Breaking Through Barriers: The Purifoy’s Journey with Breakthrough Birmingham
Empowering Education: A Seven-Year Partnership with BTB
What does it take to transform a scholar’s educational journey and open doors to a world of possibilities?
For the Purifoy family, the answer came in the form of a seven-year and counting partnership with Breakthrough Birmingham (BTB). Their story is a powerful testament to how the right educational support can change lives and shape futures.
Falena, a veteran and mother of three, became involved with BTB when her youngest son was in 7th grade. Now a sophomore in college, he paved the way for his sister, 12-year-old Kaydin, a Huffman Middle School scholar, to begin her second year as a BTB scholar.
Expanding Horizons: BTB’s Impact on Academic Growth
“Breakthrough is a ladder to help them look outside the box,” Falena explains, her voice filled with joy. “It has opened their eyes brighter than I could, allowing them to see more possibilities or even the idea of more possibilities.”
For Kaydin, whose favorite subject is civics and who aspires to be a fashion designer, BTB has been a source of new experiences and academic growth. “The science they taught me is now helping me with school today,” she shares. Her first year with BTB left a lasting impression, particularly her introduction to archery – an experience that changed her initial reluctance into excitement.
College Readiness: Cultivating Seeds of Higher Education
The program’s impact extends beyond academics. Falena recounts a pivotal moment when her children visited colleges in Georgia through BTB. “I didn’t experience that growing up,” she says. “It allowed me to see seeds cultivated for my children and gave them exposure to college life.”
This exposure has had a profound effect. Falena credits BTB with solidifying her son’s desire to attend college and opening Kaydin’s mind to the possibilities of higher education. “Even in small details like Kaydin saying she would pick her college based on the food, you can see she’s thinking about school,” Falena notes with a smile.
Personalized Learning: Meeting Individual Scholars’ Needs
BTB’s commitment to meeting individual student needs sets it apart. Falena recalls how the program adjusted for her older son, even offering to pay for a geography tutor. “Other programs make the student meld to the program, but Breakthrough meets the student’s needs,” she emphasizes.
A Parent’s Perspective: Why Choose Breakthrough Birmingham?
When asked what she would say to parents considering BTB, Falena doesn’t hesitate: “Why not have your kid in something where the people care about your child the same, if not more than you do? It’s an opportunity for new experiences and thinking outside the box, and they’re footing the bill. They’re not asking parents for anything but their time.
Kaydin chimes in, eager to share: “I would tell them that Breakthrough is different, fun, and you get to meet new people.”
Breaking Through to Brighter Futures
As BTB continues to shape young minds in Birmingham, the Purifoy family’s journey is an inspiring example of the program’s lasting impact. From fostering academic growth to broadening horizons and nurturing dreams, Breakthrough Birmingham is truly living up to its name – breaking through barriers and opening minds to a world of possibilities.
Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, your donation to Breakthrough Birmingham fuels life-changing opportunities for our scholars—from hands-on STEM labs to archery clubs. Join us in unlocking the limitless potential of Alabama’s next generation of leaders by making a gift today.
Invest in the future by donating to Breakthrough Birmingham here. Together, we can transform education in Alabama.
