Ellese Ford has a rich history with PCYC, and a bright future here as the Program Director of our Bright Futures K-5 Enrichment program.
“I went to PCYC as a child, in the house that used to be across the street. They had computers and lots of stuff for us to have fun. We got meals and snacks, and there was always more if we wanted seconds. All my friends were there, and it’s where I spent all my time. They welcomed us in! They cared for us kids.
I went to college at Augsburg and got my degree in Bio Psychology. When I graduated I got a job at a bank, but that was not for me. I looked all around for a different job and I saw an ad for a youth worker at PCYC – working with kids on the Northside, in my own classroom, and my head said yes!, I’m doing this.
I was in the classroom for five years. I’ve followed some of the kids the whole way, from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Our scholars are excited, and full of energy and emotion. They have lots of imagination. They’re creative, and heartwarming, and they’re so much fun. You can learn a lot from the kids, too. They want somebody to hear them.
I’m kind of sad to be out of the classroom, but now I’m in a new role, and I look forward to representing PCYC in the best way I can, and I’ll represent children in the best way I can.
This is my life calling. If I can be the person that I needed as a child, for a child, that’s how I fulfill my purpose.