Hello, my name is Quatrail M. Farley, and I serve as a Youth and Digital Literacy Instructor for Fresh Start Intervention here in Maywood.

Beyond my role in the classroom, I am a content creator and a technology enthusiast dedicated to bridging the digital divide for the next generation. My work at Fresh Start is centered on more than just instruction; it’s about providing a roadmap for our youth to find gainful employment and stability through the DHS Youth Workforce Development Program.

At Fresh Start Intervention, we believe every young person in Maywood deserves a path to success. But today, our mission has come to a sudden, watery halt. Our facility has been devastated by severe flooding, and as you can see in the video above, our current home is no longer a safe space for the youth we serve.

Because of this disaster, we have been forced to cease all programs, including our vital collaborations with the DHS Youth Workforce Program. These are more than just classes; they are lifelines for the aspiring youth of our community—providing IT training, career mentorship, and a safe haven.

We are not just asking for a cleanup; we are asking for a new beginning. We need to secure a new space immediately to resume our programs. Your donations will go directly toward:

Securing a new lease: First/last month’s deposit for a safe and dry space.

Replacing equipment: IT hardware, furniture, and educational materials destroyed by the water.

Operational gap: Ensuring our staff can continue to coordinate the transition so no student falls through the cracks.

I’ve seen firsthand how these programs change lives, providing our youth with the tools, IT skills, and mentorship they need to thrive. Seeing our facility underwater is heartbreaking because I know exactly whose futures are being put on hold while our doors are closed. I am personally committed to ensuring this setback is only temporary and that we get our students back into a safe, productive learning environment as quickly as possible.