Children Who Are Paired with Caring Adults Are Likely to Grow Up and Be Successful Caring Adults Themselves.
We believe mentally and physically healthy kids will grow up to be mentally and physically healthy adults who are able to get a job, keep a job and contribute to our community. When you support United Way of Jackson County, we are able to fund mentoring programs that pair at-risk youth with caring adults. Children emulate what they see. When they are with a grown-up with similar likes and interests, they are likely to develop the mentors’ positive habits. Big Brothers, Big Sisters has been pairing at-risk youth with caring adults in Jackson County for decades. Susan and Kelly’s story is just one of thousands that show what happens when you support United Way.
Little sister Susan is excited to be starting her second year with Big Sister Kelly! Susan is a bright 11-year-old who has lived with struggles many children her age couldn’t even imagine. Since being matched last spring, Kelly and Susan have worked together on a variety of goals. One is a long-term goal of improving her grades (science will be their focus this year). They will be going to the zoo, not only to have fun but specifically to discover new things about unique animals. They do arts and crafts together, school projects together, and they stay active together. One of Susan’s favorite trips from this past winter was going at Echo Valley! They have gone to the lake, Tigers games, Big Brothers Big Sisters events and many other things together. Susan and Kelly have become more than just friends. Susan wants to grow up and be like her Big Sister Kelly.
Children in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program have showed improvement in many areas including hygiene, nutrition, physical fitness and self-confidence. These kids develop a better sense of their own future. When you support United Way you IMPACT the life a child and set them on a course for success.