Messages of Gratitude from Project Legacy Youth
At the close of every Circle at Project Legacy, we take a penny from a container kept in the center of our table, and drop it into our “gratitude jar.” As we do, each person speaks something they are grateful for — another day, life, a new perspective, food, parents, Project Legacy — the list goes on and on.
We end our Circles this way because we believe that gratitude really does change our perspective, makes us happier, and builds stronger relationships.
Today and every day is a day for Thanksgiving. Each day I am grateful for the many young people who allow me to share their journey and for the many ways our volunteers help make possible the sacred work we do here.
We are a small nonprofit without the safety net of a national organization behind us. We depend on each of you as we reach out to the most marginalized youth in our community, walking beside them on their journey forward — forward to a life of healing, community, love and redemption.
Thank you for walking beside us. Below, read the inspiring words of gratitude spoken by our young people at Project Legacy about how you make a difference in their lives.
Our youth are grateful for opportunities.
Thank you for your donations, contributions, and support. Thank you for also creating and giving us the opportunity to reach our goals. Without you it would not have been possible. Thank you again!
From Ashwakh
Our youth are grateful for your encouragement, both big and small.
Dear Project Legacy Volunteers,
Today, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your contributions in every way you’ve made to make our lives better and help us achieve our dreams as members of Project Legacy. It means a world to all of us struggling through life to make the ends meet and at the same time keeping our heads up. Your support, advice, and donations are all appreciated and believe me, all of this help to us, and to this tree, is going to be a very fruitful one.
Personally, all your help and donations that started from just a pair of socks and gloves that keep me warm during the cold days, to the letters of encouragement and support every other week, that gives me a feeling that somebody out there outside of my family cares about me and wants me succeed in life. It means the world to me; it is like a fuel that keeps me going and doing my best. I hope one day I can continue this chain and help somebody in need to change their lives in a positive way. Thanks to you and Project Legacy for groceries and food throughout my college days in Rochester, I was able to be full during the days and focus on more important things like my classes and my future – now I work full-time in a global company doing things I like to do.
Thank you,
A Project Legacy member for 2 years
Our youth are grateful for support through good times and bad.
I am thankful for everything Project Legacy has done for me. During the spring of 2019, I was the first college graduate in my family which made me proud but also made my family, friends, and my Project Legacy family proud. I am thankful for our volunteers who spend their own time buying groceries for those who need it the most. My sponsor parent helped me with whatever I needed and never asked any questions, I’m so grateful for them. Lastly, I am thankful for Karen Edmonds who's seen me at my best and worst. A person who I consider a mom to me that always believed in everything I did and always had my back no matter what I was going through. Without Project Legacy and Karen I wouldn't be the person I am today.
From Paul
Our youth are grateful you make their lives brighter.
I'm grateful for the ongoing support and unconditional love. Most of the donors and volunteers have never met some of us, but continue to contribute to make all of this possible. The holidays are a little brighter for all of us because of people like you. Thank you.
From Alysha
Our youth are grateful you make them feel at home.
I want thank you for always giving your unconditional love and support to all of us. Having a support system that is always there when it’s needed is amazing and is helpful in so many ways. Being away from home isn’t always easy but getting care packages and messages from you all makes me feel more at home. Thank you so much and Happy Thanksgiving!
From Akoy