Hope in Quiet Steps: Amiel’s Story
When Amiel first heard about CityKidz, it was through a simple flyer handed out at school, one that made him pause. At 11 years old, Amiel is quiet by nature, thoughtful and reserved. He’s not the kind of kid who jumps headfirst into new experiences. But something about that flyer, something about the idea of fun, learning, and connection, sparked his curiosity.
“He wanted to try it,” recalls his mom, Rina. “And that was a surprise to me, because Amiel usually takes a while to warm up to new things. But something about CityKidz stood out to him right away.”
From the moment he stepped onto the big red bus and walked through the doors of the CityKidz Studio Theatre, Amiel’s world began to shift. He dove into themed Saturdays like Jungle Day and When I Grow Up, laughing at bus challenges and singing along with his peers. One week, he even joined his bus group on stage, proudly performing “God Has a Plan.”
“I really liked going on stage,” he says with a quiet smile. “It was fun.”
What may seem like small moments, like singing, clapping, joining in, are in fact big leaps for a child like Amiel. Rina has seen it firsthand. “He’s shy,” she explains. “He doesn’t talk much at first. But once he feels safe, he opens up. Since joining, he’s more confident, more engaged. He couldn’t wait for the program to start again.”
That growth continued through the summer, when Amiel joined Camp CityKidz, a place where new friendships formed and new memories were made. Now, as part of CityYouth, he’s already setting goals for the future.
“He’s looking forward to becoming a junior team leader,” Rina shares. “That means a lot—he’s not just enjoying it anymore. He wants to give back.”
Outside of CityKidz, Amiel loves playing volleyball and basketball, creating art, and diving into math and French at school. He also cherishes his friendships, even if he’s better at remembering faces than names, as Rina lovingly jokes.
But what makes CityKidz so special, Amiel says, is the people.
“I like getting out of the house. I like learning things. And I like seeing the people who come visit.”
He’s talking about the Home Visits: a unique part of CityKidz where caring volunteers check in with kids each week, building relationships that extend beyond the Saturday programs. “He always lights up when the ladies come,” says Rina. “Those check-ins mean a lot to him.”
For Amiel, CityKidz is more than just a program. It’s a safe space to be himself, to build confidence at his own pace, and to imagine a future where he takes the lead.
“He’s growing,” Rina says. “He’s happy. And as a parent, that’s everything.”
Demarco’s Journey: Built to Last
When you ask 15-year-old Demarco about his time at CityKidz, he doesn’t hesitate to share—he’s been connected to the program for over six years. For him, the memories aren’t just vivid; they’re foundational. A core part of what’s shaped him into the person he is today.
“From day one, I felt happy. CityKidz has always been there,” Demarco says. “I already had some friends there. And I really liked Susan.”
Susan, a longtime CityKidz Home Visit captain, has been part of Demarco’s journey from the very beginning. Known for her signature smile, unwavering kindness, and contagious on-the-bus jingles, she’s become more than a volunteer. She’s become a fixture in Demarco’s life.
“She’s always smiling. Always consistent,” he says simply. And in a world that can feel uncertain, that kind of consistency matters.
It’s not just Susan’s presence that’s remained steady. So has the CityKidz experience, even through changes like the transition from the historic Playhouse Theatre on Sherman Avenue North to the new custom-built Studio Theatre. While the venue may have changed, the spirit of the program hasn’t.
“There’s still fun, still music, still friends,” Demarco says. “I liked the Playhouse, but the new theatre is really cool.”
His mom, Krystal, has seen the long-term impact up close. With two sons involved in CityKidz, she credits the organization with creating a reliable, joyful and diverse programming—something that sets it apart.
“CityKidz feels like family,” Krystal says. “Every week, the kids look forward to the crossword puzzles, the sign-up sheets, the freezies… it’s the little things that build excitement and connection.”
She smiles when she talks about the Saturday ritual: the bus ride, the shows, the interactions, and how much her kids light up when they’re a part of it. “They remember every birthday, every little thing. It shows the kids they matter. That means a lot.”
CityKidz is more than just a weekend program for Demarco. It’s the place he learned to open up in small groups. It’s where he experienced the joy of being celebrated on his birthday, or receiving a special gift at Christmas. And now, as a young man in our CityYouth program, it’s where he continues to grow, from a participant to a leader.
With every skit, every conversation, and every Home Visit, Demarco has been reminded of one powerful truth: he is supported, he is valued, and he is not alone.
That kind of foundation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built brick by brick through relationships, through consistency, and through the belief that every child deserves a place where they belong.
“CityKidz does so much and does it so well,” Krystal reflects. “I’m grateful. Truly.”
Demarco’s story isn’t over. Thanks to the people who show up year after year, he’s writing it from a place of strength.