SUCCESS STORIES
Markus Sheldon
City Youth Now celebrates the Martial Arts accomplishments of foster youth Markus Sheldon, age 9!
For over 3 years, foster youth Markus Sheldon has been supported by City Youth Now with emergency clothing, education assistance, personal development opportunities, campership scholarships, and recreation activities. While the support has come in many forms, one activity in particular has profoundly impacted the life of young Markus — a series of ongoing martial arts classes.
Last weekend, Markus graduated from a blue belt to a green belt in Shaolin Kenpu skills. The ceremony was festive, and featured black belt experts as well as a very impressive array of defensive, acrobatic skills demonstrated by over 30 classes to a rousing hip-hop soundtrack.
Markus's foster mom, Patty, a rising blue belt, has been taking classes with her son, and both mother and son expressed to us the bonding that the shared experience has given them.
City Youth Now is so deeply pleased to see how — as a result of our continued financial support for young Markus — these rigorous classes has helped him develop confidence, posture, esteem, and pride in who he is.
Congratulations, Markus!
