We’re proud of our partnership with Family Service & Children’s Aid’s JUMP program (Just Understand My Potential), which provides at-risk juveniles with services to promote regular school attendance, employability, improved behavioral choices, better family relationships, and prevent future prosecution or recidivism.
A student was referred to JUMP through a local Jackson County school district after school staff noticed a pattern of poor attendance. The student identified feelings of anxiety when at school, and the student was vaping nicotine and THC to cope. This student completed all sessions of the truancy prevention group and met with a JUMP instructor individually each week to discuss drug education and coping skills around drug use and anxiety. The JUMP instructor also met with the parent of this student regularly and provided case management services, including resources to local food pantries and resources around budgeting for household needs. After working with the student and family for 90 days, the student’s attendance and grades improved, and school staff noted a significant decrease in defiant behaviors. This student was also able to identify the risks of vaping and began using coping skills instead. At the six-month follow up, the student was doing well and has continued making great progress in and out of school.
JUMP helped this student change tracks and get a second chance for a better, more stable life. Stories like this show how partnership and donor support make a huge difference in people’s lives right here in Jackson County! Please support our work.
Image: Pexels/Jonathan Portillo
