Literacy and Community Letters
December 4, 2000
Thank you, Curtis, for the kindness you showed us at the TV Food Network show in Phoenix on Sunday, December 4th. We enjoyed your segment trememdously, and our little Emily had a wonderful time as well! Here are the pictures we took at the show with you, your son, and our 5 month old daughter, Emily.
We look forward to seeing you on the Food
Network, and at the next Live show here in Phoenix!
Happy Holidays,
Bob, Amy and Emily Yagelowich
-----------------------------------
Date: October 3, 2000
From: Bette
Curtis,
What a wonder tribute to you. And everything he said is true... You are a shining
star and still have both feet on the ground. One of the many things that I love
about you is your humility. You always come across as someone who cares. That was
why I felt I could email you that very first time. Then when you actually took the
time to come see us personally, proved what a genuine person you are. You have so
many that admire you, look up to you and are proud to call you their friend. Your
mama and papa can be very proud of you... Mr, Curtis Aiken's and what a wonder example for
those boys of yours!!!
I love you!
Sending lots of hugs your way!
Bravo is all I can say....
Bette
Name: Wanda Barrs
Date: September 2000
Hello...from Bleckley County, Cochran, GA! Just wanted
to update you on our efforts to encourage and strengthen our at-risk rising 9th
graders...they are now in the throws of the 5th week of school. Sally P. and Keisha
M. worked with the students you meet with at the middle school in a "Born to
Win" leadership and personal development program for a total of 16 contact hours this
past spring. One of the exciting activities they had planned was a trip to the
"Wilderness Center" ( an edcuational/discipline training center) located deep in
the woods of Bleckley County. This facility is operated by our juvenile justice
center and students observed the learning/discipline format and perhaps recognized that
traditional school may be a better setting. One of the highlights of the day(other
than a picnic under the trees) was participating as teams in the"high" ropes
course! Wish you could have been there! I was scared to death but determined
to lead the way! The experience really strengthened some kids self-confidence and
personal collaboration. It also brought to light some powerful personal needs of
special kids. During the last months of school we worked to help address these.
Middle school graduation was on the horizon and Sally, Keisha and myself along with
many parents were there to
celebrate with many of the participants. They knew we were pulling for
them...although all did not make it...we believe many were positively impacted for the
future.
Over the summer Sally and Keisha worked with the students in what we called a
"crossover" program which encouraged personal development and goal setting. We
really emphasized staying focused on the long term goal...high school graduation.
Since school has begun Keisha and Sally are continuing to keep in contact with these and
other students. Last week we arranged a field
trip to the nearby prison. This is something that I would like to be sure every
middle school student gets to see...there is nothing that rings so true as when an inmate
looks into the eyes of these students and tells their story. One young man in the
group was in tears during the tour...realizing this Sally took him aside and learned he
had just seen his father among the inmates. What a heartbreaking thought!
We are certainly not trying to embarrass or humiliate any of our children...just
help them face the future with a strengthened reality...that our choices are our own and
we want to empower them to make the BEST choices. Thank you for autographing the
pictures...it means so much!
Family Connection is working on 2 grants which we believe could make a tremendous
difference for our families...one is a community resource center (equiped with adult
education center) and the other is a rural health grant aimed at making mental health
services more acessible for the entire family. Presently our families must drive 30
miles to begin any kind of treatment individually or collectively. We know this is a
barrier for too many which need intervention.
You know I could go on and on...we have so much to do and so little time to do it. I
sincerely hope all is well for you and your family. We pray that God will bless you
in all your efforts to reach out.
Have a wonderful day!
Wanda Barrs, Chairman Family Connection of Cochran/Bleckley County
Dear Wanda,
What a powerful letter! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the good work you
do!
Peace & hugs,
Curtis
Name: MEILYN G. & LUIS C.
Date: 3/1/00
About two years ago I met you in Plantation Fl. you brougt my little 7 year old boy up on
stage ever since then all he will talk about is Curtis this and Curtis that. He will watch
your show every time it comes on.I told him about your life and how you learned to read at
a late age and how important you think school is. Well the main reason I'm writing you is
to tell you he is now in the gifted program at school and I have you to thank because of
you he now loves school.Thank you so much and please never stop what you are doing. You
are my son's role model and I couldn't ask for a better person for him to pick. I just
want you to know that god had a plan for you and your doing a great job.
god bless you,
Meilyn G. & Luis C
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! My heart is overflowing with thankfulness for the opportunities of this week and especially your visit to our community. I know students and adults alike were attentive to your story. I pray that they will respond and we will be ready to meet the need.
Thank you for encouraging our community. Thursday I truly felt I was in the center of God's will for my life. Do you know what I mean? To sense that you were doing exactly what He wanted you to do at that moment in time. I am confident He will help Family Connection to prepare for the next step in improving the quality of life for our families and children. We meet this coming Tuesday at Gully Branch to do our quarterly planning and evaluation. Literacy and Leadership Day will definitely be a highlight of our discussion.
May you sense God's presence and guidance in a special way this day!
Your co-worker in education,
Wanda T. Barrs
August 30th, 1999
Curtis,
I want to congratulate you on the personal successes you've accomplished in life. I
first started watching you on the HOME show. I was in college at the time.
Watching and listening to you and your experiences made a deciding factor in my
life. I went on to graduate with an elementary education degree. I get
saddened by youngsters who shun away from books because they don't yet have the ability to
read. When I come across these students in the classrooms, I think of you. You are
my angel in helping these kids to succeed in reading. I know your road was not easy,
but you've
made it! Congratulations!!
~Michelle
August 6th, 1999
Dear Mr. Aikens,
How sweet you are to share your experience of not begin able
to read, education is a must for anyone, its a shame that we all don't get the same chance
at schools as others, but we have to keep trying. I love your shows and I love to see your
mom, she is a lucky woman to have a son like you. Well, you keep on telling the world
about education, and we will keep sending you hugs from Stockton California. We love you
and you take care.
~Tina B.
August 10, 1999
Dear Curtis Aikens,
My name is Ryan E. I am 18 years old. I live in Louisville Kentucky. I
met you for the first time at the show called cooking across America in Cincinnati Ohio.
At the end of your show you and me got our picture taken by my mother .
My mother told you I am dyslexic after you said you could not
read until age 24. What college did you go to? If not how did you get more
experience . Curtis do you know any college that you think would be good for
me. What I am looking for a school that you just cook, no math and stuff like
that. Curtis, after the show in Cincinnati Ohio I knew if you could be a chef
then I can to and I will. Curtis you are my friend and hero too. Curtis
I was watching your show on April 30, 1999 you said you have friends in Holland
Michigan. Can you stop in next summer in Saugatuck Michigan at the Presbyterian
church camps or come to Kentucky? Curtis do you have a restaurant. If you do,
where is it?
Write Back Soon.
Ryan E.
click here for
Curtis' response
August 12, 1999
My son is also 15 and reads at a 2nd grade level. I and his many teachers and tutors are at a loss as to what to do. He is stubborn, proud and very good at masking his inability to read. He is an excellent auditory learner, always answering orally as you did. My question is, what finally got you to learn to read? It's breaking my heart to see him refuse help from me (he won't read to me, and yet the teacher keeps telling me to "work with him at home".) He will be a Freshman this fall in a school for kids with behavior problems, but I feel that many of his problems stem from not being able to read, and thus feeling different from other people. He is so smart in many ways and wants to get an after school job like his older brother, but he can't fill out a job application!
I came to your web site to look for your "Potatoes Like Lasagna" recipe and read your bio. I knew you supported literacy, but I didn't know you yourself overcame it. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations on your many successes, and thank you for your time.
Susan L.
Watertown, WI
July 26th, 1999
"We enjoyed meeting you at the Cooking Across America in Philadelphia. As you know, my mother Ruth E. Michael was Mr. Bill Cosby's Chef for his show here in Philly "You Bet Your Life". My daughter Amber will always treasure your cookbook. Although, only four we're starting her off very early in the kitchen. We admire your enthusiastic attitude towards literacy."
Continued Success and God Bless.
Ms. R. Drayton,
