Watermark Kids are committed to expressing themselves and making a difference in the world. They range in age from 6 to 22 and are of every shape, size and color. They are full of heart, compassion and caring.

To become a Watermark Kid, express your Self! Let us know how you want to express your compassion, leadership, creativity, spirit, etc. and how Watermark for Kids can help.

To apply for funding you need a Coach. Coaches are Watermark associates or residents who are committed to the success of Watermark Kids.  To be paired with a Coach, please email jill@watermarkforkids.org or call 520-797-4000. Your Coach will help you complete an application.

DAN HESSER
Dan Hesser never let the fact that he was born with Spina Bifida get him down. After struggling with mobility issues and undergoing twenty corrective surgeries, Dan can walk with the use of crutches. But for Dan, even that triumph wasn’t enough – he wanted to get behind the wheel and drive himself to his college classes, to work, and to have fun with his friends too! However, the cost of special hand control equipment plus six hours of Adaptive Driving School was financially out of reach for Dan and his family. That’s where Watermark for Kids stepped in. Dan enrolled in driving school, passed with flying colors and saved some money to fix up a car his grandpa gave him. Because he can drive himself, Dan was able to increase his course load at college, work more hours to pay for the cost of books and expenses AND be a social 19-year old who can head to the big game with his friends or pick up a girl for a date! Look out world - Dan is independent, on the go, and headed straight toward a bright future!

JONATHAN DELGADO
For a young man in high school, Jonathan had an old dream. Since the tender age of ten, his goal was to live in Brazil and become fluent in Portuguese. As a top student at MacDuffie School, Jonathan was presented with the opportunity to study abroad in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. There was just one problem, the costs were not affordable to Jonathan or his Grandma who raises him. He applied to Watermark for Kids and the rest is history. In Jonathan’s words, “It was an amazing trip and I know that I will never forget it. I almost thought that I was dreaming because I’ve always wanted to go to Brazil ever since I was about 10 years old. It was unbelievable. My host family was amazing, I learned the language as well as many authentic dances. Being around local people that had no homes or food made me appreciate everything that I have. My trip changed my life – it inspired me to go to college and study Afro-Brazilian culture. Thank you Watermark for Kids! I will remember this for the rest of my life and I will help others around the world!” You’re welcome, Jonathan – we’ll be watching your success!

DANCERS
This inspired group of kids at The MacDuffie School shared a common goal – for their entire group to attend the National High School Dance Festival in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Because of financial concerns, they had not been able to participate in a learning experience outside the school as a group, and they wanted to experience the conference together. And that they did. They attended as Watermark Kids and afterwards, they showed their appreciation by sharing their passion for dance at The Watermark at Logan Square and East Village Place – a Watermark community. As you can see, their words are as passionate as their dance moves.

“When people come together movement is a way of communication and bonding. This experience inspired us to pursue dance as a way to convey our emotions, beliefs and thoughts.”

“Because of the opportunity to learn dance and different styles outside of the class room I grew personally and can now teach others, facilitating their growth as well.”

“When we learn to connect through art, we will be able to share our ideas with a wider range of people. Thanks for recognizing the passion we kids have for dance and how much this trip meant to all of us.”

“This experience helped me to gain knowledge about technique, artistry and choreography and prepared me for my future.”

“Participating in this festival meant so much to me because I never thought I could dance, but now I have self confidence and I know that if I believe in myself I’m able to do anything. I’m not the greatest dancer of all, but going to the Festival inspired me to work even harder and try my best in performing.”

“This experience broadened our understanding of dance, but this wont just be useful for us, we will pass on what we learn to others here at MacDuffie and beyond.”