Meet Raheim, WINGS Alumnus

DEAR WINGS KIDS:

If you told me that 23 years after I was a part of the Wings for Kids program, I would be where I am, still connected to WINGS people, and recreating the WINGS community in my adult life — I wouldn’t have believed you.

What you’re experiencing now as a part of WINGS — the fun, the caring mentors, the bonds that feel unbreakable, the lessons on how to be your best self and deal with life’s blows — you will carry with you forever.

But, here I am, 30 years old -- a college graduate, fi refi ghter, father, and small business owner -- and my life is full of strong, healthy relationships from every stage of my life. WINGS taught me this and I’m here to tell you -- soak it ALL up WINGS kids!

Every chance is a choice. And, I hope you choose to replicate the community you feel in WINGS as you continue to grow.

Early on — with peers I still keep in touch with (one is an apprentice at my barbershop!) and leaders who still check-in on me (my Wings Leader texted me last month!) — I felt something special, but couldn’t name it. As I moved through Burke High school and then on to Morris College, I began to take stock of the relationships in my life, the people I chose to surround myself with. Then it hit me: relationships matter; genuine bonds cannot be broken. And this all comes back to WINGS — what I learned and experienced from K-5th grade.

WINGS kids - as you move through life - notice who keeps showing up for you. Build on it. Tend to it. And use it to create the kind of community you’ve always wanted for yourself. With the right people — you can do and be everything you are dreaming of.

I am proud that I was able to buy myself a home, and most recently purchase my mom a townhome. I own a barbershop in North Charleston and it’s here that I see the community I’ve built come to life — my WINGS peers, high school friends, college friends, and fi refi ghter colleagues all SHOW UP and SUPPORT ME. But I didn’t build this alone. I had the foundation of WINGS. And the positive relationships and friendships that pushed me to be better, do better.

WINGS kids — I don’t know you all, but I am you. And what I have created, you can create. Stand next to the right people, build those supportive relationships, and nurture them. Take your chances, and make good choices. You deserve this as much as I do. WINGS told us so. COMMUNITYWe are nothing without the love and support of others. Keep on and know that you’ve got a friend in me, Raheim Arthur WINGS Alum 1998-2003 Raheim Arthur

WINGS KIDS I DON’T KNOW YOU ALL, BUT I AM YOU.