Joys of sponsoring a child

Posted 5/20/14

Friday’s CCRI graduation ceremonies brought a special feeling of gratification to Carolann Falasca of New York City. She was witnessing the fruits of “sponsoring” Sulaimaan Abdul-Mateen, who is …

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Joys of sponsoring a child

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Friday’s CCRI graduation ceremonies brought a special feeling of gratification to Carolann Falasca of New York City. She was witnessing the fruits of “sponsoring” Sulaimaan Abdul-Mateen, who is already a full-time student at URI where he is pursuing studies in economics and business.

Carolann found a seat yards away from where Sulaimaan joined fellow graduates in their black robes and caps. She excitedly snapped pictures, getting him to wave from the lineup as graduates filed into the field house.

Sponsored?

Carolann explained quickly and followed up with this email going into greater depth:

“My parents and I own 10 rental homes. Three years ago, Sulaimaan and his mom Debra Sumbry became our tenants at 29 Dan Street Warwick.

“Debra was driving an 18-wheeler to Springfield and back every day. Sulaimaan was working as a truck driver as well with his CDL license.

One day he was telling me how he went to charter schools early on and had gone to Auburn University as well but had to drop out due to financial problems. When I heard he was a straight A student from his mom, I felt compelled to help.

“The first year I paid his tuition and told him, get the straight A’s and we will apply for a scholarship. And that, he did.

“Sulaimaan Abdul-Mateen is currently enrolled in URI under a full scholarship after graduating CCRI with high honors.

“I have helped many people and given away much. I must tell you, the joy I felt at Sulaimaan’s graduation, knowing I helped grow a mind. There are no words for what I feel; what I can tell you is that I would like to sponsor a child over and over again for the rest of my life!”

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