Anthony Alleyne was among the original Bryant Chapter scholarship recipients. From the beginning, Anthony and his family were very engaged in all aspects of the Say Yes program. His mother, Sadequa Augustine, is very active in the parent association for the Bryant Chapter and volunteers extensively.

Anthony began school as an eager student with a great sense of humor. Unfortunately, Anthony was hit by a car when he was in 2nd grade. It was a major accident with broken bones, as well as brain and organ trauma. He had an extended stay in the hospital, multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and physical therapy. His prognosis regarding his cognitive and physical functioning was not positive. Upon release from the hospital, he was home-schooled for a period. Anthony returned to school mid-year of his 3rd grade.

It was upon his return to a regular classroom that Anthony’s challenges were noticeable. Due to the accident, Anthony demonstrated problems with impulse control, and he could not gain weight. After being diagnosed with failure to thrive, he had a feeding tube inserted. Anthony continued to not perform well in the classroom. His teachers were very frustrated in their inability to get him to focus. What was remarkable, however, is that during this period, Anthony performed well for the Say Yes reading specialists and in the after-school program. During the full-time summer program, he also did well.

Anthony’s mother, with the assistance of Maisha Sullivan-Ongoza of Say Yes, requested an Individual Education Plan for Anthony (known as an iep, which is specifically designed for children that are experiencing academic challenges). It was decided that Anthony would remain in a regular classroom, but he would receive additional supplemental services. Unfortunately, compliance by the school district to the iep became a major challenge. Many promises made by the school were not delivered. Mrs. Augustine eventually went to an external advocacy agency that provides legal representation for children with special needs. Ms. Sullivan-Ongoza, Anthony’s mother, and the agency formed a powerful advocacy team for Anthony.

Anthony continued to endure frequent short hospitalizations for corrective surgery. The Say Yes staff would often visit Anthony during his hospital stays. His mother was overwhelmed by his recurring medical challenges, combined with the challenges posed by an unresponsive school district. She also had six other children to care for. At one time she considered placing Anthony in medical foster care or sending him to the Caribbean to stay with relatives.

Say Yes staff spent a great deal of time talking with Mrs. Augustine and offering support to avoid either of these options. As Mrs. Augustine needed to work, Say Yes ended up hiring her as an after-school assistant and cafeteria coordinator for the summer program. In both positions she has excelled. Say Yes also provided tuition for Anthony’s older sibling to enroll in a vocational education program and successfully found summer employment for Anthony’s
high school-aged siblings. Anthony’s younger siblings participated in the Say Yes after-school and summer programs. After concluding that the school was unwilling or unable to meet Anthony’s needs, Say Yes successfully advocated for Anthony to attend the kipp Philadelphia Charter School, considered a high-performing school in the area.

Anthony is currently an honor roll student at kipp Philadelphia Charter School. He has won many certificates and awards for his academic progress. Mrs. Augustine remains one of Say Yes’ best employees and parent association members. She is an excellent advocate not only for her children, but also for other Say Yes children in the school. For example, she provides childcare for Say Yes parents who work night shifts, or are enrolled in school. The inspiring accomplishmens of Anthony and his entire family provide evidence of the efficacy of Say Yes’ family-centered approach to helping people set and then achieve meaningful life goals.