Through Yassmen’s Eyes: A Summer Camp of Hope and Renewal

On Friday, August 8, 2025, the final day of our Summer Camp for Youth Outreach, we organized a block party for the kids and the community we serve. It was a day filled with music, laughter, and pride.

The kids, from elementary through high school, performed dances and showcased their artwork, while families gathered to eat, connect, and celebrate. Our volunteers from BridgeBuilders walked alongside us, and partners offered free health checks, nutrition tips, and back-to-school supplies. It was a day that reflected the heartbeat of our mission: renewal through joy, connection, and care.

In the crowd that day was Yassmen Dickerson, a single mother raising nine-year-old twin girls, Heaven and Hope. For her, this summer was more than activities; it was a lifeline.

“My twins have been attending the camp, and they’ve been so excited about everything,” Yassmen told us. “One thing they couldn’t stop talking about was today’s showcase. They were so proud to have me here watching them perform. Usually, I’m working the morning shift and can’t be there. This means so much to them.”

For Yassmen, summers bring both joy and challenge, especially as a single mother working hard for her family. Work leaves little time to keep her daughters engaged and safe. But at our camp, Hany and Fany spent their days learning, exploring, laughing, reading, doing math, field trips, swimming, skating, playing sports, and much more.

“I’m so grateful,” she said. “As single mommies, we work a lot and there isn’t much we can do with our children. But to know they have a camp where they can learn, play, and experience new things; it’s been a blessing. We really appreciate it.”

When we hear words like Yassmen’s, we’re reminded why we do this work and why your support matters. Every field trip, every mentorship hour, every smile you helped make possible carries forward the renewal we seek together.