When Tornae started attending tutoring with Horton's Kids, our staff and her tutors knew right away that she was smart - but she was significantly behind her grade level in reading.
 
This is common among children who live in the community Horton's Kids serves. A nd it's why your support - your financial donations, your time and dedication as a volunteer, or both - matters.
 
Last summer, Tornae learned she had to repeat 7th grade. As you can imagine, she was embarrassed and lost confidence in herself. She also was sad that she wouldn't be in the same class as her friends.
 
Horton's Kids staff and several volunteers helped Tornae stay optimistic. When she returned to school in the fall, she worked hard all year. She paid attention in class, got help with her homework at Horton's Kids' Community Resource Center, and worked with her tutors to improve her reading skills.
 
The result?  Tornae was listed on the honor roll in her most recent report card. "This year I am most proud of my grades and making honor roll. I worked really hard," she said.
 
Tornae couldn't wait to share the good news with her long-time tutor, Lauren. She brought her report card to tutoring, smiling from ear to ear, and they both celebrated.
 
"My favorite thing about Horton's Kids is going to tutoring. I like my tutor, Ms. Lauren. We have been working together since I was in third grade. She helps me with my homework and is really nice. She cares about me," Tornae told us.
 
Not only is Tornae excelling in school - she's feeling confident, and she's proud of what she's learning. And she's excited to share her accomplishment with her tutor, who believed in her when she was feeling frustrated.
 
Thank you for being a supporter of Horton's Kids.  Every day, you're helping us achieve victories for children like Tornae. We are so grateful for your commitment.
Horton's Kids  is a community-based, social change organization that serves 500 children, grades K through 12, living in an isolated and violent neighborhood in southeast Washington, DC called Wellington Park. Horton's Kids' mission is to empower at-risk children and prepare them to succeed in school, career, and life through educational opportunities and comprehensive programs tailored to their needs. 

www.hortonskids.org | 100 Maryland Avenue NE, Suite 520 | Washington, DC 20002