HEROES

“Fresh cut, fresh cut, fresh cut,” Masaki fired off as his hand, unstoppable, swept back and forth across the top of Mauricio’s hair. They sat on the stage enjoying each other’s company during Tumbling Camp as the coaches moved the equipment for the next activity. The participants were eager to engage and play with the sometimes sleepy and exhausted volunteers. For them, hanging out with the volunteers was the best part of summer camp.

It is these moments between the participants and volunteers that shaped Mauricio as he grew up in FPR programs since he was 4 years old. As a young, brown eyed boy he was doted on by many volunteers and quietly soaked up the love. Now, as a volunteer he quietly dotes on, laughs with, and plays alongside the participants.

This is what makes FPR unique- the relationships formed through the programs. The volunteers and staff make the participants want to return again and again. They give us love and help us embrace our uniqueness. They equip us with skills. They challenge us to reach our potential. They shape us into better people. These friendships allow us to learn, grow, and discover how to make this world a better place.