University of Hartford’s very own Ronnie Cadogan appeared on WNPR Radio on Monday, Aug. 24.

The freshman on campus recently graduated from the Law and Government Academy magnet school in Hartford. He was featured for volunteering for a program in the middle of Hartford called “RiseUP Hartford”. This organization helps the less fortunate is a temporary home for single women, young kids and families.

RiseUP Hartford gives teenagers and young adults the opportunity to help out the kids who are struggling. One of the jobs that he had as a volunteer was to work with some of the families that were residing at the Salvation Army’s Marshall House. Cadogan helped some of the younger children tie-dye t-shirts, read a story to the kids as well as teaching them to read and every kid was given a backpack that was filled with different supplies that they would need for school.

“I just wanted to give back to my community and help the youth, because I’ve never had the opportunity that they’re gonna have,” Ronnie had said during his interview. These programs are aiming to help the younger kids develop an interest as to where they are living and they are also tightening up their leadership skills.

This shelter has kids, who are as young as 12, come in to help out these kids in need. There are kids helping younger kids find and read books.

“It’s a different experience when you see someone that looks just like you, come in and want to help,” said Tomiko Grant, who is the shelter’s assistant director. There are many kids who might not have the right status to get a job and go to college, have no parents at home to take care of them or have parents that work hours on end.Driving on I-91 south towards Hartford, there will be a mural painted on the back wall of a gas station. When the mural was shown, $600 was raised for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center when the organization held a Zumba fundraiser.

“I tell the kids every single day that we’re all family here, we’re all family here, so then they’re not only getting support from us as mentors, but they’re also supporting each other,” said Matt Conway of East Hartford.

Cadogan and many other volunteers are helping to make a difference and letting all these kids know that they are loved and are getting all the help that they can get.