CD's Corner

This is a story of four people named
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done
and Everybody was asked to do it.
Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that
because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it,
but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended that Everybody blamed Somebody when
Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
- Unknown

Here at the Cleveland JCC Center, its EVERBODY’S job to mentor the young adults we have the privilege of being placed guardians over. None of us have the luxury of sitting idly and waiting on someone else, we must all pitch in, work together and lift each other up to ensure our students reach their goals. The success of CJCC rides on EVERYBODY!

Do me a favor, take a moment and think back… back to when you were a young adult. Do you remember those days; days filled with possibilities - yet days of uncertainty; days full of fun - yet days of despair and always a need for guidance? Now… go back again, and this time recall all the influential people who touched
your life. Whether we called them mentors, advisers, coaches, teachers, or friends, they made a difference. “It takes a Village to Raise a Child,” this is one of my wife’s favorite African Proverbs. The basic meaning behind the proverb, is that the upbringing of a child is a communal effort. CJCC is a VILLAGE, it is the responsibility of EVERYBODY to educate, mentor and nurture our students.

When our students leave as graduates, they will remember those individuals who encouraged and guided them. The ones that had a lasting and positive impact on their lives. We are not only blessed to work at a place where we can make a difference in the lives of the young people we serve, but we do so while preparing them for opportunities that may be presented to them in the near future.

Every so often, I have the opportunity to read a letter, email, or overhear a current or past student, saying THANK YOU to a CJCC staff member and that just makes my day. On behalf of all the lives you have touched, I too want to say THANK YOU. THANK YOU for listening, for encouraging, for never giving up, and lastly for being there to help them through this stage in their lives. EVERYONE, let’s continue to strive to be a VILLAGE!!!