Success Stories
Helping Children Succeed (Elementary and Teens)

Mark Tells His Own Poignant Story
15-year-old Matched with a Big Sister at a Perfect Time in her Life
Andrew's Big Brother Makes a Huge Difference
A Young Woman Grows Into a Young Leader
From Angry Teen to Team Player
Coping with Loneliness after Divorce
Children's' Care Continues Despite Family Illnesses and Loss
From Toddler to Young Woman, Always a Giver
Daughter Cared For, While Mom Gets Back on Her Feet
Camp can be a Perfect Place to Grow Up
With Scholarships, Children Learn, Thrive and Grow
Peace of Mind for a Hard-Working Mother
Stability and Support for Children after Leaving Violent Situation
Troubled Family Turns It All Around
Dating Violence Comes to Light, Solutions Taught
Help for a Family Stuck in Patterns of Excessive Fighting
Compassion and Care for Julie D.
Former Teen/Tot Now Serves His Country

Mark Tells His Own Poignant Story
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program   (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Mark writes: “Someone that has had a significant influence on me is my Big Brother Jeff. We met a little over a year and a half ago through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

A while back, let’s say five to six years ago, my parents got a divorce. My dad moved out and my mom got full custody. I saw my father about once every two weeks for a few hours. The fighting still went on between them and I eventually felt that my dad wasn't my dad anymore. He never called on birthdays, Christmas, graduations and he did not even call just to say hello. If I ever called him for something, he would say, "Hey, you don't call me anymore. Why don't you call me?" I would say, "You’re the father. You’re the one that is supposed to call me.” But he refused, because he was afraid my mom would pick up the phone instead of me.

My mom signed me up for a Big Brother and soon after, I met Jeff. We immediately got along. He showed me things I've never done before and I showed him things as well. I went on my first canoe trip with him at Mocksville Reservoir. He learned about my interests in bikes, fixing small engines, checking out abandoned buildings, skateboarding and soon became accustomed to them. Jeff has shown me and taught me so much over the year and a half that I've known him and he’s learned just the same amount from me. I love Jeff and he will always be the dad that my dad could never be.” United Way supports this program, knowing that Big Brothers Big Sisters make a “big” difference in children’s lives, a difference that will last a lifetime.

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15-year-old Matched with a Big Sister at a Perfect Time in her Life
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program   (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, funded by United Way of Morris County matched Little Sister Kristina, age 15, to her Big Sister Jody a little over a year ago.  Kristina was battling typical teenage pressures.  She was dealing with her parent's divorce and the fact that her father had remarried and had another child on the way.  Kristina felt no one cared about her and those around her were living their lives only for themselves, forgetting about her and how she was feeling.  Her life took a turn for the worse – her grades were slipping, she began hanging out on street corners with friends, getting involved with alcohol and older people she thought were "there for her".  Her mother contacted our agency in hopes of finding Kristina a Big Sister.  Mom felt that she could no longer reach her daughter.

The night Kristina and Jody were matched was an awkward one.  Kristina made it clear in front of her mom, the case manager and her new Big Sister that she did not want this, her mother did. The Big Sister handled it wonderfully.  She acknowledged Kristina's concern and the fact that she was a teenager, but that maybe Kristina could give her a shot.  The Big Sister mentioned many activities that they could do together… one of them a photography class… and Kristina's eyes lit up.  Kristina told Jody that when she gets to high school she wants to take a photography class.  Jody explained to Kristina that photography has been a "huge hobby" of hers and that maybe they could start a scrapbook together of their activities while they were matched.

Kristina agreed to give it a try.  That was more than a year ago.  Jody has made a tremendous impact on Kristina's life.  Her grades have improved, and she's interested in attending college.  Her Big Sister had taken her to some local colleges so she can get a feel for campus life.  Kristina's relationships with her parents have improved, though she would still like to see them get back together.  She and Jody have enjoyed each other's company while hiking the Delaware Water Gap, beaching at Cape May and just talking over pizza (their favorite).

Jody is amazed at her relationship with Kristina because of the rocky start, but she loves her with all her heart.  "Kristina is a blessing in my life.  I hope to be there at her high school and college graduations.  I plan to have her as a bridesmaid in my wedding next year as well.  She has met my family and they treat her as they would treat their own.  It's been a fun ride!"
Kristina says, "Jody and I have so much fun together.  She's helped me so much and even my mom and I are closer now because of Jody.  I love her and I'm sure I'll be in her life forever."

United Way supports this program, knowing that Big Brothers Big Sisters make a "big" difference in children's lives, a difference that will last a lifetime.

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Andrew’s Big Brother Makes a Huge Differencee
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program   (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Andrew writes: "When I first heard about having a mentor, I wasn't interested.  I didn't want another stranger coming into my life.  My Mom insisted on trying it one time and if I didn't like it, I could stop.  Then I met Ben.  The first time we went out, it turned out better than I thought, so I decided to meet with Ben again.  Ben has been my mentor for two years now.

We have done a lot of fun stuff and have had a lot of great memories.  For example, we went to the planetarium in New York; to FAO Schwarz, which turned out to be less than we thought.  We planned on going to Coney Island, but on the way there, there was so much traffic we decided just to stop off at City Island.

That was the day Route 95 was backed up from the George Washington Bridge to Connecticut.  On the way home, we couldn't find a good route and we were all the way in Westchester County where it was like a big maze.  We finally got tired of driving, and stopped to get something to eat.  And then we finally found out how to get home.  Even though it was a very long day, we still had a good time.

Recently Ben took me to the New York Auto Show, which was great.  I now hope that Ben will continue to be a part of my life.  Thank you, Ben, for all of the fun.

P.S. I think every kid should have a mentor."

United Way supports this program, knowing that Big Brothers Big Sisters make a "big" difference in children's lives, a difference that will last a lifetime.

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A Young Woman Grows Into a Young Leader
Girls Leadership Development   (Morris Area Girl Scout Council)
 "Grace," a 16-year old Girl Scout, has been given an opportunity to take part in a national conference dealing with female images in the media.  She was asked, "How has Girl Scout helped you learn leadership?"  Her reply:  "Girl Scouting has impacted my life positively in many ways, but I feel the most important impact was the leadership I have gained as a Girl Scout.  It was not something I consciously studied and practiced.  It was built through out my eleven years in Girl Scouting." 

"Leadership is learned through example.  There is no better place than Girl Scouts for a girl to see positive women role models leading a group.  This is how I learned leadership.  My mother was always painfully shy growing up and never was able to talk in front of a group, until she became a Girl Scout Leader.  Over the years, I have watched her leading my troop through many crafts, camp outs and challenges.  She, too, learned from Girl Scouts by putting herself in the position of troop leader.  Though it has been tough to lead a group of twelve girls for almost twelve years, she says that the entire struggle was worth it to see the strong women that my fellow Girl Scouts and I have grown into.  My mother wanted me to grow into a strong woman and girl Scouts has truly helped both of us grow strong."

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From Angry Teen to Team Player
After School Program   (West Morris YMCA)
"Gil" began attending the Dover Y "drop in" program when he was in 7th grade.  He had been sent to live with his father in Dover, after getting into too much trouble in school and the community while living in Florida with his mother.  He was angry with both parents and he had a difficult time with the transition.  His acting out behaviors continued in Dover and he was often suspended from school. 

Through talks with the Dover Y staff and the school guidance counselor, Gil was included in the Dover Y after school program.  The Dover Middle School guidance counselor and the Dover Y staff discussed Gilbert's needs and progress regularly.  During his time at the Y he had a lot of positive interactions and social lessons in avoiding peer pressure and dealing with his anger.  He was encouraged to participate in the Dover Y basketball team and did so, gaining confidence and respect from others. 

Gil's school and home behavior turned around significantly.  When he entered high school he made the high school basketball team and he continues to thrive.  Gil currently attends the Dover Y program as a paid high school assistant, helping other younger students to grow like he has.

A key United Way goal is to help community children stay "on track"; strong programs like this one help accomplish this.

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Coping with Loneliness after Divorce
After School Program   (West Morris YMCA)
"Barry" began attending the Dover Y program last year.  Initially he spoke to no one, and would not interact with other students or the staff.  Over time, he began to open up with the Dover Y staff and he expressed his sadness over his parents' divorce and his loneliness.  There, he got the attention he needed so badly.  He reported that he had no one to spend time with, no friends to hang out with, and no one to talk with.  He attended the Dover Y program regularly, becoming one of the groups, making friends, and helping some of the younger children with their loneliness.  His personality came out and he grew to be a much happy child throughout the school year he spent attending the Dover Y program.  Barry's new spirit carried over in school as well. 

A key United Way focus is keeping Kids on Track; strong programs like this one help accomplish this, and improve

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Children’s’ Care Continues despite Family Illness and Loss
Kids Club    (Lakeland Hills YMCA)
"Leslie" started in the Kids Club program four years ago when she was 6.  Her mom, Fran, has a "no contact" restraining order against her abusive ex-husband.  Over the years, Fran has worked hard to require less and less financial help from the Y's scholarship fund, supported by United Way. 

This past year, Fran was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  She remains optimistic, trying various treatments but her medical bills are growing.  With additional financial assistance, Leslie's care is continuous and she will be with the Y for a full summer of day camp and then back in Kids Club in the fall.  Fran told us that knowing Leslie is happy and safe makes her road to recovery seem so much easier.

"Ted and Kathy" had finished raising their own children when their neighbor needed help.  The couple agreed to watch over the neighbors' children, Gail and Debbie, ages 4 and 10, while their mother was hospitalized with cancer.  Shortly after, the girls' mother died and then shockingly, the girls' father passed away from a heart attack.  Now Ted and Kathy are working through the difficulties of raising two young orphans – who a few months ago were just neighbors. 

With financial assistance from United Way of Morris County, the girls participate in our full day childcare and after school Kids Club programs.  Ted and Kathy continue to struggle, not just financially, but with the courts as they attempt to adopt the girls.  They are reassured knowing that Gail and Debbie are safe and having fun every day at the Y.

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From Toddler to Young Woman, Always a Giver
School Age Child Care Program n   (Morristown Neighborhood House)
"Alya" the oldest of 3 siblings comes from a single parent home, which at one time was a family full of domestic violence from a stepparent.  Her mother works very hard to keep her children involved in activities to ensure that they do not become an added statistic.  All of her siblings have participated in many of Neighborhood House programs. 

Alya has been an asset to every program from our preschool program to the middle school program.  Her infectious smile and positive attitude attract love and support from her peers.  Some of her most memorablecontributions have been her commitment to the dance program for five of her ten years in the Morristown Neighborhood House Association programs.  She also enjoys reading to the younger children in the program and lending a hand wherever she is needed especially if it involves using her artistic abilities.

This summer Alya was given the opportunity to travel with peers from her middle school to tour Italy, France and Spain.  She has benefited from exposure to other cultures and the positive, accepting learning environments that Neighborhood House programs continue to provide. Upon her return Alya is eager to learn and ready to give back to the world some of what has been given to her through the Morristown Neighborhood House, for example unconditional love, support of her goals, and motivation to achieve academically.

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Daughter Cared For, While Mom Gets Back on Her Feet
Y Kids After School Program   (Morris Center YMCA)
"Deb," a homeless mother, enrolled her daughter in the after school program in the Morris Plains School District.  Deb was staying at the Jersey Battered Women's Shelter and had to find a full-time job; she desperately needed care for her child after school.  After her daughter had been in our program for one month, Beth wrote a letter to tell how thankful she was to be enrolled in the program, stating, "getting up on my feet again with three young children has not been easy, but with the support of the Morris Center YMCA for my childcare needs I have been able to find and hold a full-time job."

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Camp can be a Perfect Place to Grow Up
Backyard Kids Summer Camp    (Morris Center YMCA)
The camp director recently ran into a woman and her son, "Chucky," who had utilized a YMCA camp scholarship from United Way for the past two years.  The mother reported that her son was doing very well in school.  She attributed his improved self-esteem to our camp program, where he had formed a special bond with his counselors.  Everyday he came home telling stories of his adventures.

When Chucky arrived at the summer camp he was quiet and withdrawn.  His interaction with the other children was minimal.  With guidance from his counselors, by the end of the summer, Chucky was socializing well with the other children and making new friends.  In September, his schoolteacher noticed the changes in him and mentioned it to his mother at back to school night.

Nurturing counselors at the Morris Center YMCA camp make all the difference in a child's life.

United Way of Morris County works hard to make sure children who need help receive it, so they can attend camp and benefit from all it offers.  A summer spent exploring, growing, learning, making friends...what could be more important for a young life?

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With Scholarships, Children Learn, Thrive and Grow
Camp Wantango, Summer Camp & After School Child Care   (Madison Area YMCA)
"Regina" has five children who all love to play and enjoy the outdoors.  Unfortunately her youngest child has needed several major surgeries to correct a congenital condition in his brain and leg.  This difficult situation has forced Regina to provide intensive care for her son which has limited the activities available to her other children.  Through the support of the United Way, four of Regina's children are able to attend Camp Wantago at the Kirby Children's Center.  They are able to take swimming lessons, go on field trips, and enjoy the outdoors with other children their age.  Regina feels a great deal of relief knowing she can devote important time to care for her son, while her other children are thriving.

"Peter" is unemployed and on disability, and his wife "Jessie" has to work full-time to cover expenses.  Since money is tight, the two school-age children would not have been able to attend summer camp at all.  Peter cannot drive so the local recreation program was also out of the question.  Our Financial Assistance program with funding from United Way made it possible for the children to have a great summer and gave mom peace of mind at work.  Due to limited funding in previous years, this is the first time they have been able to attend Camp Champs.  While they were only able to attend 5 weeks, Peter and Jessie have been very grateful for the opportunity and their children have enjoyed every minute of camp.

"Kate" and her three children walk everywhere because she is unable to afford a car.  She is a hard worker who loves her children but who receives no financial support whatsoever from the children's father Kate's two oldest children are eager to learn and have enjoyed success in school.  Support from United Way allows Kate to enroll her children in the after school program at the Kirby Children's Center where they have access to books, homework space and mentoring from the counselors.  These afternoon, spent in a caring, supportive environment have helped Kate's children continue to grow despite challenging circumstances.

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Peace of Mind for a Hard-Working Mother
Before & After Kindergarten and S.A.F.E./Before & After School and Summer Camp Program (Mt Olive Child Care & Learning Center)
"Ann" has been attending Mt. Olive Child Care & Learning Center's Before & After School Programs and Summer Camp for the past three years.  In September, she will enter the third grade.  Her mother, Jane, is a single parent with two other children (aged 8 months and 3 years) who also attend the Center's Infant & Toddler and Preschool Program. 

Jane's ex-husband, Ben, left home last fall to live with his girlfriend.  Currently they are involved in a bitter divorce.  Child support payments are sporadically sent to Jane, leaving her with limited financial resources with which to support her family.

Having no formal post-high school education, Jane's work skills have enabled her to remain employed, but not at high-paying jobs.  At one point, for a period of several weeks, Jane was unemployed and yet needed to depend on full time child care for her 3 children in order to seek work.  Mt. Olive was able to offer Jane very affordable and quality child care due to the sliding fee scales for all of the programs. 

During the school year, Ann received homework help after school, a tremendous help to her mother since two other, younger children also need attention and assistance.  Jane has commented about how much she appreciates that Ann has also participated in numerous other recreational and educational activities after school: creative crafts, sports, outdoor team activities, book club, and others.  Ann thrives, enjoying many friendships with peers in the safe and supportive environment until her mother picks her up after work.  During the summer, Ann is able to receive full time, affordable camp care, benefiting from trips to local parks, swimming, and educational trips, all at a price the Jane can afford.  Jane has "peace of mind" that Ann and her younger brother and sister are well cared for while she is working outside the home.

United Way funds scholarships at Mt. Olive so single mothers like Jane can provide for their families, knowing their children are receiving stimulating and nurturing care.

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Stability and Support for Children after Leaving Violent Situation
Before and After School Program & Summer Camp   (Roxbury Day Care Center)
"Paula" is the mother of 3 children ages 17, 8 and 6.  Her eldest child attended the Preschool program of the Roxbury Day Care Center when she was 3 and 4 years old.  Then the family moved back to Chile to make a new life.

Years later, Paula came back to the Preschool Center with her two youngest children.  Both children attended the Preschool from 2 through 4 years of age.  They graduated and are both now attending the Before and After School Program (BASP) and the Summer Camp.

Last winter the situation with Paula's husband came to a head, ending in domestic violence.  Paula left him in the middle of the night with her children.  They spent a few weeks in the Jersey Battered Women's Shelter, until Paula could pursue legal avenues to regain her home.  She secured a decent job and enrolled her children in United Way funded subsidized spaces in the BASP, based on her new income.  She is now has legal custody of the children and is living happily in a safe environment.  Her children are safely enrolled in the BASP and Summer Camp, and are having fun just being children. 

Thanks to United Way funding of these scholarships, this mother can rest assured that her children are thriving while she continues to put her life together.

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Troubled Family Turns It All Around
Strengthening Families   (Hope House)
"Paula" is the mother of 3 children ages 17, 8 and 6.  Her eldest child attended the Preschool program of the Roxbury Day Care Center when she was 3 and 4 years old.  Then the family moved back to Chile to make a new life.

Years later, Paula came back to the Preschool Center with her two youngest children.  Both children attended the Preschool from 2 through 4 years of age.  They graduated and are both now attending the Before and After School Program (BASP) and the Summer Camp.

Last winter the situation with Paula's husband came to a head, ending in domestic violence.  Paula left him in the middle of the night with her children.  They spent a few weeks in the Jersey Battered Women's Shelter, until Paula could pursue legal avenues to regain her home.  She secured a decent job and enrolled her children in United Way funded subsidized spaces in the BASP, based on her new income.  She is now has legal custody of the children and is living happily in a safe environment.  Her children are safely enrolled in the BASP and Summer Camp, and are having fun just being children. 

Thanks to United Way funding of these scholarships, this mother can rest assured that her children are thriving while she continues to put her life together.

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Dating Violence Comes to Light, Solutions Taught
Dating Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP)   (Jersey Battered Women's Services)
"Jackie" was referred to DAPP counseling by her sibling, an FDU student who heard a DAPP speaker in freshman seminar.  Jackie described suffering from physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse during her 2-year dating relationship.  She shared that she has separated from her boyfriend several times over the 2-year relationship.  She expressed an interest in emotionally separating from her boyfriend and gaining an education regarding the dynamics of dating abuse.  After a few weeks of receiving counseling, Jackie separated from her boyfriend, ceased contact with him, and reports spending time with friends and family.  In counseling, she stated: "I'm happy with who I am, I used to have my heart wrapped in chains, now I'm free."

Jackie shared that coming to counseling helped her to build strength in the face of the abuse.  She continues to focus on herself by incorporating many positive activities into her daily life such as returning to school, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying time by herself. 

There are times of grief that come and go for Jackie however, she is able to process the grief during counseling and shares, "I'm in a good place, I'm happy overall, and so the grief does not overtake me."  Jackie continues to take pride in what she has achieved, feels empowered, and reports having a strong family support system.

Additional Anecdotes

• A DAPP Counselor received call from a high school guidance counselor regarding a student who is in an abusive dating relationship.  She had suffered emotional, physical, and verbal abuse through out the 1 year, on-and-off dating relationship.  The student had received a DAPP presentation in her health class and wanted to discuss personal issues and concerns regarding the abusive relationship.
• Two students approached a DAPP Educator/Counselor following a DAPP presentation at their school.  They were in the 9th and 11th grades.  Following a Remote Control performance, 2 other teens reached out for counseling for their dating relationships.

United Way supports the DAPP program at JBWS, which does so much to empower young people with knowledge and tools they will use all of their lives.

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Help for a Family Stuck in Patterns of Excessive Fighting
Center for Child & Adolescent Mental Health   (NewBridge Services, Inc)
"Mike" and "Scott" were two brothers, ages 5, and 6, who were referred to NewBridge by their pediatrician.  The problem was a serious and growing one: the boys disregard of parental authority and a significant tendency to fight with each other.  The boys were seen in individual sessions, conjoint appointments, and in family treatment for a period of 7 months.  Through play therapy, Mike and Scott learned how to better identify feelings, behaviors and consequences, and how to problem solve in relationships.  Additionally, both parents were involved in treatment and were educated on behavior modification (i.e., charts, rewards and the importance of parent consistency in utilizing these techniques).  The brothers responded well to these interventions as evidenced by improvements in their relationship, a decrease in frequency of their arguments and increased respect for parental authority.  The case was closed and considered a success.

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Compassion and Care for Julie D.
Deirdre O'Brien Child Advocacy Center
Eleven year old "Julie D." and her parents were brought to the Deirdre O'Brien Child Advocacy Center following her allegation that she was sexually assaulted by her neighbor. The family was accompanied by a detective from her local police department, where her parents originally reported the incident, and a detective from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, who conducted the investigation and subsequent interview. In addition, Julie was seen by the Center's on site pediatrician for a medical exam.
 
Upon arriving, Julie appeared withdrawn. A curly haired little girl, with a round face and soft demeanor, she said little while she waited to be interviewed. She had been suffering from harassment at school and in the neighborhood due to her disclosure. She had stopped participating in after school activities due to the blame placed upon her by neighbors and peers for coming forward. She no longer wanted to attend school and had become disobedient at home, frequently lashing out at her parents. Center staff engaged her by pointing out a dollhouse in the corner of the playroom. As she sat and played with the dollhouse, her parents were amazed to see her smile for the first time in weeks.
 
Following her interview, Julie was examined by the Center's pediatrician. Understandably, Julie was nervous about the intrusive nature of the exam. By the time her questions had been answered by the examining doctor and nurse, she willingly went to the exam room, even giving her mother the ok to remain upstairs.
 
During this time Mrs. D. was doing her best to be upbeat, while the tears formed in her eyes, and Mr. D. was obviously distraught, pacing through the waiting room. As he later said in a letter he wrote regarding his daughter's abuse, "to say what has happened to my family this past week is a shock is possibly the greatest understatement in the world. A man we trusted assaulted my eleven year old daughter…and I wasn't there to protect her."  He told staff that he and his wife thought "this kind of thing happens one in a million times, to kids from bad neighborhoods or unstable homes." They were horrified to learn, as he later wrote, "that child abuse can invade any community, any family, at any time. I protected my daughter from the stranger on the playground, but how was I supposed to know I needed to protect her from friends, family and neighbors?" Mr. D. doubted he would be able to "hold it together." In crisis and not knowing what to do next, the family was referred to the counseling program.
 
After their initial visit to the Center for investigative and medical services, the D. family continued to attend counseling. Individual sessions focused on building Julie's self esteem and social coping skills, as the harassment had not subsided. Additionally, Julie was internalizing tremendous guilt for, as she put it "causing so much trouble for everyone." The counselor spent a great deal of time reassuring Julie that she did nothing wrong and did the right thing by coming forward.
 
As time passed, Julie returned to school. Neighbors and classmates eventually found other targets for their bullying as Julie's abuser agreed to plead guilty to child abuse charges, sparing her the additional trauma of testifying and a long, drawn out trial.

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Former Teen/Tot Now Serves His Country
Collinsville Teen/Tot Learning Project
Aubrey O. Paul, 24, participated in the Collinsville Teen/Tot Learning Project from May through September 2000.  The Teen/Tot Learning Project, supported in part by United Way of Morris County, is a revolutionary program that trains and employs male teenagers as teacher assistants at Collinsville Child Care Center and Children on the Green, two United Way member agencies that primarily serve low-income children and families.  The program also provides leadership and vocational training opportunities to young men.

When Aubrey entered the Teen/Tot project, he had no prior child care experience, except for watching his younger siblings.  He did not belong to any clubs nor did he participate in any sports, although he liked basketball.  He reportedly liked to "work with his hands" and wanted work that involved hands-on activities.  The Teen/Tot project was a perfect fit for Aubrey.

Immediately upon graduating from Morristown High School, Aubrey joined the U.S. Marine Corps and has remained a Marine for the past six years.  He has been deployed to Iraq three times and once to Afghanistan.  During these years, Aubrey makes sure to visit his friends at Collinsville Child Care Center each time he has been on leave. During his last visit in March 2007, Aubrey provided more details about his deployment in Iraq.

Aubrey is now Cpl. Aubrey Paul.  He is a "machine gunner."  In his daily routine, he has had to check the undersides of Marine vehicles for explosives placed there by insurgents.  He and his brother Marines also check specified households for insurgents.  Aubrey has learned not to use many dirt roads because this is where ground explosives are often placed; instead, he has learned to travel on the sand when possible because it is difficult to hide explosives there.

Because Aubrey has been to Iraq on three occasions, he is currently being deployed to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and then to Okinawa, Japan for the next two and a half years.  Aubrey plans to remain in the Marines.

On his most recent visit, Karen Wasick, director of Collinsville Child Care Center, was particularly happy to see that Aubrey seems unchanged by his years in Iraq; he seems to have retained his outgoing, warm demeanor and visited the Center on three separate days during his March 2007 leave.

It is heartwarming to know that Aubrey's relatively short involvement in the Collinsville Teen/Tot Learning Project was enough to have built a strong connection between him and the Collinsville staff.  United Way of Morris County applauds the commitment of both Cpl. Aubrey Paul and Collinsville Child Care Center.

For more information about Collinsville's Teen/Tot Learning Project, contact Karen Wasick at 973.267.0082. 

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