Christy Smith & Kylor Williams

“I couldn’t have done it without the help and support of Opportunity School. It was a big need for me and planted the seed for Kylor to grow and become a great man.”

 

Local hairdresser Christy Smith beams with pride when talking about her son, Kylor Williams, an Amarillo firefighter and former Opportunity School student who was just awarded Firefighter of the Year.

 

“I feel like Opportunity School gave him a foundation early on that has helped establish the rest of his life,” says Christy. “He really opened up and grew.”

 

“Coming from a single family home with just my mom, I wouldn’t have made it out if it wasn’t for having the chance to attend Opportunity School,” says Kylor. “To be able to give local kids and their parents the full support they need to succeed is critical.”

 

While Opportunity School provided Kylor a high-quality, early childhood education, it also provided support that went well beyond the classroom. Embracing a unique two generational approach that helps reduce barriers for working parents, Opportunity School was able to support Christy as she fought to find her way in life.

 

“I was a young, single mom waiting tables trying to figure out my life,” says Christy. “ I quickly learned it took more than just me and I needed the help Opportunity School provided. The teachers were able to pour into Kylor and do some of the things that I just couldn’t do at the time.” 

 

Christy says Opportunity School filled in the gaps for her family, providing her peace of mind on a number of levels.

 

“I wanted growth and development for Kylor and I couldn’t afford it. I was 20 or 21 years old, still trying to figure what I wanted to do. Opportunity School gave me a chance to give my son an opportunity that I couldn’t provide for him financially, mentally or emotionally.” Christy 

 

Opportunity School provides access to on-site therapeutic services for enrolled children so parents don't have to leave work for children to receive services; an on-site Early Intervention specialist to help parents coordinate appointments and referrals to minimize out of work time; and access to our Family Services team who help parents navigate other local resources to help make their family more economically stable. 

 

This includes directing them to local workforce training, additional job training, community college programs, small business development opportunities, and job fairs, connecting to opportunities for scholarships, assisting with resumes, and helping make community connections.

 

Kylor fully believes he’s a product of his Opportunity School environment and says he will never forget where he came from.

 

“Now that I’m older and have kids of my own, I know how much of a blessing Opportunity School was to me and my mom,” explains Kylor. “Just knowing the burden that was lifted off of her shoulders by having the opportunity to send me to a safe, great place — I know it was great for her.”

 

Because of generous donors like you, Opportunity School is able to provide generational support, helping shape the lives of young children who are now working and serving in our community, like Kylor.

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We can’t thank you enough for your past support and hope you will consider increasing your gift to help us fill the gap for more working parents so we can continue making a true difference for our students and our community.

 

“You just don’t understand the blessing that you’re giving someone else,” says Christy. “There are mamas out there who, despite their circumstances, want more for their children. Opportunity School provides that opportunity for them to have that life.”

 

“By donating, you could be helping a kid who could grow up to be like me. I made it out and have made a successful man out of myself and I wouldn’t be here without that help from Opportunity School.”

 

Online donations can be made by clicking HERE. You may send a one-time gift, or we would be delighted to set up a recurring monthly gift. All donations are tax-deductible and directly help support our mission to provide exceptional early childhood education to those who need it most right here in Amarillo.