Back to School and a Bittersweet Goodbye
As the school year begins, I find myself stepping into a transition of my own. After six years on staff at Canopy, and two years before that as a volunteer, this August marks the end of my time with an organization that has truly become a second home. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, filled with deep gratitude and hope for what’s ahead.
Supporting families through times of change has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I’ve watched students walk into new schools, often unsure and overwhelmed, and grow into confident, curious, and courageous individuals. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families who, while learning a new language and adjusting to unfamiliar systems, have worked tirelessly to support their children. It’s been a gift to witness their courage and commitment.
Along the way, I’ve seen how much this work depends on the wider community. To all of the educators, counselors, food service workers, bus drivers, and school staff who show up every day with compassion and care, thank you! Whether it is greeting a student by name in the hallway, offering a quiet space when the day feels overwhelming, preparing a warm meal, or making sure they get home safely, you help our students feel valued. The sense of belonging you create stays with them far beyond the classroom.
I am especially grateful to my Youth Services team: Elise, Tuka, and Shabnam. Your dedication, strong work ethic, and belief in our students are at the heart of everything we have done. I’ve learned so much from each of you. I also want to acknowledge the interns I have had over the years, whose support helped shape this program into what it is today. Furthermore, to Canopy’s leadership: Joanna, Khalid, and my supervisor Amy, whose guidance and example have made a profound difference in me both personally and professionally. Together, we have supported students through challenges and shared in the joy of watching them simply be children, laughing, playing, learning, and growing. That joy remains one of the most beautiful parts of this work. Thank you for sharing it with me.
As I reflect, I am deeply grateful for how much this community has shaped my own family. When I first started at Canopy, my daughter Alysia was just ten years old. Now she is eighteen, and in many ways, she has grown up surrounded by the kindness, strength, and wisdom of the families I have been privileged to work alongside. The incredible moms who welcomed her like one of their own have left a lasting impression on her heart and mind, a gift of insight and care that will stay with her for a lifetime. I will always cherish the ways this community has enriched our lives.
As Wangari Maathai once said, "In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now." As I move forward, I carry with me the hope, courage, and sense of community that Canopy has inspired in me and in so many young lives.
Danielle Bennett |
