Our student-athletes need your support, now more than ever...

Dear Supporter,

It’s hard to believe that we are nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic. When Heart of the City mapped out plans for 2020, we could never have anticipated the challenging reality our student-athletes would face this year.

From the beginning of this crisis, Heart of the City’s staff and coaches have adapted in order to respond to our student-athletes’ most urgent needs. During the gloomy weeks of the stay-at-home order, we quickly implemented virtual soccer training and educational support. Soon after, we distributed over 500 meals and grocery boxes to families in need, gifted care packages with essential PPE items, and provided backpacks filled with school supplies. This fall, we transformed our program center into a Learning Lab to support student-athletes’ e-learning needs.

Thankfully, because of supporters like you, Heart of the City has been able to respond to our student-athletes’ needs in real time. These responses are only possible because of your help, and we thank you!

 Despite the challenges of this year, we are proud that 100% of our graduating high school seniors were accepted into a post-secondary program with 95% attending college. This includes Michael, who was recruited to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at Lincoln College. Michael has a special message just for Heart of the City supporters like you.

Michael’s story is a powerful one, and Heart of the City played a critical role in his pathway to college.

 Unfortunately, for the graduating class of 2021, the pathway to college already looks much different than Michael’s. E-learning has made it even more difficult to access guidance counseling. For the majority of our athletes, virtual classwork is more difficult and isolating, making it easier to fall behind. High school sports seasons are postponed, which limits student-athletes’ exposure to college recruiters. To put it simply, our student-athletes need our help more than ever.

Just as we have done throughout this pandemic, Heart of the City is committed to meeting student-athletes’ ongoing needs in this time of crisis. Our youth require increased academic support, a healthy outlet to get physical activity, access to coach-mentors, and –most of all—the sense of normalcy and security that our staff, coaches and program bring.

We are rising to these needs as our student-athletes navigate this new reality, but we can’t do it without your help. Now, more than ever, your gift can make a profound difference. Will you support with a gift this year?

 Thank you for helping youth in Lake County build a strong foundation for their future – especially in times of crisis.

With deep appreciation,

Scott Signature

Scott McLellan

Executive Director

 

P.S. All first-time and increased donations will be generously MATCHED by the Julian Grace Foundation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to double your impact!

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