It was Andrew’s* turn to perform a song. He was nervous. Andrew was a shy child, but wanted to take part in the recent talent show being hosted at C&FS’ Residential Treatment Program during his week off from school. He saw how much fun everyone was having, but the idea of performing in front of them was still scary. Then, his friends started cheering him on.
“Come on, Andrew!”
“You’ve got this!”
“You can do it!”
Andrew couldn’t contain the smile on his face. As the other kids clapped, Andrew moved into position. He looked to his right to where one of his friends was serving as DJ. The DJ gave Andrew a thumbs up and clicked play.
When Andrew started singing, his voice was soft. When he saw his friends cheering for him in the crowd, his confidence grew and his voice got louder. By the time the song reached its climax, Andrew’s voice filled the gymnasium. His friends went wild as Andrew, laughing and proud, went back to his seat. He didn’t walk, though; he danced.
“This talent show was a great event for the children because it provided them with the necessary platform to creatively express themselves,” said Antione Holmes, Residential Learning and Development Manager at C&FS. “I can tell that the children truly enjoyed themselves because they repeatedly asked, ‘When’s the next talent show?’ and ‘Can I perform again?’ Our youth are full of different talents and we love when they get to share them with the world!”
At the end of the show, all of the children received a certificate for their performance. When Andrew read his, it said “Future Grammy Winner.”
*Name changed for confidentiality.