“I came to UrbanPromise because my other options didn’t work out,” Dante shared candidly.
As he prepared to graduate from middle school at Holy Name, his hopes were set for a Catholic school in Pennsauken, but his grades weren’t where they needed to be. “I wasn’t doing well. I wasn’t paying attention,” he admits.
His mom encouraged him to give UrbanPromise a try.“So, I signed up. I had an interview with Mr. Calvin, and then, boom, I was here.”
Now a senior at the UrbanPromise Academy, he reflects on his growth, the community, and his unique experiences with gratitude and joy.
“It actually didn’t take that long. By the middle of freshman year, I already felt at home,” Dante noted.
The small classrooms and family-like environment helped Dante feel comfortable being himself.
Soon, his mom said, he was “shining.” She saw a transformation from a grumpy teenager to someone more engaged, happier, and eager to give back—volunteering as a RiverGuide this summer and now helping out in our Camp Spirit after-school program.
Earlier this month, Dante, shared his story from the stage with 700 UrbanPromise friends and supporters at our annual Night of Promise.
Authentically and vulnerably, he shared, “Sophomore year was really bad for me. Sometimes the things you’re going through feel like they’re going to last forever. I wasn’t myself. It was probably the worst point in my life.”
He found caring adults in a tutor and the school principal. “Mr. Ed and Mr. Calvin, they’re my safe space.” They listen to Dante, give him advice, and offer perspective.
“When I was angry with somebody, Mr. Calvin helped me realize I was speaking out of hurt. He encouraged me to talk to the person instead of holding onto my anger.”
Dante continued, “I still think about it all the time. Now, when I’m getting into an argument with somebody, I’ll catch myself and think, “Dang. Let me take my time first.”
And Dante continues to find community with his classmates.
“We go on a lot of Trekker trips at UrbanPromise, and you get to experience things that you probably wouldn’t experience otherwise. The Maine trip is probably my favorite...but really, the best part was US!,” he shared, referring to his class. For those five days, we were all just so connected. That’s what makes it the best.
This summer, Dante’s K-8 alma mater, Holy Name, closed its doors after 99 years in North Camden. Following years of educational transitions in the city, it’s a stark reminder of how families and communities can be left navigating uncertainty and loss, and how essential it is for young people to have consistent, trusted places and relationships they can count on.
UrbanPromise is committed to being a constant in the lives of young people and families, creating spaces where they find belonging, caring adults, and support as they grow. Now in our 39th year of serving Camden, including 30 years of operating our schools, we’re honored to see young people like Dante grow into leaders.
I hope you will consider making a donation to ensure these experiences are possible. Thank you in advance for helping us show up for our youth each day.
With gratitude,
Lindsey Markelz
VP of Development & Finance