Issue 4 – Opportunity
January / February 2017
The New Year brings change and opportunity. New students were welcomed to Curt’s in January. Opportunities for growth at Curt’s are plentiful! Students learn skills that will help them move into their futures.
Students at Curt’s South present Susan with a collage made of thank-you notes.
Many Curt’s students graduated in December (see page 4). They will be missed, but they are spreading their wings in college and at new jobs.
“This project is helpful because they help you with job skills, going back to school, and they motivate you to better yourself and have a better lifestyle.”
— Bam, discussing her Curt’s experience so far.
My Opportunity
by Da Poet
An opportunity can come like a thief in the night. A moment of being left alone to take advantage of the absence.
For this kind of opportunity, you must plan for it because you never know when it’s going to pop up. It will pop up suddenly like a buoy, and you have to catch it, seize it, before it slips back under.
Take advantage of the chances you’re given because you never know when they will come again.
Karli, Susan, and Tasha represented Curt’s at the Women’s March on Washington. They went
with the intention of marching for themselves and as well as Curt’s students.
What’s the best opportunity that has come your way?
“After I graduated high school, this lady from the board of education helped me get into college. My mother was injured and this lady pulled me aside after hearing a speech I gave. She said if I needed anything she’d help, and she did.”
–Bam
“So far this job here because I’m going to be getting a lot of help with college scholarships. I’m making the most out of Curt’s.”
–Anonymous
Congratulations to our January graduates!
This is a Poem for the 12 Year Old
by Anonymous
This is a poem for the 12 year old me who would hide in the crowd, scared to branch out.
This is a poem for the 12 year old me who didn’t want to get any taller.
This is a poem for the girl with reading challenges.
This is a poem for the girl who didn’t know how good she had it.
This is a poem for the 17 year old me who couldn’t find what she was passionate about.
This is a poem for the girl who wanted life to be perfect.
This is a poem for the 21 year old me who is confident in herself, ready for life, and excited to
make new connections.
This is a poem for the 12 year old me who was afraid to succeed.
Craig, a former Curt’s student, tells customers the Curt’s Cafe story over coffee.
This Is a Poem for the 20 Year Old Me
by Da Poet
This is a poem for the 20 year old me who thought I was the toughest lady walking.
This is a poem for the 20 year old me who allowed a man to almost control my destiny and self-worth.
This is a poem for me, the woman I am today because of my son, Ameer.
This is a poem for everyone that didn’t believe my story.
F*** you cause I’m on the comeback mode.
This is a poem for the bastard that raped me.
I’ll see you in court.
Thanks for the kid, though, he’s a blessing.
This is a poem for the 20 year old me who never gave up and never stopped trying.
This is a poem for me, who almost died at childbirth, but prayed for a miracle.
This is a poem for the 22 year old me who is off to school and ready to live.
This is a poem for the 20 year old me who never thought I would be here today.
Being Successful Means
by Anonymous
Following your dream
Being healthy
Having your own home
Being on your own (independent)
Being the person you truly want to be
Staying out of trouble—all kinds of trouble
Being in a healthy relationship