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To Our Many Friends and Supporters:

This section is dedicated to our Clients, Board of Directors, Staff Members, Funders, and Volunteers who have generously supported and assisted the Urban League of Greater Hartford. For 46 years, the Urban League has provided programs and services in response to the compelling human needs throughout the Greater Hartford area, and has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of people in the areas of first time homeownership, workforce development, and youth achivement.

We are committed to assisting all individuals and families become self sufficient and to building a stronger region socially and economically.


Success Story Profile: Brice Prude (August 2010)

Brice Prude, a participant of the Urban League's Medical Office Billing and Coding program, has been an outstanding leader and model student throughout the duration of the Medical Office course. He has maintained a confidence that other students want to follow. He is knowledgeable and has a competitive spirit that keeps many of his classmates encouraged. His drive to learn and motivation to execute a mastery of the material is inspiring.

Brice understands the importance of post graduate education. He created a study plan regimen that was rigorous and overcame classroom obstacles to attain the goal. From the beginning of my time as a teacher, it was obvious that he was one of the top students. Whenever there was a question that stumped the group, Brice would be sure to find the answer, either that day, or within the next. Another student might have just forgotten about the question but for Brice, knowing, was just that important to him.

Brice's ability to learn and apply knowledge of Billing and Coding and Medical Administrative office information helped him pass the course and the National Certification Test. Brice is currently participating in an internship with UCONN's Medical Hospital. He said, "this is just the beginning for me." As his teacher, I am confident that he will be successful in anything he puts his mind to.

Written by: Elizabeth Hodge

Success Story Profile: Damaris Deleon (April 2010)

My name is Damaris Deleon. When I was 17 years old I became a part of the Urban League's HERS Program. The program helped me in many ways understand how to create and achieve my goals. With the guidance and support of the staff of the program I have learned to take responsibility for my actions and have developed a strong sense of independence. In addition, I participated in job training where I gained workplace communication skills, prepared a resume and learned interview skills. I was also provided with a stipend which really helped me get through it all. After doing all of this I was able to get a job.

Since then I have obtained my driver's license and purchased a vehicle. I work at the North Central Area Agency on Aging as a Certified Information Specialist for the CHOICES Program where I provide support, advocacy, and educational information for older adults and people with disabilities. I am also currently attending Goodwin College and plan on transferring to Springfield College to obtain a Bachelor's degree. I also plan on enrolling in the Urban League's homeownership program as I would like to someday own a home.

I wouldn't be where I am today if it was not for all of the guidance, love and support I have received from the Urban League of Greater Hartford. The community based programs of this organization have truly helped me achieve all of these great things in my life.

Success Story Profile: Kirby Henry (April 2010)

Kirby Henry is going places.  A recent graduate of The Urban League of Greater Hartford's Pharmacy Technician training program, Kirby aspires to become a pharmacist in the future.  Kirby held the unique distinction of being the only full time college student in the Pharmacy Technician class. This busy academic workload did not deter him from being one of the top students in the Pharmacy class. 

On Wednesdays, Kirby rushed from his Calculus class at Capital Community College to attend a Pharmaceutical math course at the Urban League.  Kirby will graduate from Capital this fall with an associate's degree in Sociology.  He plans to attend Eastern Connecticut State University this fall, majoring in Biology.    

Currently, Kirby is interning at CVS on Farmington Avenue.  A constant overachiever, Kirby made arrangements to extend his internship from 75 to 120 hours.  Kirby is excelling at his Internship, demonstrating all the skills necessary to become a successful pharmacy technician. 

Kirby rents an apartment which he shares with his fifteen year old brother, Kadeem.  He works hard to keep Kadeem on the right path.  Kirby credits hard work and clear goals to his personal growth and success. 

Success Story Profile: Isamar Fernandez (March 2010)

Isamar FernandezBeing a mother and student is not easy for Isamar Fernandez, but it’s a challenge she manages to juggle quite well. In fact, she says it motivates her to reach ever higher. As a girl, Isamar was a bright and hardworking student, but as a teenager she fell into what she described as a “bad crowd”. Under pressure from her friends she dropped out of high school, and lost sight of her childhood dream, to become a doctor.

Her story could have ended there, but fortunately she received a wakeup call. “Having a child was my inspiration, I needed to make some changes and get my GED to give my baby a better life.” It was then that Isamar contacted the Urban League of Greater Hartford and enrolled in the GED program offered by the Urban League.

Immediately recognized as a sharp and determined young woman, Isamar was placed in the fast-track program and is now on her way to receiving her GED. “Isamar works very hard and has a positive attitude towards the program” said her teacher, Larry Joyner. “She will go far if she keeps this pace up, we are very proud of her.”

Getting back into the classroom has re-ignited her drive to become a doctor. In fact, she was asked to enroll in the Urban League’s Medical Administrative Professional Training Program. Isamar immediately enrolled! “Since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to work in a doctor’s office. No, I don’t want to stop with the Medical Administrative Professional Training Program, I want to keep on going, and someday work towards becoming a doctor!”
“I have a lot to be proud of; many people are proud of me now. The Urban League was there for me when I had nothing,” Isamar said. She thanks the Urban League for helping her build the momentum to achieve her dreams.

Success Story Profile: Daria Langs (March 2010)

Education builds self-confidence. Daria Langs learned that first hand. As a young girl she had always been dedicated to her studies and understood the vital importance of a quality education. So when family obligations and a myriad of other obstacles forced her to postpone her high school graduation, she made a promise to herself that she would find a way to finish. The Urban League helped her keep that promise.

Daria enrolled in the Urban League of Greater Hartford's Youth GED program. From the beginning it was clear that she was one of the top students. Daria has maintained a record of near perfect attendance and in her test scores one can see the fruits of her hard work. Daria has scored over 2700 on her Practice GED's twice; once getting a perfect score on the writing component.  Her instructor, Mrs. Jamie Ruiz, continues to be amazed. "She demonstrates everything that it takes to get your GED... She is a role model for other youth."

Daria remains modest about her accomplishments. "The Urban League has given me a great opportunity. Now I want to continue my education; it makes me feel good about myself." Daria has been accepted to Capital Community College and will begin her enrollment this coming Fall 2011. “I’m excited for the future; the Urban League has helped me in ways I can’t even explain. I just feel so good about myself now.”