It is the first Robotics class of the semester, and kids enter the classroom excited but a bit apprehensive not knowing what to expect.  Johnny comes in talking loudly, pushing other students, grabbing anything he sees, and paying no attention to instructions of any kind.  We were lucky that day. A volunteer took Johnny aside, settling him down.  He began to listen and focus.  Over the course of the semester, the change in Johnny was incredible.  He became interested in robotics building and programming his robot.  He became a ‘model’ student, working well with the instructor and other students.

We wondered  - what was going on with Johnny? Why was he acting out?  We learned he came from a single-parent low-income family with multiple children. He was homeless for a good part of his life.  No wonder he was acting out, dealing with these challenges and change.  But the robotics class gave him something new - a feeling of accomplishment, confidence, and pride.  He gained a sense of hope in his own capabilities.  BRIEF gave him the opportunity to have his life transformed and a future of possibility but only after we met his most basic need - individual love and attention.