Hello, everyone.

I'm Rameca Vincent Leary, and welcome to this edition of Connecting the Community.

Reaching beyond ourselves to help others can be quite impacting.

And during this broadcast, we'll be highlighting three nonprofit organizations that are taking it to the next level.

With 100 years of service to our community.

The United Way of West Florida has a lot to celebrate.

We'll discuss what's on the horizon, then get the little ones rubbed up because Jack and Jill of America's Pensacola chapter is in the house.

But first, we'll showcase a nonprofit organization that has Hollywood personalities Hulk Hogan, Al Roker and Denzel Washington on its alumni roster, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

We're excited to highlight what's happening closer to home with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

I'm honored to welcome Shervin Rassa CEO.

He's joined by Cassidy Phillips, Junior Youth of the Year from the Montclair Club, including her proud mother, Chantel Roper.

We also have Vivienne Smiley, Youth of the Year from the Jacoby Turner Teen Center.

Welcome to all of you.

Now serve.

And I just love the fact that you traveled all the way from Fort Walton Beach to be with us.

So good to see you.

Thank you for having us.

So what is the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the.

And our mission is to enable all young people, especially those that need us the most, to reach their full potential, is caring response.

More and productive citizens of our country began in 1968.

Right.

Our organization.

Organization did.

Yes, ma'am.

And when you and I were talking a few moments ago, of course, in the introduction, I mentioned Hulk Hogan.

But you have a little bit of a backstory.

Why don't you share that?

Yeah, my Boys and Girls Club career started in Tampa, and the very first club I was a club director at the Inner Bay Club in South Tampa, was actually Hulk Hogan's club that he attended.

And a few years back, he actually came up here and spoke at one of our steak dinners over at the Hilton Sanderson, and spoke about how impactful the club was in his life.

Memories and memories.

Speaking of memories, Vivienne, I love your smile.

No pun intended on your last name, but you are Youth of the Year from the Jacoby Turner Teen Center.

That is a monumental achievement.

How did you first get involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs?

Tell us.

My mom registered me when I was in second grade, and it's coming up on ten years now of me coming to the Boys and Girls Club.

Now, what does it mean to you to be a part of such an amazing organization?

I love it.

Now that I'm older, I get to mentor the younger kids, and that's my favorite part of being there is like, the older kids mentored me when I was younger.

So speaking of mentorship, because it has so many facets.

A day in the life of your walk as a mentor.

Tell us one thing that you have done to help mentor others.

I helped the younger kids with their math homework.

All right.

You're a numbers girl.

Yes, I love that.

Okay, let's step over into the world of Shontell Now, mothers got to love our mothers, don't we?

Yes.

Now you have a proud daughter, Cassidy, sitting right next to you.

We'll get to her in just a moment.

But Shontell Parents play such a pivotal role in our society.

Influential on many levels.

So when did you first hear about the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast?

When I registered her over to Montclair, she thought of Montclair the third grade.

So when I rushed over there, they had our school program because me and Dad work late.

So she started there with the program.

And since then, she has become a totally different child.

I know.

It's so after school program.

Tell us some of the things that she was involved.

We'll get to you in a moment.

CASSIDY But as a mother, some of the things that you appreciated when you heard about the tutoring, the tutoring, tutoring because she did struggle the beginning part of third grade.

She struggled.

And once she started going to Boys Girls Club and staying later so they can help her with the tutoring and that tutoring from 335, that helped out a lot because she she started a great started getting better and it was just a great is just the great experience.

The tutoring is what really helped me out a lot with her.

Now, Cassidy, what an honor.

Do your use of the year for the Montclair Club.

Now I'm looking at you.

You're looking at me.

We've made that connection, haven't we?

I know that we have.

So when you first found out a boy about the Boys and Girls Clubs, what was your first thought?

To have fun.

To have fun.

Get more work done.

All right.

And what is your favorite subject in school?

Math.

Math.

I've got two numbers, ladies over here.

Exceptional.

You.

Well, you're probably figuring out what you're going to do with your next math problem.

But I tell you what, we're going to come back to you in just a moment.

Now, Sherman, we're always excited when we hear from our young people in the activities that they're involved in.

And math is one of the areas that so many children suffer with, not only locally but on a national level.

So why do you feel youth development is so important?

It's extremely important for one of our priority outcome areas is academic success.

And what we want to do is we all make sure, you know, we're not rubber stamping homework, that kids actually retain what they learn and they're able to go back to school the next day and stay on topic with the rest of their class.

And that eventually allows for us to make sure kids graduate on time with their diplomas and have a, you know, an aspiration for their future beyond that.

Now, speaking of core values and initiatives, I understand that when it comes to partnerships, there are a lot of hands in the pot in positive ways.

One of those partners that you have, the United Way of West Florida, will be on the show momentarily.

But why don't you talk about them for just a moment, what they've done?

We we united Ways one of our most natural partnerships that we have.

They invest so many dollars into what we do that has such a huge positive multiplier effect.

And not just in Escambia County, but across northwest Florida, where we do a lot of our programing.

And it you know, the old saying it takes a village to it really does.

And it's not just kids anymore.

It's adults, too.

And it's really raising each other and helping each other out.

So we're super thankful for the United Way support and partnership.

And I must say, in Pensacola State College, we here have a wonderful campaign and we love giving back so many resources and a lot of people are being helped.

It's amazing.

But Shervin, we also want to know about some of the programs.

Now, I know that right next to you we have Vivienne talking about mentorship, right?

Vivienne Now between you and Shervin.

And one of the things I like about you, Vivienne, you talked about mentorship, helping others.

Why don't you express in your own words some of the other areas where young people can be mentored.

You have a love for math, but what else?

With the program at my club called Money Matters, it's really helped me with financial literacy.

That's one of the tiers now when it comes to money.

A lot of college students and this is something that happens quite a bit.

We have college students that find out about credit card offers.

Some go gangbusters with the offers and spend a lot of money and can't pay it back.

Financial literacy has so many facets, but what is the one thing about financial literacy that just makes you feel good knowing that you have a foundation that has been laid before you?

The main thing that I liked from learning for Money matters was budgeting, because I kind of struggled with that a little bit.

Hey, we all had to start somewhere, right?

Even if it's our piggy bank.

Budgeting, correct service.

absolutely.

Absolutely.

Now, Shantel, I know you can relate.

Yes.

This Kassidy get an allowance.

She we have it.

We're probably going to end up starting that as she started middle school and she has a lot more responsibilities and she is the baby of the family.

So mostly everybody is adults now, all the older children.

So it was just her at home.

So she's starting to get a little bit more choice and it's not a hit more around the house so she can learn.

I have to ask you this, Chantelle, what would you tell any other parent out there who is considering having their child become a part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, that they're on the fence right now?

I would say do it.

Register your child.

You never know the impact that the leaders of Boys and Girls Club have on a child's life.

The leaders that she had at the Montclair Club and now she's at Inglewood, they encourage her to do a lot.

They encourage her, learn how to speak in front of people her.

She just they they do so much.

They they give them so much to do and so many activities they have.

And it's just amazing.

I mean, if you feel like your child is struggling in anything in academics, have them there.

They have teachers, they have teachers there part time in the afternoon that comes in to volunteer their time to help out.

So, I mean, you have the help, you have the resources.

Use it now serving, we have a lot to unpack and hearing from these two ladies just warms my heart so much.

But we have various programs and there are some tears.

So we'll just break those down.

All right.

So we were thinking about academic success because we run into situations a lot where students love to get involved in sports, and sometimes the academic side could be lacking.

So under Tier one, under academic programs, we have the power hour.

Why don't you tell us more about that?

Well, power is essentially that homework time where we really help kids understand their homework.

And it's part of our project learning programing as well.

And education is super important to us because, you know, it is a priority outcome area.

One out of four kids in the United States will not graduate high school ever.

And some kids won't graduate on time.

And we want to make sure our kids graduate high school on time with a diploma and have a plan for their future.

And for a long time, we used to say, you got to go to college, you got to go to college.

And, you know, college isn't for every kid, but you got to have a plan whether you go work full time somewhere or you go into the military or you start a trade or go to a trade school.

We want to make sure kids aren't not having a plan outside of getting their diploma, but they've got to get their diploma on time and have that that plan for their future beyond that.

And one of the things I really appreciated, Vivienne talking about financial literacy, money matters.

Expand on that a little bit more.

Well, you brought it up earlier.

How many people at 18, 19 years old get a credit card and at 30 years old, have a heart of 40 years old, have a hard time buying a house because their credit is run from.

You know, I never went to classes to teach me about that.

But I also, you know, as a kid, I didn't learn about checking accounts and credit scores.

And, you know, you get a paycheck and you're like, my gosh, I'm going to go buy the best toys ever.

Not thinking about budgeting.

And it's hard.

It's really hard for a lot of folks, even adults.

But it's just like when we were talking about the homework help.

If we can engage kids in making the right decisions when it comes to money and being responsible with it and sometimes putting a restraint on themselves and putting money away, Yes, it's just like the homework help.

It pays dividends and no pun intended with the with the the banking terminology there, but it pays dividends down the road.

It does.

And I see you responding as well, Santo.

And that is a key issue, isn't it?

It is a key issue, especially now with the way things are in the world is different, especially with technology, with the bitcoins and all of this stuff.

You have to know what's going on, especially financial literacy.

You want to teach that to your children because you don't want them to make the same mistakes that you did growing up.

And I don't I don't want none of my kids making that mistake.

I want them to have a house at 32 by 25.

Yes.

I want them to own their own home where they have no debt.

Absolutely.

Serving back to you.

Let's talk about Club Tech.

Well, man, everything in this room we're in right now is run by tech technology, right?

You can't we don't do anything without it nowadays.

And it's so important that, again, we keep our kids ahead of that learning curve every day.

The world is changing, and most of the kids that we serve have a little thing called the cell phone, and the world is at their hands.

They're and as as adults, I think it's really our place to help them maneuver that world, but also learn the technology and and to be safe with it, that that's really our biggest thing Any time before we have children go into our tech labs or use any of our our services when it comes to computers and such, we we do a net smarts and make sure kids know not to talk to strangers on the Internet.

I mean, we do have very filtered Internet, but still outside of the home, outside of the club, or even outside homes, you don't know what kids can be exposed to.

And we want to, again, protect them by teaching them the safeguards of like, you know, stranger danger.

And there's a lot of them out there on the Internet, unfortunately.

But technology is a powerful weapon for young kids nowadays and adults as well.

But, man, I wish I would have had that technology when I was struggling in math back in the day.

But the advantages now.

yeah.

But they you know.

And Vivienne, I see you smiling over there We have some imagery, some pictures of the children in the Cox Innovation Lab.

And to your point, Shervin, talking about the technology, the youngsters starting at such a young age, learning this technology, which clubs interest you the most?

I know there are several Keystone.

And tell us what it is and why it interest you the most.

It's a community service club where we go out, we play like we help around the community.

We did, like food drives at Miami Club, clothing drives any way we can help out.

I'm the president of my Keystone Club and we have a big Keystone convention.

All clubs from around the world.

Yeah, around the world.

They are.

We are.

I get to meet other kids from other clubs, and we get to form a bond, and I really like that.

yes.

I saw some images of youngsters holding these beautiful certificates and the smiles on their faces.

It's one of those things where we were circulating so much information in our world, but then we're garnering exceptional memories.

go to our next here because building character, sometimes people say, well, someone should have known better, you know better, you do better.

But hey, that's not always the case.

So with the character building aspect of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, the Torch Club, What is that?

It's it's kind of the the J.V.

League of the Keystone Club.

It's really are older elementary and middle school kids.

It's a service club within our club.

And I, you know, good character and citizenship I think is my favorite priority outcome area because we want to raise morally sound humble young people that are going to do the right thing.

And part of doing the right thing is giving back to their communities and helping others out, stepping into bullying situations and and just being leaders not just at their schools or in their clubs or churches, but also in their neighborhoods and wherever it may be, or being at the mall and stepping into a situation or or helping someone out.

And the torch club really is is a neat program because it really teaches kids that giving back is a huge part of who they are going to be as adults.

And then the Keystone Club is very similar.

It's just for the high schoolers.

They get to get on an airplane and go hang out with fellow Keystone ers once a year at our conference.

All right, Vivienne, so I have to ask you, wheels up, have you been on any of those planes?

Yes.

So why don't you talk about that?

Because we are we're also mingling in, of course, including the healthy lifestyle initiatives.

And some people might suffer from motion sickness if they get on a plane.

Others might have other medical issues.

So we have to be cognizant of those things.

Correct.

But tell us about your experience flying.

I went I didn't go this year, unfortunately, I had been, but I went last year and we went to Dallas and it was it was a really fun trip.

It was the first conference I had went to for Keystone.

So getting to me, all those kids, like people from like Tahiti, Hawaii, the the Samoa.

So it was like it was nice to meet all those people.

And at the conference, give us a breakdown of some of the things that you learned because it's quite intriguing.

I know I'm interested.

I went to there was like a whole bunch of seminars and you got to choose which one.

There's a dancing one I went to like a diversity one was like being conscious of like other people, even though they might not be the same as you like being aware of like other people as well around what they go through.

Yeah, well rounded.

Shontell Again, as a mother, we're going to just to open up the doors for volunteerism.

Why not?

SHERVIN So when it comes to volunteer is and some people say, I just don't have time, I'm just way too busy, Do you think people should make time?

What would you say to that?

Make time?

Yeah, it's puts a smile on your child's face when you make time and shows the interest of what what they love to do.

And it shows that you're interested in what they're doing.

So whenever she asks or whenever they ask Mr. Dre or Mrs. Leslie, anyone of them at the club ask me, Hey, Mom, can you help out?

Yeah, sure.

No problem.

I'll work early and I'll help out if I have to.

And Cassidy, I know that's true, right?

Because I see you shaking your head now in any specific areas of volunteerism that you would like to highlight.

You know, we have a lot of special events that we do.

So we would we can always use help in that.

But homework help is the big that's one of the biggest areas.

Huge.

Have you tried to do fourth grade math lately?

It's I don't know.

Things have changed.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And so I don't get it so definitely the volunteers and as far as helping our young kids, but I always like to say our secret recipe in Boys and Girls Clubs is informal mentorship.

So really mentoring young people is a very big part of it as well.

And Vivienne, I'm going to give you the last word here because you have that amazing smile in your last name to boot.

But any encouraging words for youngsters out there that are considering joining the Boys and Girls Clubs?

What would you say?

I would say do it.

It was honestly the best decision that I've got to stay through my senior year now.

that is such a profound statement in itself.

I would like to thank all of you for joining us.

My heart is full right now.

You're amazing.

Thank you.

Okay, now, folks, we are just getting started.

Stay with us.

We'll be back right after this.

Hello, everyone.

During this segment, we're shifting gears, highlighting an amazing nonprofit organization that's celebrating 100 years of community service, none other than the United Way of West Florida.

I'm excited to have two lovely ladies joining me for this segment.

It's a pleasure to introduce Laura Gilliam, CEO of the United Way of West Florida.

She's joined by Mary Zaledonis, vice president of Community Impact now.

Laura, let's start with you.

From 1924 to 2020, for 100 years.

What thought comes to mind?

That's amazing longevity for any organization, especially a nonprofit.

When you consider how much how different our community is from 100 years ago.

Absolutely.

And I was looking at the mission statement online and fighting for health, education, financial stability.

Why don't you elaborate a little bit more about the mission?

Sure.

So our mission is to unite the community and leverage resources to improve lives.

And we do that in a variety of ways.

We focus on health, education and financial stability.

We provide funding through grants to programs in our community in Escambia and Santa Rosa County.

And then we actually run programs.

So our goal is to create solutions to the challenges that our community faces and do that through funding and programs.

And speaking of that, community investment, because it takes a village, as we know.

So there are so many opportunities for other organizations to get involved, just as you have mentioned.

Would you like to mention some of the other organizations that have really partnered up with you?

Sure.

So we have our funded partners.

So Boys and Girls Club of the West is one of those.

We have and again, they fall in the areas of health, education and financial stability.

We have Bright Bridge Ministries, we have Catholic Charities.

We have a whole host.

We have 25 agencies this year that received funding.

And then we have partners who work with us in programs like Goodwill.

They're a Vita site, and so they help us with free tax preparation.

So we have lots of different partners because it we can't do this work without agencies support donors, volunteers.

Interestingly, I saw some lady surrounded by Ronald McDonald, the Ronald McDonald House, and we saw food prep, among other things.

Like you said, so many facets of this amazing organization.

Now.

Mary, hello there.

You handle a lot of the community related responsibilities, so we'll unpack a few of these special initiatives.

The Day of Caring.

That's a huge one.

Absolute.

So it is a one day volunteer event happens every October.

And it's an opportunity where we partner with nonprofits and schools to identify projects to be completed on the one day.

And we also recruit volunteers to go out to those projects and to complete them.

And it's a really great opportunity for volunteers to see the needs of the community by diving in and servicing them.

And it's also an opportunity for the for the nonprofits and schools to tackle projects that they can't otherwise get to.

And I love some of the imagery that you provided.

I saw children and adults with rakes and lawn mowers out there helping others.

That's what it's all about.

All hands on deck.

And interestingly, I saw a little bus out there.

Lots of kids and adults talk about stuff.

The bus.

I loved it when I saw that on the website.

Yes, It's an exciting day in July where we stand outside of Walmart just soliciting for school supplies.

So we are at three Walmarts in Santa Rosa County, three in Escambia, and that is that day is accomplished through volunteers.

And so volunteers are out there from 7 a.m. to six or 6 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Gathering supplies and connecting to the community and just getting the items for the schools that for a school to start.

All right.

And here we are now.

Laura Alice.

Now, that's a big acronym, isn't it?

It is.

Why don't you break that down for us?

Because I could be Alice.

You could be Alice.

Someone else could be Alice.

So explain that.

Sure.

So Alice stands for Asset Limited income constrained, employed.

And these are families who are struggling, working.

They're working.

So the employed is a big That's a big part of that acronym.

But they are making too much money to qualify for benefits, but not quite enough to pay for some of the things that they need, like childcare or health care.

And so they're really kind of stuck in the middle.

And nearly 50% of people in Escambia County are struggling.

So they're either in that Alice or poverty threshold.

So it's it's an important thing for us to know that every day we interact with Alice and these are people who are working hard and are just that one crisis, one paycheck away from some financial difficulties.

And Mary, you have such a big heart, your take on that.

And it's one of those things where we're trying to do as much as we can.

But why don't you just talk a little bit more from a community impact standpoint?

Sure.

I think everything that we're offering the community is for those in need.

Whether you're working or you're in a situation and trying to get back on your feet.

We have different programs, initiatives and services intended to help people get back to where they want to be or earlier, Laura mentioned our volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

That is an incredible program that we prepare taxes for free with the intention for you tax filers to save that money, save that preparation fee, and that could roll back into their pocket, whether it be clothing their children or putting food on the table, paying an extra bill.

But that's just one of the services that we are offering the community to help out families that are working hard every day.

And there's something else.

The 211 Northwest Florida number.

So that is available.

But we have some video that you shared with us.

So please tell us what encompasses.

Yes.

Two, one.

One is available, 24 seven.

Anyone could call looking for services.

It is intended We have a database that includes nonprofits that are providing just a array of services from health, mental health, physical health to financial.

And we have our call takers taking the calls, narrowing down eligibility and providing that caller information on agencies that they could then follow up with that they are best suited to seek their need and request it.

Every agency is different and has three different criteria, but 211 is available to everyone 24 seven and their assistance on your website.

You also highlight the nine state suicide crisis Lifeline Florida Veterans Support Line.

You mentioned Vita as well, but those three right there underneath.

Two, one, one.

Yes.

Wide scope.

It is nine, eight, eight is important.

Everybody needs to have that available because individuals are faced with crises that seem to get out of hand and they don't always have something to turn to.

And nine, eight, eight, we have crisis counselors available to take the calls and help de-escalate the situation.

And sometimes it's just a friendly voice that they need to get through the moment or the situation.

And so nine, eight, eight is is that service to our community?

And the veterans support line is available for all veterans wanting, you know, that support as well.

That is exceptional.

We're going to talk about some more initiatives in just a short time here.

But back to you, Laura, because I'm listening to all of this in all of the organizations that partner with you, would you say that you might have close to 100 partners?

From what I'm hearing, I know it's more than five or ten like that out.

Yeah.

I mean, it's it's hard to say because, you know, we have we have the the nonprofits that support us in a variety of ways.

We have relationships with businesses because they run workplace campaigns or they're sponsors for events that we have.

We have partners within the education community.

And so we've we've hundreds and and then, you know, volunteers, they come from all over the place.

And we consider those our partners, our donors.

So it definitely you know, you asked me what I think about when you say 100 year.

Yes.

I think it's the other part of it is that we could not have done it without those partners.

We would not be here if it were not for those partners.

Absolutely.

And I think about the resources that are listed on the website and we'll go through a few of these.

So some are the single care prescription card, Escambia County Sheriff's Family that really piqued my interest.

Can you talk about sheriffs?

Yeah, that's Sheriffs Family Resource Guide.

So we are 211 team worked with the Escambia County Sheriff's Department.

He had pulled together the sheriff Symons had pulled together the gun violence roundtable.

And one of the things that he was looking for was an opportunity to pull together resources to help youth, whether it's mentoring, whether it's mental health, things that families could get involved with to help support young people and and so we were able to provide with his support, with the sheriff's department's support, a unique guide that used some of the resources that came out of the 211 database, but some other ones that in addition to those.

And so that was I think that's a great resource for the community as well.

Then the street survival Guide.

Yeah.

How many times when we were growing up, mom and dad would say, Hey, you got to watch yourself when you're going out there.

But Street Survival Guide, I'm sure, is all encompassing.

Yeah, I don't know how many resources are in there.

That comes out of a211 database, and we actually were able to produce 50,000, 50,000 of those this summer, which is the most we've ever had.

And we're we're out of that.

I mean, this gets into the hands of provider agencies.

It gets into the hands of law enforcement people who are supporting individuals who are unhoused.

That's kind of how it started was was too was too geared towards the the individuals and who were unhoused and those providers.

But it's actually kind of grown since the on that marriage.

It has I mean it's become a social worker case manager go to on the fly it's there it's it's a great resource we do produce it.

We definitely encourage everyone to access our two in one database and obviously our call center because those resources do change.

This year's been the most that we've ever provided to the community.

50,000.

I mean, that's that's been through the support of the community to be able to print that many.

And I'll tell you, they were going fast.

I mean, we were getting calls and they it was going to hospitals, nonprofits, law enforcement offices, some dental clinics wanted them as well as schools and other nonprofit agencies.

So it's been a hot commodity to serve the community.

Love that.

All right, Mary, The Bourne Learning Trail, You have some exceptional images of young people on the ground painting on the sidewalk.

It was so colorful.

So what is it?

Yes, for learning trails.

It is a education initiative for 0 to 5.

I really it's an opportunity for families to take their children out to where the trails are and making education come alive through the beautiful artwork that our volunteers have sketched out and painted on side sidewalks.

It's been partnership with city and counties to to implement those to serve the community through education.

I love that those smiling faces so adorable.

Laura, we have to talk about the ambassador program because volunteers come and go and then we're always trying to find more.

Right?

So, yeah, so the ambassador program for anybody who knows the United Way, they may know this is a loaned executive.

That was what it used to be called a long time ago.

And but we these are people who help us raise money.

So we you know, we have lots of workplace campaigns.

And so they support us in that effort.

But they are also receiving something in return.

So they get training on public speaking, they're networking, they meet leaders in the community, they learn different skill sets and they learn a whole lot more about the nonprofit sector because they're in fact, tomorrow we have a session and we've got a group of panelists who are going to come in and talk about education.

And Dr. Barbara with Santa Rosa County schools is going to be there to talk about what's going on with Santa Rosa County schools.

So so ambassadors, are there a great they're a great resource for us, and it's a great opportunity, again, for them to go back to their workplace and with them skills and spreads and spread the word.

And they've got some skills and expertise that they didn't have to start with.

I love that.

So RSVP, we normally think of an RSVP, an invitation.

And so, Mary, let's talk about that.

An RSVP volunteer, right?

A retired senior volunteer program.

So that is an initiative for 55 and better.

And we've been servicing the community by bringing out the volunteers 55 and better and partnering with some of our agencies to impact health, education and financial stability.

So I was just looking at some reports last year we had over 73 RSVP volunteers that contributed to the program, among with many of our other volunteers, 55 and older youngsters.

Yes, Yes.

Right, right.

Absolutely.

But honestly, I'm smiling at you, Laura, because we, as I mentioned in the last segment in Pensacola, say college have a United Way of West Florida Initiative campaign every single year.

And as you mentioned, the partnerships that you have with many organization.

And our president, Dr. Ed Meadows, really smiles every time we start that initiative.

And I like to smile in my own way every single year when it comes to that.

But there are probably a lot of people that will be watching and and just wondering, well, I want to do something more.

So you mentioned some areas where people can volunteer, but what if we were to run into the scenario, let's say a youngster, for example, and says, well, my mom and dad are volunteers, what can I do?

Would there be something for a youngster in the volunteer lane?

There?

There may very well be.

We have a platform on our website that people can access by clicking the volunteer button and that will take them to get connected.

And we have over 200 and some agencies that are registered and they will list the types of volunteer activities if it's good for a group or an individual, if there's an age limitation.

So it's really kind of a buffet of what opportunities are out there.

And it's a great place to check out.

People can register and then friend or like or whatever or something along those lines.

Yeah, an agency that has volunteer opportunities and they get a little notification, they get pinged when, when a when some opportunity comes available.

So it's a, it's a great resource for any age to look at to try to figure out how can I get involved, how I can my family get involved.

Laura You said Buffet.

Mary To me it sounds like a smorgasbord.

I'm extremely excited about all of this.

And do you have any final words that you would like to share with our viewing audience?

100 years.

I've already heard Laura's perspective, but what about yours?

We keep on serving the community and like you started with, It Takes a Village.

I mean, we are here to help improve lives use through our many initiatives.

The volunteer is just talk about that.

We had over 1100 that served us through United Way.

Our initiatives, our services, our programs.

So, you know, keep on serving with us and come out for another hundred years.

Right.

Keep shining and smiling.

100 years.

Now, folks, we're having an amazing time highlighting some exceptional nonprofit organizations.

So as we head to break, we want to congratulate the United Way of West Florida for celebrating 100 years of exceptional community service.

We'll be back in a moment.

Hello, everyone.

It's a nonprofit organization that empowers youth on multiple levels.

I get excited just mentioning the name Jack and Jill of America, Inc..

I'm honored to welcome Christina Hawkins, president of the organization's Pensacola chapter.

She's joined by Alonda Jones Foundation chair and Justin Hawkins, who serves as youth president.

Welcome to all of you.

Such beautiful smiles and outfits.

Ladies, need I say more?

So, Christina, let's start with you.

I just happened to be perusing a recent edition of Pensacola, Bella magazine, and I saw your beautiful article.

I just loved it.

I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you.

Jack and Jill, let's talk about the early days.

Right.

When was it founded?

And expand on the mission, if you will.

Yeah, absolutely.

So Jack and Jill America, Inc., It's a national organization.

It was founded in 1938.

The Pensacola chapter was founded in 1956.

So we're almost 70 years old.

So the mission is is a members organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19.

So we're dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service for philanthropic giving and civic duty.

Love it.

Now, I read 271 chapters.

Yes, eight more and seven geographical regions.

And I have to say, along to skipping over to you, when I went over to the website and I started perusing some of the pages and I saw the Pensacola chapter, the region and the representation there in, I was so excited just looking at the body of work.

You and I though to have a personal connection because I was your professor in the business department for several courses and you've done so well.

And to be part of an amazing organization like this, to have you sitting here this evening in my midst, I'm honored.

This is a present to me.

So I just want you to tell me and everyone else out there what sparked your interest, first of all, in Jack and Jill Pensacola chapter?

Well, being a mother, of course, we always want the best for our children.

And I love the way that Jack and Jill fosters the children, not just our children specifically, but the children in the community as well.

I believe in community service.

I believe in the fact of teaching our children how to be future leaders, especially with taking business classes.

That's something that I felt was very important for them to learn and they foster that.

So it was important for my child to be a part of it, too.

All right.

We have a lot to talk about in just a few moments, but just in teen president.

First of all, the million dollar question.

What was the process?

Did everyone just get into a huddle and say, hey, I like him, He's a team president?

What was the process?

We set our meetings and team Jack and Joe with our parliamentarian procedure.

So we follow.

Robert's was the order and each of our teams vote for officer and then we make the overtime period and I became the team president.

Now, how long have you been president?

I've been president now my second year.

So I was here first year, I was team president, and now I'm going into reelection, you know.

Now your mother sitting right across from you.

I would say what's who were what sparked your interest in Jack and Jill?

But I have a feeling she had something to do with it.

Let's hear it from you.

So when I was younger, it was because of my parents.

But now that I've seen the like, skills and benefits of it, like community service, it's public speaking, financial literacy, all of it is really helped me grow as an individual and as a person.

So let's talk about public speaking for just one moment.

And I must say he is so knowledgeable and quite humble because I just happened to judge the oratorical contest for Jack and Jill a short time ago, and you were the winner.

Now, I could see it, everything that you did and you were just growing up to be an exceptional young man.

And I cannot wait to see what your future holds, but I'm going to have to tell you, Justin, we have some amazing images of Jack and Jill in those pictures.

We see a lot happening.

And one of the events that I know you'll highlight a little bit later, Alonda was a masquerade ball actually was a gala and the Children's Masquerade gala.

I'm just jumping ahead a little bit, but there's something that you did there that was quite phenomenal.

Why don't you tell us what that was?

We had a my Children dance battle and I had to show up as team president and do a backflip and win first place.

So did someone get some great video of that or at least the picture?

Yes, ma'am.

Sure they did.

Right, Mom?

Of course.

Okay, Christina, back to you.

Youth development, as you touched on earlier, such an important aspect of Jack and Jill is Pensacola chapter and the organization as a whole.

Oftentimes, youngsters will be afforded an opportunity to go on an college empowerment tour.

Tell us about that.

Yes, absolutely.

So we did get that opportunity.

Actually, we have our college empowerment committee.

We have our chair, which is she's also our chaplain, Dana, that led the effort successfully.

And we were able to sponsor or cover 17 teens to go.

Justin actually got to go.

He didn't benefit financially from those contributions because I had to pay for him as a member.

But they got to go to the University of Florida.

Yes, ma'am.

As well as FSU.

I'm sure Justin can tell you more about it, but it was a great opportunity.

We'd like to hear from you, Justin.

How was that experience for you?

It was a great experience.

I had several cards already on my list already, but when I got to tour the actual campus and I met a few Jack and Jill alumni, we sat down with them.

They broke down the application process, what to expect in high school and really what to think like what life made outside at high school when it really opened my eyes.

So career aspirations.

I know you've been thinking about it.

Yes, ma'am.

So why not just let it all out?

Tell us what you're thinking.

I'm planning on assuming the Naval Academy and becoming a naval officer and becoming a surface warfare officer in the Navy.

I love that.

It has it all make up for it doesn't is a man on a mission, a lander.

So as a foundation chair, you're doing a lot behind the scenes as well.

Beautiful face in front of the scenes.

But some of the specific events that I notice, we already talked about the Children's Masquerade gala, abbreviated version.

But why don't you expand on it?

Because that is a huge event.

That's one of the biggest ones the Jacksonville has.

It is, as I said, a signature event, and we are having our third annual when we have it on Martin Luther King's weekend.

Community service is the the spotlight for that weekend.

So it's an event for children in the community as well as our children.

It's a time for the family to come out to get really dressed up and just have a great night.

We have music, photos, food contest for the children to participate in.

And it's it's a lot of fun for all the kids to enjoy and for the families, for the moms and the as well.

Family affair.

It is blood drive.

How many times have we seen the announcements?

Right.

So this is something that the organization prides itself in is ensuring that you organize this event every single year.

Yes, ma'am.

So this event, we have it in September in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month.

I actually had a close friend that I grew up with that had sickle cell, and I had no idea what that meant.

I just knew she was in the hospital a lot.

And I remember seeing her on posters.

So the events kind of close at heart for me.

But we hold a blood drive in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and there will be on sickle cell testing.

We will also have blood pressure testing with Health and Hope Clinic.

They will be present there as well as sickle cell.

Best Carissa, The Association of Oscar Rosa will also be present there.

So we're excited for the bring the community out to donate blood for a good cause.

Love it.

Now, Justin, I know our viewing audience is so excited to hear from you.

Are you in high school?

Yes, ma'am.

And a senior high school.

What's your favorite subject in high school?

AP gov.

I got a file on the exam as well.

Civics.

Congratulations.

Yes, ma'am.

A five.

Now, that is the highest score.

Six, maybe.

Classes.

You already know that.

But yes, that is exceptional.

Now earning a five on the AP exam.

Are you involved in any extra curricular activities?

I'm the commanding officer.

My injured C unit pace.

I'm in beta, and that's our society in going into tomorrow.

And it's a mess.

Now, why am I asking him all these questions?

Viewing audience.

There is a sound reason.

Because when we have goals, right, we can do anything.

We have the support of friends, family, loved ones.

Your dreams can definitely come true.

And I'm looking at a testament of a guy who is making positive waves and doing exceptional things in the community.

It really makes me smile.

Kristina As a mother, I know you smile a lot.

How could you not smile with a nice young man like that doing so well?

But the teen leadership development, that's another core facet of Jack and Jill.

So tell us a little bit more about that.

Okay.

Well, Justin, he does have the honor of being the team president, but we have all of our teens are very exceptional, but our kids get to go to team conference every year.

And this is a really good opportunity for them to network with teens all over the nation.

You know, they get an opportunity.

They can also run for an office.

There's also another liberal oratorical competition.

So many different things to do.

And they have a lot of fun, too.

I mean, we have like name artist, you know, they are teens.

All right.

So it's a great a great time.

And Jack and Jill, for them, one of the things that I really like and I read this on the website and we also spoke about it with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast in segment number one financial literacy.

I know we're talking about it quite a bit, but it is extremely important.

Why do you think that?

Because just mirroring those.

Absolutely.

One of the things that moms and Jack and Jill, we have to do events for our children as well as we do events for other children.

One of the events that we that we've done for our children for five years was a shark tank.

I actually had the honor of hosting that with our chapter editor, Didi.

And so that was one instance where the kids actually get to come with their ideas, where they've also, you know, created a budget, learn financial literacy, you know, how to make a profit.

My daughter actually came through that as well and has our own business from that.

But we see the importance of that being able to, you know, run a business so that they can know how to do their own household.

You know, sometimes things don't add up, you know?

Absolutely.

So sometimes we had to, you know, figure out how to save, you know, how to rearrange our expenses.

So it's extremely important.

I love that.

Now, on to some other things that have been happening.

The Youth Mental Health Summit.

We cannot assume that everyone is okay.

Someone could be smiling on the outside and hurting terribly on the inside.

So tell us what Jack and Jill is doing regarding that.

You're some you touched on it.

It's very important for mental health.

We speak on physical health, and mental health is just as important, especially with our teens.

We want to make sure that they understand the importance of that.

We're actually participating this weekend in a suicide prevention awareness log, and our teens will be there for that particular event.

But we we try to make sure that we give that information in those resources and understand that what to look out when it comes to their friends, their peers, and the importance of their mental health.

So it is very important with Jack and Jill, I want to add to that we have our associates and their moms that when their kids graduate, I still have one more after him, but when their kids graduate, they get to be associates.

It's like living their best life right?

So they get to like, support us.

And that was one event last year.

They did a youth mental health summit where they actually coordinated that and told us where to be.

And they did this and we helped get it out into the community.

So we're so fortunate that we have moms, you know, and associates in.

They want to really help all children.

Well, I like that.

So an associate who comes back doesn't matter how young or old that associate is.

They're coming back.

They help to support.

That's right.

They've been a mom and their kids have graduated in Jack and Jill and they get to come back and they go on their own trips.

But yeah, but they also they meet and they have fun.

They do things to help.

They help our local chapters to continue to flourish.

And that goes hand in hand.

I think, too, with the children, because they build those relationships.

And again, that goes back to the importance of why one of my children be a part of it, and being able to foster those type of relationships and have that type of mentorship, absolutely.

Networking is essential.

So Justin, did you attend the Southern Region Children's Supercluster and Teen Leadership Summit?

That's a lot.

Yes, ma'am.

Have you ever been to that?

No.

That was the first time going to the conference and it was an eye opening.

I saw different chapters.

I didn't really meet with other teens from different areas before, so that was good.

Experiencing like how they do what they do in high school in their life was like, Well said.

Now, Christina, some people don't really understand what professional development is.

Can you expand on that?

Because aside from everything else, the financial literacy in the conference is professional development is essential.

Yeah, absolutely.

And one of the ways that we do that I mentioned about the college empowerment group, our committee, not only do we do the college tour, but we do a writing workshop, and this really benefits all the kids in the community.

We have professional work.

What we learned through a scholarship contest that we that we do annually, where we give a scholarship is how the kids really need assistance.

We were writing, so we were able to bring that back and it's something we do annually and that's extremely important to have that the writing skills and professional development in everything you do.

You mentioned oratorical.

Yes.

And we also need to know how to write.

So that's one example of how we help the children to develop in that.

Well, I will say Atlanta is a testament to that.

So that idea from being a sit in here at PSC, Healthy Living Focus, Alonzo, we have a food pantry here at Pensacola State College, a clothing closet and pirate's care, but healthy living focus.

There's so much junk food out there, maybe people aren't making the right choices.

So what is Jack and Jill doing in that respect?

And that's another part of health as far as importance of that.

We actually have a committee that focuses specifically on our health.

We have a contest usually that takes place in the spring time where we do workouts and compete on miles and how how much, how many miles, or who can do the most miles within a month or so.

But we have contests.

We keep each other accountable as well as check in on each other to make sure that we're all do or supposed to do to stay healthy.

I love that.

Yes.

Do you like getting a check in, Christine, as somebody.

Well.

Well, it's a virtual one, so it is optional, but it's a good it's I love that someone cares and, you know, the moms can participate however they like, but we all do.

We're encouraged to.

And it's good to I don't know if you've seen where you have a different heart, but we put that in our in our group, me, our health group, me.

And you will say, are you doing okay?

Are you good?

You know, are you in a dark place?

And you might not think so, but when someone asks you, you start thinking, you know, you can answer that and it's in a safe place.

And it's so great to have our sister moms, because that's what we call each other, you know, because we're we're in this together for our children.

I love that a lot.

The change advocating change, it can be hard sometimes, right?

Making positive waves and evoking that positive change.

So I know that the organization is doing quite a bit in that respect.

Yes, we have to be the representation.

We have to be the ones that are showing the change in order to be what you want to see.

So we foster that within our children to to do things within the community and with that service in order to make that change possible.

So if we want to see it and we have to be, you know, sort of like that's true.

Now, Justin, we've had the website up throughout the entire segment, and I want more young people to become a part of Jack and Jill.

This is these ladies do so give anyone out there who's watching, who's considering it, but just hasn't taken that step yet.

Give them some words of encouragement, if you will, Jack and Jill.

I really as a teen now, I feel like I've gotten much more out of it and I would encourage anyone to join because of the just to do group year around.

Yes, it provides a friend group away from school and it's different.

You know, with your culture you can do community service and people you want to do community service with and you go in so many schools that can help you outside of school.

So I would encourage you to join Becoming well-rounded.

Right?

Ladies and gentlemen.

And I'm going to end with you, Christina, because you're a proud mom sitting right here across from your son, looking at him and seeing his advancement.

How does that make you feel, any specific?

Boy, it's absolutely so proud because this is you know, it's a lot of work for Jack and Jill.

But the fact to hear him say that he's been in for nine years.

So, you know, he started very young.

So to hear that growth and that maturity, I'm very, very proud and it makes it all worth it.

And I'm proud of all of you.

Thank you so much for joining us.

Now, folks, I would like to thank all of our guests for being with us.

I'm Rameca Vincent Leary.

And remember to keep it locked in right here on WSRE PBS for the Gulf Coast.