Game, Set, Outmatch with Coach Berry
“Being with the kids warms my heart. They are so excited to see me in the classroom and outside of it. I want to make them feel better and give them a joyful experience all around.”
The ACE Project would not be what it is today without the commitment and care of our community and partners. One such community member we have the pleasure of debuting is our very own Coach Crystal Berry, affectionately known as Mama Berry to students at Washington Elementary School in Riverdale, IL. Read below to learn more about Coach Berry’s transformative experiences with The ACE Project!
Q. How did you first get connected to ACE?
I joined first, and then my grandchildren joined after me. I recommended they come because I could see how much structure, patience, and quality time ACE gives kids. I am already a child care provider with the State of Illinois, and in fact I am the care provider for my grandchildren, so I loved the opportunity to spend more time with them in a way that supported their growth.
Q. What do you see ACE teaching kids?
ACE teaches them how to be safe, how to be better, how to communicate, and how to work with kids from all backgrounds. These are skills that can catapult them into coaching positions one day, even positions beyond coaching--who knows? But I know these skills will take them far, that’s for sure.
Q. What has been a memorable moment so far?
She described watching students at a K–8 assembly, their faces lighting up as their achievements were recognized.
To see a child work so hard, especially when it’s not easy to try every day, that makes me want to be part of that special feeling. You know, even as adults it’s not easy waking up everyday and giving it your best. But here, you see little kids making the effort to give it their best every day, and the recognition that comes with that lights up their faces and encourages them to keep going.
Q. How has ACE impacted you personally?
The experience overall is positive and rewarding. Everywhere I go, I have something positive to say about ACE. It builds good vibes in the community. And why wouldn’t I? The skills you build at The ACE Project are ones you can take with you wherever you go in your community—your job, the bus stop, the library, home—and you keep building on these skills.
As an adult and someone who is a part of ACE, I encourage others to join too. If you have the skills or resources, time and/or motivation, why wouldn’t you give back to your community? The same goes for others outside of Riverdale. You see the amazing impact The ACE Project has on our children, our future, so why wouldn’t you give a little of what you have to keep that future going in a positive direction?
This is just my first year of coaching but there is no question about me returning. It’s the excitement of the children that will bring me back.
Q. What would you say to someone thinking about supporting ACE?
I have four words: give it a try.