Michael’s Story
I am the first Firewall kid! I say that because the first time I came to Firewall was only the second meeting they ever had at Palma Nova Mobile Home Park. I was 12 years old and I had just moved into the neighborhood, my parents had just gone through a very painful divorce, and I was starting to make some wrong choices.
When I came that first night I was depressed about where my life was taking me. It is funny how the same thing that brought me to firewall is the same thing that brings other young people to do drugs and other bad things… boredom and a sense of nothing to lose. I attended and I thought it was too good to be true it felt like these people actually cared. I became involved in everything they did from church, to special events, to the after-school program.
They put the time into me, they cared for me, I remember the many days that Mrs. Janeth or Mr. Andy would drop me off at my house after all the other kids, so that we could just sit and talk about everything that was bothering me.
I would unload all my problems and all my frustrations with life and especially those that involved my family. They would talk me through those problems and many times they would pray with me. Those moments more than anything else changed my life and my choices.
I began to believe in myself more and that is the thing about Firewall, they don’t make the choices for you, they don’t take the tests or do the homework, but they give you all the tools you need to guide you to make the right choices. They show you the right way through their lives not just through their words.
Now thinking back I guess that is what mentoring is all about. They helped me build my own personal faith in God. They helped me believe in myself academically so that I got the Bright Futures Scholarship and I am now at UCF on my way to being a Structural Engineer. But more than anything Firewall taught me the values I need to be the best Michael Rodriguez I can possibly be.
Right now I am 19 years old and a very busy, starving student, but in the future I intend to give back to everyone I can of my time, money, and wisdom. Firewall has taught me that giving of one’s self with God’s help, changes people. I look around the world and I see people with no direction and if I can contribute to their finding their purpose then I am truly a servant leader.
July 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
The Town of Davie has once again helped Firewall Ministries further its mission to transform even more students into leaders! Through its gracious donation of the use of property in West Davie’s Orange Park Community, Firewall will be able to house its first high-school-only center! On this property, we have placed our modular building, which was located in what was the Palma Nova Mobile Home Park.
We are truly blessed, as many companies and individuals have volunteered of their time, talent, and treasure to help this project get underway. Look at what God has done thus far:
- The Forman family funded the move of this 3,500 sq. ft. building
- Eddy’s Tree Service company, owned by Pastor Silva, cut down several trees on the property with the help of several of our high school boys
- Remer Services, Inc. brought in the fill and prepared the pad that our building currently sits on
- We had a great group of volunteers from Calvary Chapel that came out to help paint the building, which had been tagged as it sat for over a year in the abandoned Palma Nova mobile home park
- The women of Teen Challenge of Davie thoroughly cleaned and organized the building, cut the grass, and more!
Our goal is to be able to open up our program to an additional fifty students from the Orange Park neighborhood and instill character values, promote academic success, and establish long-term relationships with them in order to provide the support system they need to succeed. For our new high school T.H.I.N.K. Leadership program, we are creating individualized Success Plans for each student that serve to guide them as they complete their high school education and beyond.
There are 35 days left before our students arrive…
And there is still SO much that has yet to be done!
We need this center to be up and running by August 22 in order to serve a brand new group of students! We want you to prayerfully consider helping us to complete this project. Here are some of the items we are still searching for:
- 1,000 sq. ft. of tile
- 600 ft. of 6 ft. high chain-link fencing
- 240 ft. of skirting to go around the modular
- 150 ft. of guttering
- Lumber for a 30 ft. long handicap ramp
Along with these materials, we also need volunteers to help us get the job done! Please call or email us and we will provide you with further details on how you can get involved.
Thank you for supporting us as we impact the lives of students in our community!
June 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
Our graduation ceremony at Calvary Chapel Plantation was a smashing success as there was standing room only! Students, parents, friends, volunteers, and others gathered to celebrate yet another successful year! We honored our two high school graduates, all of our servant leaders as well as the volunteers and staff members that made everything possible!
We want to congratulate Mandy and Edriana on graduating from high school this year! They have both attended Firewall for 4 years. Mandy is looking forward to pursuing her education and becoming a vet while Edriana wants to serve others by going into nursing! We are very proud of these girls and their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them become the best that they can be!
Servant Leaders
Here are two of the servant leaders that we had the opportunity to recognize at this event! Their words:
Servant Leader: Mia
“Firewall has chosen me as a servant leader because I can be trusted, I have good grades, and I am friendly to others. Since I started coming to Firewall, my faith in God has increased tremendously because I actually talk to Him. I have also been choosing good friends and I am able to tell what I should and shouldn’t do. Firewall has taught me about setting goals and the points and rewards every week have helped me with my grades. Ms. Janeth and Maria have really helped me too! Thank you Firewall!”
Servant Leader: Annalyse
“Firewall has helped me be a better student and servant leader. I have been able to bring my grades up, especially in Biology which I am really excited about! They also help me with my Spanish homework. Firewall has taught me to be a better person, to respect others, and to choose the right kind of friendships. The Firewall mentors have also taught me the importance of good values in helping me get through each day.”
Coming Soon!
Firewall in Pompano
We are making the final arrangements for opening an additional Firewall center in Pompano Beach!
We have met with Pompano Beach Middle School’s principal as well as with the Broward’s Sherriff’s office and other community leaders. They have all encouraged us to open this much needed center.
We are now in the process of securing the use of a facility within a block of the school. We hope and pray to open our doors for the beginning of this coming school year!
Firewall High School
Our modular building that has been located in what was the Palma Nova mobile home park, has been repositioned to West Davie’s Orange Park community and will house our first high school only center!
Renovations to the building and property on which it sits, are happening now!
May 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
As the end of the school year approaches, we reflect once again on all that has been accomplished this year. And although we can talk about our curriculum, partnerships with schools, parents, and teachers, or Firewall’s growth to additional sites, it really all comes back to the impact that we are having on our students every day.
So it is with great pleasure that we introduce two of our servant leaders from this quarter as they share how Firewall has made a difference in their lives:
Servant Leader: Kevin
“Firewall has helped me become a better student. Before I joined Firewall, I barely believed in myself and my ability to pass school. But since I started coming every day, I have been able to improve my grades a lot and even accomplish the goals I set at the beginning of the quarter.
I have learned to never stop believing in myself because I can succeed. I have also become a person of integrity, and I’m even nicer and more respectful to people at home and at Firewall. Firewall has helped me grow closer to God and I attend a church on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.”
Servant Leader: Jorden
“I believe I am a servant leader because I come to Firewall every day, I’m respectful, and I try to help other students with their homework when I can. Even though I have always believed in God, going to Firewall has strengthened my faith. I have been praying every day and even started going back to church with my dad.
Being at Firewall has helped me tell right from wrong. Whether I am by myself or with others, I have learned that it is important to have integrity and to have the right relationships. Firewall has also inspired me to be the best I can be in every possible scenario.”
April 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
Although the focus at Firewall is on academics and servant leadership, the program would not be able to transform the lives of students without the strong relationships we build over time.
When students finish their homework, we don’t just send them home. Instead, we provide a positive environment for them to hang out, play video games, or even some basketball. We don’t have the fanciest place filled with the latest Playstation 3 games or flat screen TV’s, but this is not what is important to the students. What students really crave is a time to be able to unwind, have fun, and talk to their friends and to us as their mentors. Not only are we able to laugh with them, but we also have a chance to listen to their problems, goals, and dreams.
This special relationship building time comes about because the students know that we are there to walk with them throughout their school years. Trust is developed and this allows us to pour wisdom and experience into their lives every day. They know that Firewall will be a consistent presence helping to guide them through the many challenges and obstacles they will face on their path towards college and career. We love what we do, but even more importantly, we love the students and this is reflected in every conversation and in every area of our program.
Partnership with Indian Ridge
Firewall’s relationship building is not limited to students, as we realize that parents, schools, and teachers are also an integral part of transforming young people into servant leaders. This is why we connected with two reading specialists from Indian Ridge Middle School who came to our West Davie Center on Saturday March 26 to do a Reading/Math/Study Skills workshop for our Firewall students and their parents. This presentation equipped our parents with skills that will help them better assist their children in improving their academic performance.
We had a great turnout are very much looking forward to hosting many more workshops for our students and parents as we bring every available resource to inspire and train and direct our students toward life-long success.
March 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
Firewall’s focus on Servant Leadership is more than just teaching the students to help around our building and improve their grades. It is even more than earning community service hours by assisting other students around the center. Leadership has been defined as having influence on others and at Firewall our goal is to develop a mindset in students that travels with them throughout their entire lives and allows them to influence everyone around them. This applies to their family, friends, and future vocational choice. So as you read these personal stories from students always remember that being Servant Leader of the Quarter goes way beyond the students’ attitude at our center. It is an integral part of every decision they make at every level. Enjoy these stories:
Servant Leader: Ambyr
Ambyr is a 9th grader at our center in West Davie. She is a wonderful girl who is always obedient and respectful. We love having her at Firewall, and are proud of her accomplishments at school. Ambyr says:
“I’m a servant leader because I am always helping out and doing what I’m supposed to do. During our assembly time, I’m always prepared to pay attention and learn. Every time we learn about God, I just imagine being in His place and feeling what was happening at that time. I have faith in Him and always have faith in myself too. Being at Firewall is amazing. The mentors help me express my feelings and are always there for me, to listen to me when I’m having problems or when I’m just down. They also pray for me when I have many requests that I want God to hear. They push me to do my best and work my hardest. They place their trust in me and know what my homework is. They believe in me and know that I can get good grades. They are always positive, which makes me positive. I don’t know what I would do without them. I love Firewall.”
Servant Leader: Jessica
Jessica is in 8th grade and is West Davie’s Servant Leader. Jessica is a loving and kind girl not only to the staff at Firewall, but to everyone. She’s shown so much improvement since last year when she joined the program, and we’re really proud of her. Jessica says:
“I’m a servant leader because I try my hardest to be a role model for others. Coming to Firewall has helped me pray every day, helped me believe that there is good in everyone, and showed me that I can be the best if I try. Firewall has taught me to respect others around me, and has also brought me closer to friends, family, and God. I have learned to never forget to say “I love you” no matter how hard things get. I’ve learned too that if I don’t try, I will not succeed.”
February 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
It is always awesome to see the impact Firewall is having on the lives of students. When we focus on our servant leaders it really helps us to get a clear perspective on how they are changing and growing in so many different areas of their lives. A lot of programs out there call themselves holistic, but never make any effort to have an impact on the spiritual side of the student. This is one of the most unique aspects of our program and I believe one of its keys to success. Enjoy these stories:
Servant Leader: Lydia
Lydia has been with us for 4 years and is now in the 10th grade! We have seen her mature into a very responsible and dedicated young woman. She has been chosen as West Davie’s high school Servant Leader. Here’s what she has to say:
“I believe that being a role model and helping Firewall serve the younger students is a great responsibility. My attitude has improved and I have worked really hard this quarter to get excellent grades. Firewall has shown me how to share my faith with others. I’ve also become a strong believer in integrity. If you can’t be real in front of others, you’re not really true to yourself. Firewall has taught me that when in doubt, go to God. I’ve also come to believe that if you want to succeed, work on yourself, trust God, and fellowship with the right people. It will become possible to succeed in anything you set your mind to.”
Servant Leader: David
David is in 8th grade and is this quarter’s Servant Leader at our center in Southwest Ranches. It’s incredible to see how David has grown not only academically, but also in his relationship with God. David says:
“I am a servant leader because I have a great attitude and show servant leadership by always being helpful. Learning about the Bible at Firewall has been awesome and has made me a person of integrity. It has shown me that God is the most important thing in my life and I should please Him instead of other people. Firewall has also helped me improve my relationships with others by teaching me to place the needs of others before my own. I have learned that in order to be successful, I need to always try to be the best at everything I do.”
Firewall High School
We are in the process of developing a very special curriculum just for our high school students. Each of them, starting in 9th grade, will have their own individual development plan that will allow us to better direct them toward college and/or career. Some of the items included are internships, test prep, college applications, and scholarship searches. We will be sharing with you some of the details and how you can be a part of this life changing program in the coming months!
January 2011 Newsletter
Dear Firewall Friends,
As we reflect on this past year there is only one thing that we can say – “WOW, what a great year!” Firewall was able to impact more lives than ever. Students have been transformed to a greater degree and, most excitingly, there is great expectancy of even more in the coming year. We know that our efforts are only possible because of the contributions we receive from generous friends like you, and we want to thank you again for believing in and supporting our mission.
Students Share and Serve
Just like our students build positive relationships every day at our centers, Firewall was able to establish new relationships and solidify existing ones at our Student-to-Leader Breakfast in December. As our guests arrived at the Signature Grand, they were able to interact with Firewall Students as they were greeted and escorted to their tables by representative students from our West Davie Center. Testimonies of transformation were showcased in video, as well as in live presentations from our students.
Meeting the Challenge
Also in December, Firewall was blessed to have been presented with a matching challenge grant of $25,000.00. It was great to see how our supporters proved to be “up for the challenge.” As we totaled the donations received at the Student-to-Leader breakfast, in addition to gifts that came in throughout the month, we far exceeded the $25,000.00 goal. This brought in a much needed financial boost at year-end which will allow us to prepare for expansion to more sites that mentor even more students in this coming school year!
December 2010 Newsletter
“How many of you feel like you will not be able to achieve your goals in life?” If you were asked this question, how would you respond? Well, that was the opening question asked to our students at our West Davie center by speaker Javier Tejeda. Javier is the first of a series of prominent business and community leaders who will be sharing their life stories with Firewall students. It was shocking to see that nearly half of the room raised their hands in response to this question. It was then that Javier went on to share his story and encourage the students that if he succeeded, any of them could too.
He grew up in Mexico in a lower to middle income family and while the rest of his friends settled in life, he was able to stay motivated to work and pay his way through college with the dream of becoming an international businessman. His dream is now realized as he works in the financial services department of the United Nations.
Along with sharing a word to encourage the students, Javier also shared a bit of his heritage by providing a delicious, homemade Mexican Thanksgiving meal for everyone to enjoy!
The speakers who will be participating in this series will be sharing their life stories to motivate our students to believe in themselves and work hard towards meeting their own goals. Rather than focusing on their careers or businesses, each presenter will be relating the difficulties they overcame, the discrimination they faced, the desires they may have had to give up on school before they finished and how the decisions they made led to their accomplishment of goals and ultimate success.
Our desire at Firewall is that students no longer have to raise their hands to a question like this because they feel like they cannot accomplish their goals. We want every student to understand that they CAN focus their lives and become successful.
Servant Leaders of the Quarter
Kirk is Firewall’s servant leader of the quarter for Southwest Ranches! This is Kirk’s second year in the program. He is in the 7th grade and doing very well in school with A’s and B’s. Kirk has a wonderful attitude about everything. He often volunteers to pray for the needs of other students during assembly, willingly helps other students with homework, and checks his grades at least once a day! His words:
“I’m a servant leader because I clean up and behave. I also have faith and learned how to start praying every day. I tell the truth and get good grades. I try harder to do my best in everything. “
Rebecca is servant leader of the quarter for Firewall Boca! Rebecca is a 6th grader and has two other siblings that come to the center every day. She helps out and behaves during assembly. Here’s what she has to say:
“I am a servant leader because I clean without being asked. Firewall has taught me what it means to have faith in God and I have a relationship with Him now. I also learned what integrity is and have more of it when I do things.”
Firewall Experience Tour
We want to invite all of you to come see, hear, and feel what we are doing to transform students into servant leaders on a daily basis. Here are our new tour dates. Please call us to schedule your visit.
Tuesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM (West Davie)
Remember, these are 50-minute tours. If you have a small group, but none of these dates work for you, call us to make special arrangements.
November 2010 Newsletter
Student Edition
Angelo is one of West Davie’s servant leaders for high school. Angelo has been in the Firewall program since the 6th grade and is now an 11th grader at Western High School. He maintains good grades and has even received a scholarship to go to college. Here’s what he has to say:
“I’m a servant leader because I have a good attitude towards the leaders at Firewall. I also maintain all A’s, B’s, and C’s, do my chores around the center, and follow directions. Firewall has helped me to not give into peer pressure and be a part of the bad things that everyone else does, like drugs. It has also helped me love and respect others including my family more than ever before. Firewall has pushed me to think about my future and to do my best in everything so that I will succeed in life and go to college.”
Kathia is West Davie’s other high school servant leader. She not only has excellent grades, but with a smile, volunteers to help around the building without even being asked. Her words:
“I am a servant leader because I make an effort to show excellence in everything I do. My faith in God, others, and especially myself has also been impacted. I even get along with my family better. At Firewall, the mentors always encourage the students to get good grades and to do their best. I am grateful that they don’t let me get away with not studying or doing my homework.”
Emily is a first-year Firewall student and servant leader of the quarter amongst West Davie’s middle schoolers. Emily has excellent grades, tries hard at everything she does, and has a positive attitude with the mentors and other students at Firewall. Her words:
“Firewall has affected my faith because they tell me about God and about people who trust in Him. I am also becoming a person of integrity. There have been so many moments when nobody was watching me and I could have done something bad, but I chose not to. Firewall has also taught me to do my best in everything I do because if I don’t, the outcomes will affect me the most. One of the areas I try to do my best on is my grades. I get A’s and B’s.”
Emily also wanted to share some words of wisdom:
“Whatever I do, I will give it my best and then I’ll trust God to take care of the rest.” Her favorite Bible verse is found in Colossians 3:23 and it says that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.”
Reuben has also been chosen as Firewall’s servant leader of the quarter for the West Davie middle schoolers. Right now, Reuben has the best grades he’s ever had. He is always concerned about his grades and tries his hardest to excel. We are very proud of Reuben’s attitude this year in every area of his life. He is more than willing to serve in any area that he can. Reuben says:
“I am a servant leader because I do my homework and help out at Firewall. I am also positive about things. Last year, my grades were really low and I would give up on myself. When I came to Firewall, I gained confidence and now I try my best to get good grades.”
Anthony is Coral Springs’ servant leader of the quarter. He is an organized student who gets good grades. He also helps others and pays attention during the assembly time. His words:
“I am a servant leader because I do my homework, help others, clean up my messes, and achieve A’s and B’s. Being at Firewall has showed me faith and to keep believing, keep trying, and keep helping others. Firewall has taught me and the other students around me perseverance and a good example. Firewall improved my relationship with God because assembly time teaches us about Him in a way that I can understand and feel secure.”