StandUp for Kids – National
Youth Success Story
Be inspired by Dezerae’s Journey
We couldn’t be prouder of Dezerae Rawlings for finding her path in life. We’re glad we could support her along the way so she could focus on what mattered. We first met Dezerae at 13, homeless and living under a bridge (her new step-dad said raising a teenager was NOT part of the bargain.) Each morning, she walked to the New Frontier Alternative School in Washington, where she came to know our Kitsap County volunteers. When they visited, it was like “Santa Claus showing up” with food, clothing, bus passes and people who “really cared about us.” Distributed food packs “were a lifeline” – sometimes her only food for the day, and she made them last. Pregnant at 18, she was soon a single parent raising two young girls (now 9 and 13) and juggling daycare, school studies, and working part time to pay for expenses. She kept her promise to finish high school, getting her GED in 2013 at Olympic College.
Many moves, many schools, and many jobs later – all “stepping stones to rise above circumstances” – she is remarried today, a mother to 4 (twin boys, age 4, have joined the mix). She holds an Associates of Applied Science degree and is working on her BA to pursue a Masters in Business Administration. She’s “found her place” as an Operations Associate for WeArePDA.org, a Seattle non-profit that builds robust support for non-punitive, community-based solutions to many public safety issues. A StandUp for Kids volunteer and advocate, she’s a positive, passionate, and impressive young woman determined to help make tomorrow better for other homeless youth by giving back.
“I do want to show that one forgotten homeless teen can be tomorrow’s advocate or donor. My story proves it.”
– Dezerae Rawlings, StandUp for Kids Former Youth
Your Gift Can Change the Future for a Homeless Youth
The 4th Annual StandUp and MOVE for Kids
WANTED: MOVERS & SHAKERS
Help make our 4th annual fundraiser a success and celebrate a 33-year history of saving lives and giving youth second chances. In three years, our event has raised close to $170,000 and attracted:
• 557 participants
• 814 donors
• 33 sponsors
BE A SPONSOR:
Raise Awareness, Raise Funds, Raise Team Spirit!
Bond with your team as you walk, run, bike, wheel, skate, dance, and move to help our mission to end youth homelessness. As a sponsor for our event, 11/1-11/30 during National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, you’ll be helping at-risk youth get back on their feet .
Our Sponsorship Packages offer businesses, clubs, and individuals an opportunity to gain exposure as outstanding supporters of StandUp and MOVE.
BE A PARTICIPANT:
Support us in any way that moves you
During November, choose your own way to move and a time, distance, and location where you’ll make things happen. Your $45 registration fee (event t-shirt and race bib included) and any additional fundraising will go directly to young people who need our help in communities across the country.