Kelsey Pedroza
It brings me immeasurable joy to know that my father’s name lives on through the IPM foundation. Because of the IPM foundation, I was able to continue my education and learn valuable skills that I can apply to my day to day life. “The Kids” of the IPM foundation are a family. A family of strong, amazing kids who have suffered tragic loss, but climbed back up and thrived thanks to the invaluable help of the IPM foundation as well as their own incredible resiliency. The IPM has given me the chance to watch them grow not only in height, but in their skill sets, as well. I’m excited to see “The Kids” of IPM succeed in their higher education and excel in life. With loss comes growth and strength, and I thank the IPM for being a foundation that gives us “kids" that extra motivation and positivity we need to achieve our potential.
Samantha Yule
I am one of the 26 children who has been able to pursue my academic goals thanks to the Isaac Pedroza Memorial Foundation and friends. My father, James Yule Jr., passed away in March 2008 when I was just 12 years old. As I got older, the talk of college became a regular conversation. During my first semester of college, I received a Facebook message from a man I have never spoken to before. Don Peterson reached out to me and informed me about the non-profit agency, The Isaac, that helps individuals such as myself with the financial burden that college brings. At first, I was extremely skeptical, it all sounded too good to be true. I reached out to my mom and informed her of the conversation I had with Don. Tears filled her eyes. I researched The Isaac Pedroza Memorial Foundation to educate myself on their mission and how the foundation started. I was so thoroughly impressed and honored that my family and I made the weekend trip from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, PA to participate in the annual golf outing. Though I am personally not a big golf person, it was an amazing experience to meet some of the other 26 children who were present as well as many of the donors. Without the Isaac Pedroza Memorial Foundation, I would not be the woman I am today. I cannot explain how grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing agency and all of the individuals who continue to make The Isaac what it is today. I am now pursuing my master’s in social work (MSW) at The University of Pittsburgh which would have never been possible without The Isaac Pedroza Memorial Foundation.
