Overcoming Obstacles’ Founder Reflects On Our First School Partnership

Posted: August 4, 2016

I have so many powerful memories of the work we have done over two and a half decades, but one stands out as most memorable to me: our first school partnership. That partnership was forged with Manual Arts High School in South Central Los Angeles in 1992. Initially, the school’s principal, Dr. Robert Barner, turned down my offer of free curriculum, training and support for his teachers. He said he didn’t need any more programs at his school and sent me on my way.

However, I knew that Overcoming Obstacles was not just another program, and, I’m not a person who takes “no” for an answer when it comes to something as important as helping children. So, after the initial rejection, I returned to Manual Arts and offered Dr. Barner Overcoming Obstacles once again, promising that our program would help his students do better in school and go on to college and rewarding careers. Dr. Barner ultimately decided to give Overcoming Obstacles a try and 25 years later he remains one of our greatest advocates. The wonderful memories continue to be forged since several Manual Arts students have stayed in contact with me, sharing the challenges and achievements in their lives.

Jill Siegal Chalsty
Founder and Chairman