MCC grad benefited through The United Way

This fall, like thousands of other young people across the metro area, Steven Pollard left friends and family behind and headed off for college. The 20-year-old Independence, Mo. man already has an associate’s degree from Metropolitan Community Colleges and is going to Emporia State University where he'll be studying political science. Pollard is excited about his future and has set some ambitious goals in life. He hopes to become a lawyer, get involved in politics and become a U.S. Senator someday. People who know Pollard say with his friendly personality, leadership skills and ability to communicate, anything is possible for the engaging young man.

The fact that he is heading for college with such lofty goals is a testament to Pollard and those who helped shape him, especially during his formative teenage years. Without their mentoring and guidance, Pollard says his life easily could have gone a different way.

At 16, Pollard and his younger brother were temporarily placed in a Salvation Army shelter until a more permanent placement could be arranged. The shelter staff noticed that Pollard had a positive attitude and was a good role model for his brother and the other children as well. They recommended he and his brother be placed at Drumm Farm, in a United Way-funded program for children in the foster care system, to add some stability to their lives.

From the day they arrived at Drumm Farm, the brothers began to thrive. Pollard said, "Once I got here, I realized it was a great place for us. The fact that my little brother got to be here with me was the best thing of all."

Pollard says, "My personal experiences with the foster care system and juvenile court were a factor in my wanting to become a lawyer and get involved in politics. I have seen how the system works from the inside. There need to be changes and I want to be in a position where I can someday help make those changes."

Reflecting on the five years he's spent at Drumm Farm, Pollard says, "The most rewarding thing has been the way everyone has worked together to help me succeed. They taught me the skills I need to be independent and prepare me for the future. Without a doubt, Drumm has been there for me. And although I didn't realize it at the time, through its support of Drumm Farm, United Way has been there for me. All I can say is thank you. I hope to make you proud-and maybe even convince you to vote for me someday."