The Charlton School
Over a century of caring for youth
PO Box 47/322 Lake Hill Rd. Burnt Hills, NY 12027 Tel.(518)399-8182 Fax (518)399-8195

**The Student's last names are not identified for the purpose of confidentiality **

I came to the Charlton School in 1992. I don't know if you remember me, I took ballet in Saratoga Springs almost everyday while staying at your facility. I never did pursue it professionally. In 1996 I enlisted in the U.S. Air force as a Public Affairs Specialist. I separated in 2000 when my enlistment was fulfilled. I am now 31 years old and live in Washington State with my husband of 5 years and my two daughters, age 3 years and 5 months. I had been in and out of foster homes and residential placements before coming to the Charlton school, the summer before starting 9th grade. By far, I have nothing but fond memories of your staff. It was the best placement I had ever been in.  I had a very abusive upbringing and your facility was definitely a safe place for me. I am happily married and my in-laws are fantastic. I have a supportive and loving husband who takes pride in being a father to our girls. We just bought a new house over the summer and I have a great job as an office manger/administrator at a CPA Firm.

Keep up the good job and keep hiring great people. Joy

Dear Board of Trustees:

Thank you for your continued support and assistance in my education.  I have been working hard and enjoying the challenge. I have recently spoken to the transfer counselor at SCCC and we have developed a plan that would allow me to reach my goals in the most proficient way.  I am planning to attend SCCC for my third year. In this third year of study I will finish my AS while earning resident credits at Saint Rose, my anticipated transfer school. By utilizing cross registration, I am able to pay the tuition of SCCC while gaining resident credits at Saint Rose. In the fall of 2008 I plan to transfer and continue my education with a concentration in English. Sincerely,
Kristine

Dear Don Marshall & Admin Staff

I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me get here. For helping me see the full spectrum of potential that it had and helping me through my struggles and loving me regardless of my faults. Thank you for getting me here!
All our love,
Kuuleilani

Hi, my name is Georgiana. I am 26 years old, I am a mother of two, and I am a student. I once was a Charlton girl just like you.

I came to Charlton in 1992 as a child, a scared, hurt, and lonely child. I didn’t love myself and I didn’t think anyone else did either, including the ones I needed the most. I had been to two places prior to Charlton, a total of three years in placement already. I was so close to loosing all hope of a brighter day. Well, to me Charlton was the light at the end of my dark and lonely tunnel.

To this day and beyond I will never forget the people who showed me how to love myself and showed me what it felt like to be loved and supported. Even when I acted like a jerk, or lied about doing stuff I wasn’t supposed to, or ran away, they forgave me and I still felt like I had a family. I had to learn my lessons of course. I paid my prices, but I was never hurt, or put down, or deprived. I didn’t always make the right decisions but there was always someone there to help me back on the right path.

        Now I only hope that those people know how incredible they are, I hope they realize how many lives they have shaped and even saved, and I hope that you realize as Charlton girls just how lucky you are, because at Charlton there is hope for everyone.

Even if you think they don’t care, they always do.  If you think their not listening, stop yelling. They can hear you better when you talk.  If you think they don’t understand, think again. They have seen it all. Even if they don’t understand they are trying their hardest because they want to understand. Have faith in Charlton because they have faith in you. Please remember take responsibility for your own actions, treat others how you would like to be treated, and most of all love yourself dearly. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope I was able to touch you hearts in someway.

Georgiana

Once again I would like to thank The Charlton School for the great support that you have given me over the course of four years at the University at Albany.  You really do not know how much I am grateful and appreciative.  I've come a long way and to overcome my struggles I had The Charlton School to assist me.  I will be graduating in December of 2003 and I will be sending invitations for those who know me to attend.  I will be pursuing my Master's in Accounting in September of 2004.  I know I will still have your support.  I know that The Charlton School wants nothing but the best for individuals and to help them pursue their dreams.  Please send  my thanks to everyone and hopefully I will see you in December. Again, thank you so much Don Marshall and the Board of Trustees for your support.

 Lola

                           Thank you for allowing me to express to you how important, your scholarship has guided me into the field of health.  I applied my scholarship award toward intro into Dental at Hudson Valley Community College. The course was very comprehensive and informative.  The scholarship allowed me to purchase my text books, and prep material review for the NYS Dental Assistant License for New York State.  That's not all, I've been accepted at Seton Women health at St. Mary Hospital in Troy, NY.  I'm presently assisting a oral surgeon. I am continuing my studies in the fall.       

Damonica

Hi, I hope everything is well for you and the rest of the great staff at the school. I am very busy with school and my two part time jobs.  I am still at my state job with the NYS Office, and I have been recently offered a full-time position with them in early 2004, which I am very excited about.  My other job is with a handicapped woman whom I assist with small duties around her residence for about 8 hours a week. Your past contributions have assisted me tremendously with books and other fees regarding my education.  I have enclosed some information about my past and current semesters with my grades as well as a CLASP application form.  I will mail my fall schedule and current summer class grade when I receive them, for now I have enclosed the bill for those classes as proof of me attending in upcoming fall classes.  Thank you very much for your time and I hope to be hearing from you soon.

 Cindy

                                    I am writing this letter to express to all of you my gratitude for the continued support I received during my academic career.  After years of struggle, determination, and perseverance the completion of my bachelor's degree from Siena College was in many ways a reflection of success not only for myself, but also for The Charlton School as well.

As a former resident, I have overcome many obstacles that stood before me and found the strength of character to realize my abilities and pursue my goals.  As a staff member of the Charlton team, I have endeavored to balance my personal and professional experiences in order to be more effective when helping others.  I hope that by my example, I have made a difference in the lives of several of the young women at Charlton, in part due to my experiences as a resident, college student, and staff person.  I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to be a role model for many of the young women at Charlton.

I would also like to take this particular opportunity to acknowledge to overwhelming support of Mr. Donald Marshall, Executive Director of The Charlton School.  Thank you Don for always believing in my ability to overcome educational, professional, and personal obstacles.  I take great pride in knowing that I have been the recipient of an educational program that truly benefits others through the acknowledgement of hard work and determination.  Having said this, I hope all of you take from this letter a sense of true altruism in your continued support of the CLASP Program.  I assure all of you that I have, and will continue to make a difference in part due to your generous support and belief in me.

Again, thank you all for giving me and others, the opportunity to participate in the CLASP program which has made a difference in my life and will continue to make a difference in the lives of future recipients. 

Melissa

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