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Blog

April 5, 2026  |  By Shelli Vasser Gilliam In Blog, Success Stories

Daisy’s Success Story

Young Latina girl smiling with a plate of healthy food holding a sign saying "Daisy: Say 'I am beautiful', 'I am intelligent', 'I am worth it' and other affirmations. At the bottom, it says "...because you are!"

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, students like Daisy are not just surviving—they’re thriving. Daisy has been part of Community Lodgings Youth Education Program since 2nd grade, participating in after-school programs, summer activities, mentoring, and countless field trips! Your support has allowed her to explore, grow, and discover her potential over nearly a decade.

Daisy faced a major challenge in Algebra 2, she struggled at the beginning of the year and almost gave up. But with encouragement, tutoring, and the resources available through Community Lodgings, she applied herself, worked tirelessly at home, and passed the class—a true testament to resilience and determination.

Now in 11th grade, Daisy is focused on her future, aspiring to become a nurse or ultrasound technician. She actively seeks guidance, engages with mentors, explores pre-college programs, and even navigates job interviews with professionalism and persistence. Her quiet curiosity, kindness, and hard work reflect the lasting impact of your support—not just on her, but on her family and community.

Because of donors like you, Daisy is on a path to success that will ripple through generations. Your contributions help shape the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers—one student at a time.

Keep up the great work, Daisy! We’re proud of you.

Previous StoryCommunity Lodgings Awarded ACT for Alexandria’s Fund for Racial Equity Grant
Next StoryVolunteer Spotlight – Stephanie

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    Volunteer Spotlight – Stephanie
  • Group of six Latine adolescents wearing Community Lodgings t-shirts smiling in front of a landmark in Alexandria, Virginia.
    Community Lodgings Awarded ACT for Alexandria's Fund for Racial Equity Grant

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