Page 16 March 2015 By Rachael Bouley It has only been a year since Desi Nduwayesu was placed in Boys Hope Girls Hope’s Residential program, but his progress is remarkable, and it’s all thanks to the Arcadia community that came together to support him and the organization. A year ago, the future looked bleak for Desi, who was born in Burundi, Africa during a time of civil war. His family was forced to escape to a refugee camp in Tanzania, but his mother died when he was an infant. After moving to Arizona with his father and older sister, the family continued to struggle and he was in and out of foster care. It was last year, after his father died in a car accident, that Desi was found through the Arcadia Parents Google group, during its holiday giving campaign for the International Rescue Committee. There were two families already selected, but at the last minute, he and his sister were added to the campaign. The Arcadia community came together to support the siblings. “When I found out their whole background, I sat in front of the computer and cried,” Jennifer Koeninger, who started the Google group, said. They immediately contacted BHGH in an effort to get Desi into the program. Within weeks, Desi was accepted and moved into a house. Now, he is a student at Bourgade Young man thrives thanks to community Catholic High School, and he celebrated his 17th birthday on February 15. When he moved into the house, Desi was at a fourth-grade level in all subject areas. After intensive tutoring, including 4-5 hour sessions each day throughout the summer, he has displayed his intelligence and determination, as he scores good grades in all of his classes. He shares a close bond with the other six boys in the house, who all speak highly of “their brother Desi.” He enjoys reading mystery books, playing sports – especially soccer – and talking with the other boys in the house. He says he wants to go to college, but he isn’t sure what he would like to study yet. He and his brothers follow a daily schedule that includes school, homework time and family dinner. “They are capable and motivated kids who want to reach their full potential,” Nicole Bidwill, volunteer executive director of Phoenix’s BHGH, said. Without the program, Desi could have ended up back in foster care, with little options for the future. Instead, he is thriving. The success of the program depends on the kindness of the community. “It’s all private donations and After a year, Desi is thriving in Boys Hope Girls Hope’s Residential program. volunteers,” Nicole said. “Phoenix is one of the models. We are doing really well and we have a college graduation rate of 86 percent.” Volunteers donate food, tickets to activities and events, and transportation. All of this help, along with the organization’s dedication to the kids throughout their high school and college careers, leads to second chances and brighter futures for Desi and all his brothers. Arcadia Montessori SINCE 1972 · 18 MONTHS - 6 YEARS Visit AMS at our next open house on Saturday, March 14th from 9:00am to 12:00pm Tour our campus, meet the teachers, and visit our classrooms. LIMITED AVAILIBILITY FOR FALL 5115 E. Virginia Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85008 · arcadiamontessori.com · 602-840-2342 ANNUITY OWNERS COULD PAY UP TO 40% TO THE IRS IN TAXES! Call (888) 988-7995 today for your complimentary annuity pamphlet! Many annuity owners are positioned to lose a significant portion of their annuity’s value to taxes and most are not even aware of the problem. The IRS is not required to notify annuity owners about an exemption to the tax code that could save thousands of dollars in income and estate taxes. Call (888) 988-7995 today to get your no-cost, no-obligation, copy of the annuity pamphlet, “What Every Annuity Owner Should Know” and learn how to potentially: • Avoid paying unnecessary taxes • Increase your retirement income by properly handling your annuity • Avoid mistakes that could cost you or your beneficiaries thousands of dollars Elizabeth Good AZ Insurance License #1103594