UNITED WE WIN by helping the at-risk children of our community realize their full potential and helping them develop a positive sense of their own future.
United Way of Jackson County is honored to support mentoring programs like Bigs in Schools through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County. Caring adults are paired with children who need mentoring. They meet once a week during lunch. During their time together they read, focus on the student’s studies, set goals and come up with a plan to achieve their goals. Most importantly, these kids, who otherwise don’t have a positive role model in their life, develop a relationship with a caring adult, someone who helps guide them in the right direction. Dave and Chris have been matched for several years, and both benefit from their friendship.
Dave and Chris have been matched since October 2008 as a site-based match, moving beyond that part of the program as Chris entered middle school. Throughout their match relationship, Dave and Chris achieved a variety of goals: trying different restaurants, researching colleges, and even working through the Dave Ramsey financial book, to name a few. Dave also took note of Chris’s musical talents and is currently teaching him how to play the guitar. Because Dave has helped feed Chris’s passion for music, Chris now has a desire to give lessons to others who cannot afford them. Dave also encourages Chris as he continues to advance in Tae Kwon Do. In February, the pair did something extra-special: Dave took Chris along with him on a mission trip to Guatemala with Doctors Without Borders. Chris not only enjoyed traveling to another country, but he also appreciated the opportunity to help others.
Teachers report that students in the program show improvement in reading proficiency and an improved attitude toward school. Last year alone, 74 children were positively impacted by this program. Your support is changing young lives and improving their future.
Thank you
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