The Leaven

Measuring Change, One Child at a Time

Every afternoon, when students fill the tutoring centers of The Leaven, they come with an expectancy to learn, to belong, and to feel loved, and the adults at The Leaven don’t let them down. Martha Lacy is a principal at David Wier Elementary School, and she can personally attest to the powerful impact of The Leaven. After all, they are reaching her toughest students.

For example, Jenaya is one tough cookie. She has some strong qualities that may someday give her a commanding presence and an ability to lead, but without guidance and channeling, she simply had a bad attitude. She landed in Ms. Lacy’s office nearly every single day, after causing problems with other children in her classroom and on the playground, always stemming from her attitude. Her manner didn’t soften in the presence of the principal; she often showed no remorse.

But once Jenaya became involved in The Leaven, her countenance changed. She hasn’t been to Ms. Lacy’s office once for behavioral issues this year. In fact, Jenaya received the award for the Most Improved Student in her grade. She has become respectful to adults and her classmates, and she is a leader in her classroom. The consistency of The Leaven taught her to take responsibility for her actions, be in charge of her choices, and claim control of her own character.

The Leaven’s impact is so often immeasurable, and the influence in Jenaya’s life cannot be denied. Her smile says it all: her attitude has changed.

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