When I met Cali for the first time she was asking all sorts of questions and demanding that our staff call her “Baby.”  Her brother, Jamie, was kind, but often irritated or embarrassed by her behavior. Jamie had been reluctant to bring her to Study Table, but I insisted since she was seven years old and sitting home alone with her mean older brother, Matthew. Cali comes from a Spanish speaking home with 3 brothers whom she loves deeply. Her parents work multiple jobs, so she is often in their care. She is overweight and has a habit of hoarding food. She has a bright smile and an inquisitive nature.
 
Cali’s need for attention was so much that I assigned her to our intern. Her sole task was to keep her busy during ST. They would play games and complete math facts. Cali had trouble completing one addition work sheet in 1.5 hours. She could sit still for no longer than 30 seconds. She was constantly getting up, getting food, asking questions and disturbing other students. I remember going home feeling so frustrated by her constant badgering. One day I was driving Cali home and she said it was open house at school. I asked if her family was going, and she said they needed to work. I decided to take her.
 
Her teacher, Mrs. Oleson told me how much Cali enjoyed YJI Study Table.  She asked Cali to show me a project that lists your friends and what you like to do. Cali had one friend listed and it was Jennifer. I asked Cali who Jennifer was? She said it was me. This person I so often found irritating had listed Study Table as her favorite thing to do. I knew I could not give up on her!

When Cali’s mother, Susanna, was apprehended by ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) we received their call for help. The family was afraid to leave the house and be apprehended. They needed food and to get Susanna out of detainment. When I arrived to drop off food, the family was huddled in the dark. They didn’t know what to do. We were able to connect the family with Justice for our Neighbors (JFON) who gave us advice on how to help. YJI was able to assist in getting Susanna released from jail and returned home.
 
Fast forward three months:  When I was driving Cali to the YJI Fun Run this fall we were talking in the car and she said, “I used to be demanding and hard. I would say I was bored all the time and I didn’t pay attention in class.”  I asked what happened and she said, “I decided to start over.” Cali told me her life was so much better, she felt less nervous and she liked school.  The school office staff reported in 2^nd grade Cali was in the office all the time asking for things and attention. They said Cali was like a new person in 3^rd grade! She never came into the office except to say hello. Cali continues attending Study Table this year and can now sit still for almost a whole hour. I bet her 3^rd grade teacher is so happy. I know I am!

– Cali