Annual Appeal and LIFE Fund turn dreams into reality

After youth leave LaSalle, a fund managed by the LaSalle Foundation is available to provide them with assistance, upon application, if they should need it to pursue further education in college or vocational learning. Commonly known as the LIFE Fund, its acronym stands for the LaSalle Initiative for Education scholarship fund.

On September 21st, Brandon stopped by LaSalle to tell us about some of the challenges, frustrations and rewards that his recent ‘study abroad’ trip to Japan afforded him. He also had some advice for youth who, like himself, need constant motivation to see struggles as opportunities and failures as chances for even greater success. The following video is a little over three minutes long. We hope you’ll take those few minutes to watch and listen to highlights of that conversation, look into Brandon’s eyes trying to connect with his happiness, what the LIFE Fund meant to him and his advice to other former LaSalle youths who have a desire to broaden their learning either by academics or specialized training as they become young men.

The LIFE Fund was seeded by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Hogarty, Jr. as part of their contribution to the $2.2 million Campaign for LaSalle some 18 years ago. The Hogarty’s wished to bridge the gap between traditional financial aid and shortages for boys who wanted to continue learning after they left LaSalle. Since then, many of our donors have helped the fund flourish so youth can consistently apply for and receive grants for some of their educational expenses.

Scholarships and financial aid weren’t enough for Mark to begin his four-year college career in marketing. Last summer, he applied for a LIFE grant to make ends meet, and is now on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree in business management at Endicott College. We plan to report more about Mark’s success!

Brandon’s story is very similar to Mark’s. For Brandon, his dream was to learn as much about the Japanese language and culture as possible. At LaSalle, he participated in National History Day projects on the topic and, after graduating, applied to the University at Albany’s Japanese Studies program.

He has applied twice for assistance from LaSalle’s LIFE Scholarship fund. His first grant was used to get his college career off to a good start. His grades, achievements and recommendations put him on the path to to successful application for a ‘study abroad’ program in Japan. His second LIFE fund grant secured his round-trip travel for the four-month immersion trip. Brandon’s amazing experiences while living and studying in Japan and speaking Japanese as his first language were all possible due to the contributions of so many generous LaSalle supporters.

In October, our Annual Appeal drive will begin for the 2017-18 fiscal year. This is a terrific opportunity to become a LaSalle donor turning more and more dreams into reality for our youth. If you don’t want to wait, you can make your Annual Appeal donation online today!, or by contacting LaSalle’s Office of Development (518-242-4731, ext. 271). Also, any checks can be mailed to the LaSalle School Foundation, 391 Western Avenue, Albany NY 12203. Thank you!!

LaSalle School is a leader in programs and services for youth and families in crisis offering a variety of programs designed to meet their needs including specialized residential placement, day service education, and alternative to detention services. The Counseling Center at LaSalle is an OMH and OASAS licensed outpatient behavioral health clinic located at LaSalle School, and currently implementing ACE treatment practices with youth and families. LaSalle is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), and affiliated with the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), and the national Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. LaSalle is a member of The New York State Coalition of 853 Schools.