Sade's Shiloh Story Began in 1997
A Camp Shiloh flyer caught the attention of Sade’s father when she was 10-years-old, and the start of an important journey began. Summer after summer she returned to camp where Allison taught her to swim, she grew confident trying new activities, and she brought friends from school to share the experience.
Sade became a Counselor in Training at camp, bonding with her peers as they served alongside one another. In the city, Sade strengthened her connections through Shiloh’s teen program with mentors Allison, Ashley, and Jason. Allison helped advocate for Sade in parent-teacher conferences and navigate challenging situations for college applications. Sade was the first HS graduate to receive Shiloh's newly formed college scholarship award.
For Sade, the love offered at Shiloh was exactly what she needed. Her mentors were always there to give straight answers and nurturing without judgement.
While working and enrolled in college, she negotiated doubt that surfaced as multiple setbacks demanded her time, attention, and money. Thankfully, her fierce perseverance and the consistent encouragement from her Shiloh family helped Sade reach that big finish line. As she walked across the stage to accept her Bachelor’s degree, her long-term mentor Jason was in the audience, cheering and applauding this well-deserved accomplishment.
With a dream of becoming a teacher, Sade began graduate school as a new parent; juggling full-time work, school, and the rigorous demands of raising a child. When Shiloh donors funded a new scholarship, Sade was quick to apply and was awarded an education scholarship to support the financial burden she was facing. From a 10-year-old who learned to swim, to a teenager who learned the value of trusted relationships, to a young mother realizing her dream, Sade’s Shiloh family was with her every step of the way. She not only completed her graduate degree in Education, she also discovered her deep passion for advocating for children in the same way she was mentored through her education.
"Everyone needs friendships where you learn how to be kind and humble. Friendships at Shiloh taught me those lessons along the way. Shiloh had a lot to do with shaping my mind, training me to function in everyday society, and to just be nice to people. It took me a long time to figure out my purpose, but I finally realized I am meant to educate and support youth with special needs. That's the purpose God has for me." - Sade
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