By Amy Friedman | Executive Director
Dennis Danziger was a public school high school teacher for more than 20 years when he began working as a POPS the Club teacher Sponsor. Since his retirement a little over a year ago, Dennis has been volunteering at POPS Venice High. This year he signed on to participate in POPS new program, "Adopt-a-Student." By donating $100/month, Dennis has "adopted" Daniel Ortiz, connecting him more personally to one of the many students whose well being means so much to him.
Like all POPS students participating in this program, Daniel volunteered to be involved. His agreement is this: Twice each year, just before Christmas break and just before Spring break, Daniel writes a letter to Dennis. In that letter Daniel lets Dennis know know a little bit more not only about his personal life but about the meaning POPS has in his life. Daniel sends these letters through the POPS office. Naturally Dennis is invited to write back to Daniel, again through the POPS central office. Through these personal communications, Dennis is gaining a deeper understanding of what POPS means in one young man's life, and a lot more about just what that life is like. And as for Daniel, he's enjoying an opportunity to connect more closely with one of the adults he has met through his connection to POPS. With each letter, their devotion to each other and joy in their friendship grows.
Once upon a time Daniel had no idea that anyone outside his immediate family actually wondered about his thoughts, his dreams, his ambitions, AND his worries and fears, and Dennis wasn't sure that anything he said or did to help kids really mattered.
Dennis says he's beginning to understand that his connection to this young man is making a difference, and Daniel knows that someone outside his immediate family and circle of friends is there for him. And what has been especially moving for all of us who have watched this friendship evolve is this: Daniel's mom and sister who adore their son and brother have "adopted" Dennis as part of their family, and so the circle grows.
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