JA PROJECT
Chaney Fair and Seleana Miller share in festive fun .
J . A . M . focuses on helping students improve their academic and social skills
J . A . M ., or Junior Auxiliary Mentors , is a mentoring program that was developed by Junior Auxiliary of Columbus in 1996 to address the special needs of children who are functioning below their current grade level . Through J . A . M ., Junior Auxiliary of Columbus members interact one-on-one and develop special relationships with students at five local elementary schools , thereby enhancing the child ’ s perception of himself , improving his academic and social skills , and providing a nurturing environment to promote the child ’ s ability and desire to succeed . “ J . A . M . is such a beneficial project . Developing a relationship and spending one-on-one time with students who may need extra attention or support is so important . Sometimes , it is
Members of the HEARTS J . A . M . Committee celebrate with students during their annual HEARTS Christmas Party .
the only positive interaction the student receives that day , and the students look forward to meeting each week ! Being a safe space for these students and providing not only academic , but personal encouragement is such a rewarding experience .” - Callie Baldridge , 2023-2024 Committee Chair .
All Junior Auxiliary of Columbus members are required to participate in J . A . M . for at least one year during their active membership , and recognizing the importance of J . A . M ., many members continue their participation long after their active Junior Auxiliary years have been completed .
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus has recently expanded its J . A . M . project to HEARTS , a local non-profit organization that provides after-school tutoring to elementary students on a complimentary basis . In addition to assisting with daily mentoring and tutoring at HEARTS , Junior Auxiliary has sponsored its annual Christmas party , and Junior Auxiliary ’ s Crown Club has hosted a Valentine ’ s party for HEARTS students .
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus also assists HEARTS with its summer program , where members read , write short stories , play educational games , conduct science experiments , and create art projects with HEARTS students .
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus is pleased to partner with these local educators in seeking to make a difference in students ’ lives .
Oh what fun ! HEARTS J . A . M . committee members and students play games and |
Cookie decorating is in full swing for |
share stories during the annual HEARTS Christmas party . |
these kiddos . |
Report to the Community 2024 |
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus , Mississippi , Inc . |
45 |