For over 30 years, we have witnessed young people better their communities and worlds after participating in ANYTOWN®, our signature summer leadership program. We’re just days away from Giving Tuesday and the following story highlights the parents of an ANYTOWNer who have seen their son positively impacted and changed by dialogue, empathy, and action through our ANYTOWN® program.
Inspired by our popular ANYTOWN® icebreaker “In My World…,” each of their stories begin with this same simple phrase, but reveals something extraordinary — a world that’s kinder, more just, and more inclusive because of Community Tampa Bay and your support.
“In my world, I’ve had the joy of watching my son truly come into his own.
When Cassan first heard about ANYTOWN®, he wasn’t all that excited. He’s always been thoughtful and quiet, more comfortable observing than jumping right into new groups. After the first day, he called me ready to come home. I told him, ‘Just give it one more day.’ And thankfully, he did.
By the third day, his dad and I started hearing a difference in his voice. Each night when he called, he sounded a little more comfortable, a little more confident, and genuinely happy to be there. That gave both of us so much relief. It was like we could hear him opening up; finding his people, finding his confidence, and finding himself.
By the end of the week, the change in him was undeniable. ANYTOWN® didn’t just teach him about leadership; it gave him something deeper, a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride. At Community Night, I sat in awe watching those teens, most of whom had only met days earlier, cheer for one another like lifelong friends. And when I saw Cassan standing leading a workshop and speaking with confidence, it hit me: this program was helping him see who he could become.
Since that week, he’s continued to grow. He’s more intentional about how he communicates and how he handles his emotions. He’s more open to now ideas and perspectives, more willing to step out of his comfort zone, and more aware of the impact his voice can have.
He’s carried those lessons into everything he’s done since. He joined the summer cohort at Feeding Tampa Bay, volunteers after school in the Spark Lab helping younger students explore STEM, serves as a Student Ambassador, and joined the Youth United Nations Club at Shorecrest. Every new opportunity he takes on, I see more of that ANYTOWN® confidence shining through.
When I asked him what stood out the most, he said, ‘I liked how it made me get off my phone and actually talk to people. I learned how to be more inclusive and accepting. The counselors made it feel like a safe place where I could really be myself.’ Hearing that from him meant everything.
His dad and I are so thankful to Mrs. Schneider at Shorecrest for introducing us to ANYTOWN®, and to Maya, Que, Tammy, Dexter, and the whole team for creating such a positive, supportive, and welcoming environment. From day one, they made us feel at ease as parents, and they made Cassan feel seen, included, and cared for.
Now, he’s part of the Advocacy Academy and already counting down the days until he can return next summer — this time as a counselor. The same kid who wanted to leave after the first day now wants to help someone else find their voice and their place. That’s full circle.
In my world, ANYTOWN® didn’t just change my son it helped him discover his voice, his courage, and his purpose. And for his dad and me, that’s something we’ll be forever grateful for.”
On December 2nd, your gift supports our programs that truly transform, inspire, and cultivate inclusive young leaders. When you make a gift it directly helps makes experiences like ANYTOWN® financially possible for young people across the Tampa Bay region.
