A CTVN Holiday Story

Greetings Family & Friends,

My name is Byonca. I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and that you and your family are doing well. I am writing on behalf of Community TV Network (CTVN). Over the past five years I have had the privilege to be part of an organization that has transformed me from a young girl into a dynamic creative woman.

Allow me to share my story.

In 2012, at the age of 16, I was shy and felt helpless. I was reluctant to talk to people and had little to no confidence. Today, I can proudly say I have found my voice and I’m not afraid to use it. With the help and mentorship of CTVN, I am now a freshman at Northeastern Illinois University studying education. I work part time with CTVN, helping give back to the kids whose shoes I once walked in. I want to be a role model for the kids in my city who have no voice, no resources, and no hope.  I want to show them that their dreams and passions can become reality.

None of that would have been possible without the help of CTVN.

Let me tell you a bit about us. CTVN uses media education to empower the at-risk youth of Chicago. The kids in our programs come from the poorest neighborhoods of the city, and many also from broken or abusive homes. Our center strives to be a haven for them, whenever they need it.

We offer interactive workshops, genuine mentorship, and classes taught by dynamic award-winning instructors. I learned everything from how to interview strangers, to writing scripts, to shooting and editing videos. Most importantly, CTVN taught me that my voice was important.

This was only made possible through the generous funding we have received from members of our community like you. CTVN needs your support.

We are specifically seeking donations for newer, more advanced equipment. We still have VHS tapes lying around if you can believe it! For my generation, access to technology isn’t just a fun pastime, it’s crucial to our professional success. For myself and my classmates, CTVN was one of the only places that gave us access to media equipment while helping build our confidence.

Please join me today in making a meaningful year-end contribution by visiting the “donate” link on our website. Together, we can ensure that CTVN remains a vital resource for disadvantaged urban youth, and the Chicago educational system overall.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime through phone (773-278-8500) or email info@ctvnetwork.org. You are welcome to come visit us in person to see exactly what your funds will be going towards. Just contact us to book an appointment.

Yours Faithfully,

Byonca Dodson

Photographer: Arturo Gamino, student at Tribeca Flashpoint College.