CLIENT
LEADERS
"At Metropolitan, we believe that to lead, we must serve. We know from experience that serving makes those we serve and us stronger."- Ric Estrada, Metropolitan Family Services CEO
“It’s that support system at that critical point in your life. It’s constant support to do your best and stay away from negative forces.”
Shadelle,
alum of Upward Bound & Community Schools
Metropolitan Calumet
Shadelle joined Metropolitan Calumet’s Community Schools program at Harlan High School because the door was always open. He’d see his friends and stop in for conversation, and “I wanted to take advantage of the program,” he says. It was the same for his friend Prentiss; Resource Coordinator Meredith Williams told him, “You’re here all the time, you might as well join.”
The next year, they joined Upward Bound, where Program Supervisor Kim Greene offered support ranging from tutoring and college application help to driving Shadelle for a college interview. Now, Prentiss and Shadelle have graduated from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff with Industrial Engineering degrees, and they work with leading global security firm Northrop Grumman.
“I want to emphasize the influence that Ms. Greene, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Spence have had on our lives,” Prentiss says. “It takes a lot to do what they do, but they put their heart and soul behind the kids, that’s something you don’t find every day.” Shadelle agrees. “Even after high school, they pass on their knowledge to upcoming students. It’s all about giving back, and they are prime examples of that.”
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
» “They didn’t just help each other with one thing, they continued to support each other.” Prentiss and Shadelle inspired Audrena Spence, Executive Director of Metropolitan Calumet, by inspiring each other. “If I influenced Shadelle to go to UAPB, he influenced me to do engineering,” Prentiss says.
» Prentiss on rock climbing with Community Schools: “I had never done that before! It was a brand new experience, and I tried it. That really just solidified the versatility in what the program offers. It’s more than academic-based because that’s how life is.”
» Shadelle on Upward Bound:“I’d have been living day by day with no plan, and that’s no way to become successful. If not for the program, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Metropolitan
Family
Services