities) that we visited, and the people who studied there like Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. I would recommend this trip because you get to see things you wouldnʼt see in Delaware, expand your thoughts and find the college that fits you.”

THANK YOU to the many supporters that contributed to help make this trip possible and for the vision planted in the hearts and minds of these students.

Check out these stories of life change from our After School Program Spring Break Trips!

Camp Hope – A Home Away From Home by Joel Orr, Director

This spring break was literally a break for Tyrone*. His family has been homeless for the past 4 weeks. Every night 10 yr. old Tyrone, his two younger siblings, and his older sister are wondering where they will be sleeping at night. After writing and giving a speech, and earning his way with good behavior, Tyrone was invited to come along on the spring break trip to Washington D.C. but, Tyrone’s mother could not come up with the $50 to pay for the trip.

I live today to tell about the amazing work that God has done over this spring break, and he did it through strangers who did not even know Tyrone. An UrbanPromise sponsor helped Tyrone’s mother pay the $50 fee.

On the trip, Tyrone was able to stand where MLK Jr. gave his speech, boat on a lake, go to the best zoo on the East Coast, be 200ft. down in the Luray Caverns, and hear the Word of God each morning in our devotions. The host family in Northern Virginia literally provided Tyrone with a roof over his head; for a whole week Tyrone didn’t have to think about where he would sleep at night.

*name has been changed

Camp Freedom – Lessons Learned by Kristin Walker, Director

Janiya did not want to climb Pinnacle Mountain. At first, it was her feet. Then, it was her knees. Then, it was her fear. She called both of her parents and complained about having to climb a “dangerous and scary” mountain. I looked down at her, not knowing what to do. I asked God, “okay, God, what would Jesus do in this situation?” I knew He would want her to make it to the top. So, I waited and I wouldn’t let her give up.

Then, I realized that God was teaching me through Janiya’s fear of climbing. I get pretty comfy myself sometimes; I don’t want to do the scary, hard things. I want to stay where I am, thank you very much. God never gives up on me and never lets me give up onmyself, and He knows the view is SO much better from the top. He waits for me and encourages me. By golly, Janiya made it to the top! On the plane, she was sitting next to a “stranger.” I had to smile when I heard her tell him proudly, “We climbed Pinnacle Mountain.”

The vision of UrbanPromise is to “be a community in Christ” including all those who connect with our programs – children, youth, families, staff, interns, students, StreetLeaders, volunteers and supporters.  Read these comments from one of our Academy students about the importance of this community in his life.

“Yesterday, I participated in the Urban Promise speech contest. I think everyone who had the courage to stand in the stage and say their speech deserved to be a first place winner.I didn’t win first or second place.

At first, I was a little upset because of this. However, after I saw someone, I was no longer upset. In fact, I was filled with joy. This person’s name is Destiny. I met Destiny at the Seven Miles of Separation event in which I was a panelist. There, I talked about my life, the hardships I have faced and how I overcame them. Destinee listened to me and asked questions about living in the inner city. The reason why I was filled with joy is because Destiee remembered me by name. By her remembering my name, I knew that she cared about me and understood what I was going through. Some people don’t care about little things like that, but I do. All my life, all I wanted was for someone to hear me.

She also told me that she would be on the look out for the book I am currently writing, and she asked to take a picture with me because she knew that I would be famous one day. I never got the chance to say it, but I want to thank Destinee because she made a difference in my attitude and in my life in a way she won’t understand. ” (L.B., 10th grade, UPA)

Destinee is from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK and chose to spend her spring break serving in Wilmington.  Don’t miss your chance to make a difference in the life of a child or teen.  There are many options for volunteers over the summer months.  Check out the Get Involved section or contact Julia Li @ julia@urbanpromise.org

For the grand finally of the trip we threw them in a boat and let them go.  Every kid was given the chance to get in the boat and row.  Some got the hang of it, but not everyone.  For one boat, the kids were convinced they could make the boat faster by blowing bubbles in the back while the staff rowed.  It works just like a motor… right?  They loved nothing more than hanging off the back of the boat and sticking their face in the water.  This was truly a blessed (and calm) way to end the trip.  We are all now home safely in Wilmington and excited to see what God puts in our lives next.  Thanks for your prayers and your donations to make this trip possible.

Thursday, April 12th, 2012 (via the middle school’s perspective)

If you’ve ever taken a youth mission trip, or been around one, you’ve probably seen a big van with words all over the windows.  Well world… say hello to the middle school van!

Today we’ve explored Claude Moore Colonial Farm (a farm set in 1771 with animals, buildings, and people in costume), Clemyjontri Playground (fun even for the middle school kids), and Great Falls Park.  The middle school girls enjoyed all of it and dinner with some of the people at Messiah UMC in Springfield, VA.

*Not to be out done, the elementary school kids enjoyed the games and cupcakes they had with their families at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City*

Today we went to the National Zoo, drove past the White House (rain kept us in the car) and the kids got to pick which museum they wanted to go to between the Natural History Museum, American History Museum, and the Air and Space Museum.

Aniyah (Camp Victory) had fun today!  She got to go to the zoo and saw some cool animals.  Her highlight was seeing the gorilla eating a box.

Yazmin (Camp Promise) had the highlights of going to the zoo and driving past the White House.  She also love the museum (Natural History Museum) she got to go to.

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

“We travelled to Richmond, which we learned is the capital of Virginia.  Dover is the capital of Delaware.  I’ve never seen so many ducks, geese, and caterpillars crawling on me!  We couldn’t believe when we lost the soccer ball in the water that Mr. Dave dove in after it.  There was goose poop in that water.  Delegate Delores L. McQuinn showed us a bunch of stuff and talked about what it would have been like if we were slaves coming off the boat in Richmond.  We saw everything!”

~Imani and Shannon (Camp Victory)
p.s. Shout out to Paul Granger!  Thanks for the great advice on Maymount Park and the slave trail!