Countdown to Giving: 5 Days, 5 Stories
A Parent’s Story: How CFSN Transformed My Children's Confidence
By: Tenisha Black, CFSN Parent
As a parent, finding the right support for your child’s education can be challenging, especially when you have twins with different needs. For me, it was my son Andre who needed a bit of extra help, especially with his reading. I always found plenty of programs that were a great fit for my daughter, but it was tough finding something where Andre could also thrive—until we found the Center for Success Network (CFSN).
From the very beginning, the Center felt more like a family than just another program. It was such a relief to know that my children were not only getting the academic support they needed, but also that they were in a place where they felt comfortable, seen, and valued. I could reach out at any time, whether it was to ask for extra help in a specific subject or just to talk about how the kids were doing. It felt so good to have that open line of communication.
One of the standout moments for me was when we attended a benefit event hosted by the Center. I remember feeling a bit nervous—we were the only African American family there, and I was worried we might stand out. But from the moment we walked in, everyone was so welcoming. No one made us feel different; instead, they were genuinely interested in our experience and how the program had impacted us. I even got to speak at the event, which was way out of my comfort zone, but it was so rewarding to share our story.
The impact CFSN had on my kids was clear. My daughter Kennedy has always been a confident reader, but for Andre, the changes were truly transformative. Before joining the program, he was hesitant to ask questions in class because he was afraid of being judged. At the Center, he felt safe. The smaller setting allowed him to get the help he needed without embarrassment, and it was amazing to see how he opened up over time. He went from being shy and reserved to confidently expressing himself and taking pride in what he was learning.
Even now, as an 18-year-old, Andre is a completely different person than he was when he first started at the Center. He’s proud of his knowledge, eager to share what he’s learned, and no longer afraid to ask questions. The confidence he gained from his time at CFSN has stuck with him and helped him grow into the young man he is today.
I am so grateful for everything the Center has done for my family. From the academic support to the fun summer activities like trips to the YMCA, it has been a great fit for us. The Center provided not just educational help but also a place where my kids could build friendships and feel like they belonged. The changes I’ve seen in Andre's confidence and excitement for learning are something I will always cherish. Thank you, CFSN, for believing in my children and helping them believe in themselves.
A Devoted Mentor Making a Lasting Impact
By: Isabella Crooks, Lead Literacy Instructor
At the Center for Success Network, we are so fortunate to have mentors who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. One such exceptional mentor is Dan Gaber, who has been devoted to our mission for years. Dan’s commitment to supporting and empowering students in our literacy program is nothing short of inspiring.
Every week, without fail, Dan logs on to his virtual mentoring sessions with a contagious enthusiasm. He greets his student with a big smile, genuinely asking how their day has been before diving into another meaningful literacy lesson. But Dan’s commitment goes far beyond just showing up. He takes the time to get to know his student on a personal level, understanding their interests, challenges, and goals. This personalized approach is what makes Dan’s sessions so impactful—he tailors the content to meet his student's unique needs, ensuring each session is engaging and effective.
It’s mentors like Dan who make our program so special. Despite the challenges of virtual learning, Dan has remained a consistent and encouraging presence, rarely missing a session. His unwavering dedication and positive attitude not only help his student improve their reading skills but also build their confidence and love for learning.
We are deeply grateful to Dan for his years of service, and it’s thanks to mentors like him that we can continue to create a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Celebrating Three Years of Partnership: Take Root & Center for Success
By: Ali Woerner, Take Root
We’re thrilled to share that Take Root is now in our third year of partnership with the Center for Success Network. From the very beginning in 2022, we’ve felt a surge of support and positive energy, creating a collaborative effort focused on providing children with a safe and inspiring space to learn and explore.
Through bi-weekly sessions, we’ve brought our movement and music program to life for the children at CFSN, using a non-codified, improvisational approach. It didn’t take long to see the impact—right from the start, the children were engaged, curious, and eager to participate. As the weeks went on, their confidence grew, and they began looking forward to each session with excitement.
The feedback from the CFSN team has been overwhelmingly positive, with staff sharing stories of the children’s increased confidence, enthusiasm, and joy. What’s most fulfilling is knowing that this impact extends beyond just the child, touching their families and the broader community.
The supportive environment at Center for Success allows us to be ourselves, offering our skills and passion to make a difference. It’s a partnership rooted in shared goals, strong communication, and mutual growth. We can’t wait to see how this journey continues to unfold and are excited to keep building on this impactful relationship in the years to come.
Nurturing Growth: How Center for Success Empowers Detroit’s Youth
By: Ingrid White, CFSN Mentor and Board Member
The Center for Success continues to grow and evolve into a place where young people are treated to a comprehensive learning experience that incorporates elements of fun, nutrition, creativity, interactive learning activities, recreation and one-on-one mentoring.
The leadership at the Center takes into consideration the number of environmental factors that are involved in each student’s learning experience, and customizes individual mentoring programs to help strengthen students’ self-confidence and desire to improve and excel.
The staff, leadership and mentors at the Center have been selected carefully for their commitment and affinity to help young Detroit students reach their potential.
It is this combination of skill dedication and love that inspires me to serve on the Board of Directors of the Center for Success and to mentor some of Detroit’s most precious treasures—our kids.
Why We Support the Center for Success Network: A Donor’s Perspective
By Megan Fenkell, Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation
As a former teacher in Detroit, I’ve seen firsthand the immense struggles students face when it comes to reading. Many of these challenges stem from systemic issues: poverty, lack of resources, and underfunded schools that make it nearly impossible for some students to get the support they need. So many young readers need that extra boost, and this is where the Center for Success Network (CFSN) makes all the difference. Meeting Andrea, CFSN’s founder, who also shares a background in teaching, gave me confidence that this program is exactly what struggling readers need to succeed.
One of my most memorable moments with CFSN was touring their building in Pontiac. The space they’ve created for children is simply inspiring. From a food pantry and a school uniform closet to a library filled with beautiful, culturally relevant books, they’ve considered every detail to make the children feel supported. There’s even a kitchen where kids can get a meal during their sessions. It’s not just a program space—it’s a warm, welcoming environment that cares for children as whole people. This holistic approach, from literacy to basic needs, sets CFSN apart and creates a sense of belonging for each child.
At its core, CFSN is providing children with something incredibly powerful: the ability to read. Reading isn’t just a skill; it’s a human right. It opens doors, allows us to meet essential needs, and offers a world of stories and experiences we can explore for a lifetime. For those of us who can pick up a book or read a sign without thinking twice, it can be hard to imagine life without this ability. Literacy is essential to everything, and that’s why supporting CFSN feels so deeply meaningful.
To anyone considering supporting CFSN, I urge you to think back to your own early days of learning to read. Imagine that sense of accomplishment when you could finally read a street sign or enjoy a joke in a silly book. Now imagine a life where this simple skill is out of reach. This is the reality for many children. By supporting CFSN, you’re investing in a program that can change that reality. It’s a place where young readers can find the encouragement and resources they need to thrive. Your contribution goes beyond funding—it’s about giving children the essential gift of literacy.
Supporting CFSN has been a wonderful journey because we can see that our contributions are making a true difference. Andrea is an exceptional leader, dedicated to continuous learning and open communication. Every visit to the Detroit and Pontiac sites shows how thoughtfully resources are used. The spaces are kid-friendly, beautifully organized, and designed to promote learning. Regular updates and conversations with Andrea about best practices and new initiatives reassure me that our support is being used effectively, with every dollar going toward creating a brighter future for these children.
At the Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation, we are proud to support CFSN. Our partnership enables CFSN to maintain financial stability and to deliver a high-quality literacy program that goes beyond reading, fostering joy, confidence, and a brighter future for every child who walks through their doors.