iLead | Heaven Leigh’s Story 

 

The Bleak Setting

 

Over many years, Avondale, Florida has gained the reputation and statistics as one of the most hazardous areas in the United States. Fueled by gang conflicts, the community descended into turmoil. Poverty gripped families. Educational institutions in the area were dismal, receiving completely failing grades. Within this bleak setting, Heaven Leigh, a young girl, faced the harsh realities of life. Her mother battled addiction. Her father's incarceration provided a bleak foundation to her upbringing.

Grandmother took care of Heaven Leigh but had to work multiple jobs to provide for her and the family.

 

Hope

 

Heaven Leigh’s life was changed when she first came to Purpose Academy as a sixth grader. This new charter school was opened in Avondale to specifically support students like Heaven Leigh. But not long after entering the school, Heaven Leigh was pulled aside one day and given the terrible news that her mother had died. She had overdosed. Heaven Leigh’s world was falling apart.

 

iLead gave each student a place to share a place to discover values, a place to reimagine their future

 

The teacher, Miss Stewart, was keenly aware of the burden that her students were carrying. “Heaven Leigh came with just this toughness and I remember giving her an award and going to hug her. But she said, ‘I don't like to be hugged.’” It was around this time that Heaven Leigh was introduced to iLead. Students met in small groups they called "transformation tables."

 

Healthy Responsibility Is...

 

One of the principles in the iLead program is taking responsibility. This principle hit home for Heaven Leigh is because “I go to work sometimes with my aunt in the night I wanted to take responsibility to help my family. I couldn't understand that until all the students began to say, 'I work with my mom sometimes.’ Seeing that, they believe it's their responsibility.” It was a heavy burden these children felt. They thought their family’s survival was their responsibility.

 

They began thinking through their actions, making better decisions, and taking ownership of their futures

 

Change Begins

 

Miss Stewart noted the change she saw in Heaven Leigh. “All of a sudden Heaven Leigh would stop by my classroom every morning just to hug me. And just to see that gradual you know, emotional improvement with Heaven Leigh and to see her growing is such a great thing for the long term.” iLead gave each student a place to share a place to discover values, a place to reimagine their future, at the transformation tables.

 

What's difficult now, will not stay that way forever

 

Heaven Leigh started her own iLead group. She wanted more of her friends to experience the transformation she'd experienced. Heaven Leigh and her friends began thinking through their actions, making better decisions, and taking ownership of their futures. They were understanding that what's difficult now will not stay that way forever. Instead seeing themselves as victims, they begin seeing themselves as leaders.”

 

Transformation For the World

 

Stories or transformations are happening by the tens of thousands all over the world. Now is the time and the moment in history to see transformation tables take place here across the United States.

 

Instead seeing themselves as victims, they begin seeing themselves as leaders

 

Heaven Leigh is just beginning. Many millions of Americans could discover life changing values in our cities, our communities, our schools. This iLead program needs to be everywhere. It has the ability to change the rising generation’s story for good.

 

 

A Ripple Effect of Hope

 

Heaven Leigh’s transformation sparked a ripple effect in her community. Inspired by her growth and the principles she learned through iLead, she became a mentor to younger students at Purpose Academy. Her journey from hardship to hope resonated with her peers, showing them that change was possible. Heaven Leigh’s influence reached beyond the walls of her school, as her story inspired other families in Avondale to seek better opportunities for their children. Miss Stewart observed, “Heaven Leigh is proof that when young people are given the tools to succeed and a safe space to grow, they can overcome even the harshest circumstances.”

 

A Vision for the Future

 

The success of Heaven Leigh and her friends is a testament to the power of community-driven programs like iLead. By fostering personal responsibility, emotional growth, and leadership skills, the program equips young people to rewrite their stories and impact those around them. Imagine the possibilities if iLead were implemented in every struggling neighborhood across the nation. Each transformation table could become a beacon of hope, lighting the way for countless others. As Heaven Leigh’s story shows, when we invest in the potential of our youth, we create leaders who can transform their communities—and the world.