About This Fundraiser
We are a group of former educators from Legends Academy, a Title I charter school in Orlando, Florida that was suddenly and permanently closed over winter break — with little notice and no real opportunity for students, families, or staff to intervene.
Just two days before holiday break, we were told the school might close. No answers. No clarity. Then, during what should have been a time of rest and celebration, families, students, and educators gathered at a public board meeting held by Legends Academy's governing board, pouring their hearts out in hopes that their voices might change the outcome.
But the decision had already been made.
Legends Academy closed immediately and permanently.
What Happened Next
What followed was chaos, heartbreak, and loss.
Educators were told we would have a short window to return to the building to retrieve our belongings — but things were removed before most of us had the chance.
We weren’t just laid off.
We were locked out.
Silenced.
And yet, the deepest pain came from our students.
They were scared. They were grieving.
They texted and called us asking why this happened — and whether they would ever see their teachers again.
They said they missed us. That they didn’t know who to trust anymore.
And we miss them, too. So much.
What We’re Doing Now
We couldn’t walk away.
In response, we are continuing to show up for students and families by organizing academic instruction, social-emotional learning, and family-centered educational support — the same work we have committed our careers to, both during times of disruption and beyond them.
While this work grew out of our relationships with former Legends Academy students and families, our support is not limited to one school and is intended to serve youth and families across the broader community.
This work now lives under Willpower Education, an education initiative formed to give this commitment a long-term, sustainable home.
Willpower Education is not only a response to loss.
It is about building consistent, healing-centered learning spaces that support students and families — whether systems fail or function.
This pilot work is focused on developing and preparing the following areas of support:
- Academic tutoring and enrichment
- Social-emotional learning and mentorship
- Family support and parent coaching
- Community-based learning experiences that center the whole child
The name Willpower was chosen intentionally.
Because when students learn to harness their willpower, they build resilience, confidence, and the courage to keep going — even when things fall apart.
That belief lives in us, too.
Former Legends Academy educators are demonstrating that same willpower — choosing to rebuild from loss, to stand in the gap for students, and to keep showing up even when everything was taken from us.
Why We’re Fundraising
This is a startup and pilot-phase fundraiser.
I am personally organizing this GoFundMe to support a small team of educators as we responsibly launch, coordinate, and prepare this work.
Funds raised will support the startup and pilot phase of Willpower Education, including:
- Planning, coordination, and administrative leadership time
- Educator preparation, curriculum development, and tailored pilot stipends
- Educational materials and curriculum planning
- Securing space for future tutoring, learning sessions, and family gatherings
- Program supplies, snacks, transportation planning, and basic operating costs
- Startup and administrative costs for programs housed under Willpower Education, including legal and organizational setup
Due to being in startup and pilot phase, specific allocations may shift as planning progresses; however, this funding is not long-term payroll or permanent salaries. All funds will be used to support the launch, coordination, and responsible development of this work.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a fundraiser.
It’s a response to loss.
A commitment to students who lost stability.
To families who deserve care and consistency.
And to the belief that education is about belonging, healing, and growth — not just buildings.
Legends Academy was more than a school. It was safety. Identity. Trust.
The building may be closed — but the teaching isn’t over.
We’re still here.
Thank you for believing in this work and helping us build something meaningful out of what was broken.
— C. J. Williams
Founder, Willpower Education
On behalf of former Legends Academy educators