Marie-Claude Thompson's Story

This is the work of my life here in the United States (having come from France over 57 years ago): helping kids in disadvantaged neighborhoods who do not have the support they need to do well in school and in life. It was an idea that became a reality bit by bit.

First through a camp at the bottom of the beautiful mountains in Vermont run by my husband Brian and me which offered an alternative to a hot summer in the city. It allowed kids to experience nature while living in a small community of love and respect which challenged them to be attentive to one another, to discover strengths they did not know they had, to learn new skills, have a lot of fun, all the time building up strong relationships to endure back in the city.

Then the help for school came into focus thanks to many wonderful young university student volunteers building one-on-one tutoring relationships with kids needing attention, encouragement, and mentoring. Now that I am retired, others have taken up the daily work of family and school advocacy, training and support for the volunteers, and running summer Camp. I am very grateful that the EVkids family has continued to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs, while preserving its roots and spirit.

I am thrilled that EVkids took in stride the new situation with the pandemic and had the creativity to adjust to its demand without renouncing its goals. Indeed, going virtual for a year was a learning experience which will be used in the future to meet the needs of the kids or their tutors who want to keep the relationships going in spite of moving away.

I am also delighted with the creation of the College Success Program which encourages, prepares and follows our EVkids  going to college, connecting them with a mentor (sometimes their previous tutor!). This is a well needed addition we were happy to be able to add to the program. It's amazing to me that we have now 25 kids in college who each have a mentor helping them and encouraging them in the difficulties they encounter as they navigate the intricacies of the university.

I will match every donation up to my goal of $10,000, which means $20,000 for EVkids! I feel intensely grateful for anyone who will respond with any amount. Thank you!!