First off, you are welcome for the scariest picture of myself I could find - it is a Boo-A-Thon, after all!
Those of you who know me well know that I have a lot of passion for non-profits that make a difference in our community. I did not grow up with money, I did not go to the greatest schools, but I always had family and mentors in my life that showed me love, and the power that each of us has to impact the world around us. There were times in my life when I depended on the services of non-profits, and I am humbled to be at a point in my life where I can be on the giving end of the equation.
Junior Achievement is an incredible non-profit, and I have been honored to volunteer for them for several years now. Junior Achievement has programs for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade that are helping students to see the socio-economic results of dropping out of school. With a student dropping out of school every five seconds of every school day, this awareness needs to become a very real part of their lives. The lesson plans and programs delivered by JA give our most at-risk population a strong foundation in financial literacy, the power of saving, and the value of hard work. Junior Achievement is making a difference in our community, with programs reaching 20,000 students in Southern Nevada.
Personally, I have delivered the JA curriculum to Kindergarten classes several times, and I cannot express in words how rewarding that has been for me. I always had a passion for teaching, and while I do love my day job, there is something about teaching these courses and seeing the engagement of so many incredible children that leaves me with a smile on my face for days after each event. These kids are learning so much, and the comprehensive programs JA has created are setting up a generation of underprivileged children for success. I relate to these kids, and I know from experience how powerful an impact Junior Achievement has on them and on our community.
Of course, for this amazing work to continue and to grow, we need both volunteers and money. If you share my passion around this cause, I would encourage you to support me in this fundraising effort. Every dollar adds up – no donation is too small. And if you are unable to donate money, or are unfamiliar with the great work JA does for our community, I would encourage you to take the time to learn more - maybe even sign up to be a volunteer yourself!
As the late, great Whitney Houston once said - I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.