05/13/2026
𝗔 𝗰𝗮𝗽, 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 💚
A few years ago, Becky Haynes was helping a student find what he needed for graduation.
Becky is a long-time employee with Care to Learn - Fordland: she's a SPED teacher, coach, mentor, and Care to Learn Liaison. But for one senior, Becky was also something more: an encourager.
Early in the year, she became aware that one of her high school students was living in a very complex home environment. After looking deeper, she soon found out that Lucas* and his family had gone without water for an extended period of time.
Her support was immediate: With a few hygiene items on hand and discreetly provided, Lucas was able to shower at school. She also provided fresh shoes, clean clothes, weekend food bags, and more.
For Lucas, this support meant the world. He had hygiene resources and new clothes to boost his self-esteem. But then graduation came, and with it, the unexpected expense: A cap, gown, and dress clothes for commencement – things he couldn't afford.
With the help of Care to Learn, Becky was able to provide Lucas with a cap and gown, nice clothes to wear at the commencement ceremony, and a brand new outfit for Project Graduation.
Lucas proudly walked across the stage, just like his peers.
Becky's last act of kindness lingered, and even after graduating, Lucas continued to share his gratitude for her encouragement and support.
“It’s been a few years, but I still receive messages saying he is appreciative of all that we were able to do for him during high school,” said Becky. “He's a great young man, still searching for his way without a lot of resources.”
Becky hasn't stopped being the ultimate encourager. She even served as a job reference for Lucas this spring, encouraging him to keep going, trying, and learning.
“Not all of our kids have the support system to help them launch into the next stage of life,” she says. “One of my favorite things about Fordland is that we are all like a family. We are raising these kids together, and we want them to succeed. No matter what.”
Thank you, Becky, for being a Helping Hand and for rooting for every student to succeed as they grow, learn, and take on the next Chapter. You inspire us more than you know!
*Name changed to protect the identity of the student served.
