NOTE: As of Feb. 29, 2024, Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) has rebranded to Landmarks for Families. Our nonprofit, community programs and residential services remain committed to cultivating thriving youth and families in this new chapter.
Volunteer Spotlight: Shannon Ryan
“Personally, I began mentoring because I wanted to make a positive difference in someone’s life, and who better to do that with than children- especially those who have been displaced from their homes. I wanted to be able to give someone what I was lucky enough to have growing up: a support system, a friend, and someone who is always in their corner through good and bad times.
I can see the tremendous growth the student I work with has made from when he first arrived at CYDC to where he is now. But when I received the last letter from him over the summer, as a part of the summer letter buddy program-that is when I really felt I had actually made a difference in his life. The very last sentence in the letter was, ‘I can’t wait to see you again.’
That sentence is the reason I continue to mentor today. Although I am the one who is mentoring him, he is the one who inspires me.”
Shannon Ryan has been mentoring the same male teenager since he came to CYDC in the eighth grade. He is now a high school sophomore.
Donor Spotlight: Dewey Golub
What do you do for a living?
Owner/Principle of The Found Realty Team at Keller Williams
How did you learn about Carolina Youth Development Center?
I learned about Carolina Youth Development Center from a colleague on my real estate sales team that donated time and energy there.
What was your first experience with the organization and how long have you been involved?
My first experience with CYDC was organizing a weekend-long outreach project. CYDC presented us a list of projects that were needed and we organized a strategy, outreach, people power and donations to pull it all together.
Why do you feel it’s important to give to CYDC and support its mission?
Children are all born pure and innocent, with all the possibilities in the future available to them. The children’s environment and experiences then have so much to do with their journey. CYDC does an incredible job assisting the children in a positive manner with their journey, and that is the most important and admirable thing that can be done.
