EXCEEDING BENCHMARKS TOGETHER Inc.
How We Got Our Start
We are a 501(c) 3 non profit charitable organization seeking to empower students who have experienced adverse circumstances by providing needs-based enrichment and educational services aligned with high standards of equity and equality.
Exceeding Benchmarks Together Inc. was born out of a deep-seated belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of the hardships they have endured. Its founder, and board members, a group of passionate educators and youth activists witnessed the profound impact of adverse experiences on young lives. They saw children struggling to make right decisions and lacking a healthy connection to their family, school and community. These children, resilient yet vulnerable, needed more than just academic support; they needed dependable mentors who would stay throughout their journey to witness their growth and celebrate their success.
EXCEEDING BENCHMARKS TOGETHER INC
How We Got Our Start
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A Safe Haven
The story of Shannon. She was 14 years old, frequently hospitalized and finally placed in a 6-month group home for mental health counseling. She was extremely intelligent but lost interest in school because of what she called " boring work". We knew she used this phrase to replace "stupid work" as she was redirected many times. Despite the psychiatric treatment she received to aid her emotional needs, at discharge, she said she was most fearful of going back to school and not knowing anything. The learning loss she experienced caused severe anxiety to resurface. Shannon had already faced more challenges than many people do in a lifetime. Going back to school should have been the greatest gain but instead felt uncomfortable and frightening. Exceeding Benchmarks Together fills the need to help out of home placements add rigor to a watered-down educational system. We also help by providing access to community gardens for sustainable and therapeutic purposes.
Building a Community
At the heart of Exceeding Benchmarks Together Inc. is community. Families, educators, and volunteers all come together, united by a common goal: to provide unwavering support to students who otherwise would not have access to a choice- filled life. Exceeding Benchmarks Together Inc. stands as a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every child has the potential to succeed, no matter their past.
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