WHAT:
July was designated as National Make a Difference to Children Month in 2006. The observance was created to spark awareness about the importance of mentorship and guidance in the lives of children. The reality that many children do not have a supportive adult in their lives is more stark than ever before. Studies show that more than 250,000 American children have lost a primary caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that number escalates to more than 10.5 million children now living in orphanhood worldwide.
The effects of bereavement on children can be devastating. Those working in the school system are on the frontlines of the continued impact COVID-19 is having on youth in our community. City Year Americorps members mentor children in schools every day throughout the school year, providing support in academic learning and soft skill development. The positive impact of their mentorship in schools throughout Northeast Florida is making a difference in the lives of children in third through ninth grades.
Outside of school, there are also many mentorship opportunities for adults to support children that may not have a strong support system at home. City Year Jacksonville encourages Northeast Florida residents to reflect on ways they can encourage children in their lives.
WHO:
Allishia Bauman, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of City Year Jacksonville, is available to speak about the importance of mentoring when it comes to children’s success in reaching their potential, and offer advice on how adults can serve as mentors to children throughout the year.
WHEN:
Throughout the month of July.
VISUALS:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/rri8peeugvdh11z6ijkpp/h?rlkey=bgds6t0b6dbhwjio8m9j28zjl&dl=0
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About City Year Jacksonville:
City Year helps students and school succeed, while preparing the next generation of civically engaged leaders who can work across lines of difference. Diverse teams of City Year AmeriCorps members provide holistic support to students, classrooms and the whole school. A 2020 study shows that the more time students spend with AmeriCorps members, the more they improve on social, emotional and academic skills – skills that help students thrive in school and contribute to their community.
A proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network, City Year is supported by AmeriCorps, local school districts and private philanthropy. City Year partners with public schools in 29 communities across the U.S. and through international affiliates in the U.K. and South Africa. Learn more about City Year at https://www.cityyear.org/about/blog/interest-form/.