Anna & Lorenzo’s Story
When Anna first brought her son Lorenzo to the Elevate Kids program, she carried a mixture of hope and worry. As a single parent, she worked hard to provide everything her son needed, but she knew Lorenzo faced challenges that made everyday life a little harder. Lorenzo, who was eight years old at the time, has autism and often struggled with socialization. Making friends, participating in group activities, and feeling comfortable in new environments didn’t always come easily.
Anna had heard about Elevate Kids through another parent and decided to enroll Lorenzo in the After School program. From the beginning, the staff made it clear that Lorenzo was welcome exactly as he was. They took time to understand his needs, his interests, and the ways he learned best.
Now in his third year with Elevate Kids, the growth in Lorenzo has been remarkable.
At first, Lorenzo often preferred to stay on the sidelines. Group conversations could feel overwhelming, and transitions between activities were sometimes difficult. But the consistent routines and supportive environment at Elevate helped him slowly build confidence. Staff members encouraged him to participate at his own pace, celebrating small victories along the way.
One of the most exciting areas of progress has been in his academic development. Through the program’s learning support and structured reading activities, Lorenzo has significantly improved his phonics skills with an increase of 24% since first coming to our Elevate Kids program. What once felt frustrating has become something he approaches with curiosity and pride. Each improvement in his phonics score represents not just academic growth, but a growing belief in his own ability to succeed.
Lorenzo has also thrived through Elevate’s “Good Behavior Bucks” program. The system rewards positive choices such as following directions, helping others, and showing respect. For Lorenzo, the clear expectations and positive reinforcement made a big difference. He quickly began to understand how his actions could lead to rewards, and the motivation helped him practice important social and behavioral skills.
Over time, Anna began to notice changes at home as well. Lorenzo started talking more about his day and the activities he enjoyed. He proudly shared when he earned Good Behavior Bucks and looked forward to spending them. The program gave him not only structure, but also a sense of accomplishment.
Lorenzo also participates in the Elevate Summer School program, which has helped maintain the progress he makes during the school year.
Instead of losing momentum over the summer months, he continues building academic skills, friendships, and confidence.
For Anna, the program has been more than just after-school care. It has been a community that supports both her and her son. Knowing that Lorenzo is in a place where he is understood and encouraged has given her peace of mind.
Three years later, Lorenzo is still growing, still learning, and still discovering what he can achieve. His journey is a reminder that with patience, encouragement, and the right environment, every child can take meaningful steps forward.
At Elevate Kids, Lorenzo isn’t defined by the challenges he faces. Instead, he is celebrated for the progress he makes, the effort he shows, and the bright future ahead of him.
