More than 400 people gathered to hear Erin Gruwell speak on behalf of New Friends New Life at the annual WINGS luncheon on May 3rd. Ms Gruwell, of Freedom Writers fame, shared her experiences as an inner city Los Angeles teacher. Ms Gruwell applied unorthodox methods in a classroom of “write off” students, bringing hope to their futures and turning conventional wisdom upside down. By encouraging the students to write and to read of those in history who were marginalized, she impacted 150 students over a four year period. These students, against great odds, finished high school and went on to college. Ms Gruwell likened her students to those served by NFNL, noting that “women need hope. They need to believe in themselves.”

The luncheon honored those who have committed to annual membership in WINGS, a special donor group whose mission is to be ambassadors for NFNL and support the organization financially. Co-Chairs Suzanne Baird and Kay Neve, along with the Board of Directors, hosted the luncheon at the Dallas Country Club. It proved to be the organization’s most successful luncheon, encouraging many new memberships and exposing a new audience to the mission of New Friends New Life. Advisory Board Chair Dr. Gerald Turner acted as emcee for the event. Before Ms Gruwell’s remarks, Executive Director Carolyn Pool introduced a video presentation featuring the son of one of the successful protégés (clients). He cited the many positive changes in the family resulting from his mother’s progress. His testimony emphasized the positive impact of one woman’s change on an entire generation. His mother was present and the audience recognized her with a standing ovation.

Erin Gruwell and Gerald Turner

Erin Gruwell and Cathie Currey, NFNL board member

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