Notes of Change
Click here to read excerpts of letters that ANYTOWN Delegates wrote to their High School Principals.
ANYTOWN Testimonials
What ANYTOWN delegates are saying …
“What did I find at ANYTOWN? All the things I ever wanted: family, friends—people who care for me and support me.”
—Maria, The Academy at Smith
“I came to ANYTOWN to find myself, but I got much more…a family as well as a better understanding of the world around us. That’s something I will always keep close to my heart.”
—Trey, New Garden Friends School
“At ANYTOWN, I learned how to be more of a leader and to stand up for anyone. Along the way, I gained a family.”
—Ebony, James B. Dudley High School
“At ANYTOWN, I learned not to fear the future—but to embrace it even if you think you’re not ready for it. I learned to be myself.”
—Derrick, Southeast Guilford High School
“ANYTOWN is a community in love. It’s such a beautiful experience. I now have a great sense of pride in myself. I know that I am strong enough to face the world and make it a better place.”
—Ashley, High Point Central High
What ANYTOWN parents are saying…
“ANYTOWN was an experience that instilled confidence in our son...something he has had difficulty finding in other places. He described it as a place where everyone is welcome. In that environment, he identified some of his gifts and talents that until now he has been challenged to explore. We are grateful and excited about the impact of this experience for him and other young people."
—Cathy and Buck Cochran
“I would like to thank you and your staff for the great experience Morgan had at ANYTOWN. She made some really good new friends and she came back changed. I am sure she will never forget ANYTOWN. Your organization is changing lives and giving some teens the opportunity that they would otherwise never be able to have.”
—Tonya Jackson
“It was really hard for me to let Maria go to ANYTOWN, but I had to consider what was in my daughter’s best interest and make the sacrifice to give her all possible opportunities. Maria is a senior in high school and is involved in many different programs (such as DMC) I saw this as another opportunity for her and that’s what made me finally decide that it was ok to allow her to go. I’m so glad that she went because it opened many doors for her.
I would tell parents that whenever you see a good opportunity for your child you should take it, even though it may be really hard to let your child go away for a week, it’s worth it to send them to ANYTOWN. It was my first time with her being away from me. After dropping her off at the meeting site, I went home and fell asleep.
I woke up calling on Maria to bring something to me … then I remembered she was at ANYTOWN.
When she returned I wanted to know everything, we talked and talked about all the things she had experienced. I was very pleased with everything Maria had to say about the program. I was relieved that I had made a good decision for my daughter.”
- Basma Jimale