City Year transforms the lives of two distinct sets of constituents — but it doesn’t stop there. Relying on powerful stories to engage them, it also transforms the lives of donors.

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

“I think it’s advantageous for the full donor community to really learn more about the alumni and the parent network that exists, and learn more about some of the incredible alumni success stories that are out there,” Gordon says. “We talk about the power of service and the ability to change the world — what that really means is when all of a sudden you can start seeing what the alumni are doing today, after having that experience 20 years ago, 15 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago, and the work that they’re doing in transforming their own communities.