In Stressful Times, Scholarship Offers the Blessing of Fun

In Mercee’s home, Saturdays have a new name–Gymanstics Days. It’s something the 6-year-old looks forward to all week, and even though she’s a beginner, her kinship caregiver, Valerie, says it’s already building her confidence.

While the activity is proving to be a natural fit and hugely beneficial for Mercee, it almost wasn’t an option for the family, due to a financial setback. But thanks to the Seeds Community Center Enrichment Matters Scholarship covering the cost of classes, Mercee gets to bounce, tumble, and balance every week.

“The scholarship is especially helpful because I lost my job this year and have struggled at finding the right job for myself while also finding one that allows for me to care for our family,” Valerie says. “We're a one-income home as of right now, and extracurriculars are not really in the budget, but we knew this would be such a great thing, physically, emotionally and mentally for Mercee with all that she is going through in her little life.”

Valerie says Mercee loves having a routine, being active, and learning new skills that challenge her mind and body, as well as creating friendships and support beyond school and their family. In the midst of court proceedings, difficult family dynamics, working with the Arizona Department of Child Safety and other agencies, school, and other weekly appointments, “Gymnastics is the blessing,” says Valerie. 

“It's not something that is stressful, and I enjoy seeing her learning something new and being proud of herself when she gets it. If this activity is what is to stick for her, I can see this being a bright light for her future.”

That sense of belonging, pride, and identity is exactly why Seeds Community Center created the Enrichment Matters Scholarship.

Says Executive Director Christe LePeau, “For a child in kinship care, having the opportunity to discover and participate in something they’re passionate about helps their identity be less about their circumstances and more about who they’ve been created to be.”

The Enrichment Matters Scholarship Program, and all Seeds Community Center programming, is 100% donor-funded. Donate online to support our work.