Character Builders
The purpose of the Character Builders project, is to instill virtues in children which will aid them in developing into self reliant adults, building self esteem by teaching them the skills which will aid in their accomplishments. The main focus for this project this year is a program called, Reality Check. In this program, aimed at children in high school, students are taken through a serious of events which simulate real life experiences. The focus is on financial transactions and responsibilities. Each child is given a randomly drawn card which lists age, occupation, level of school completed, annual and monthly salary, number of children and possibly a working or nonworking spouse. Working within these parameters, students must visit each of the 14 booths which represent the types of responsibilities they will face once out on their own. Once "Uncle Sam" deducts taxes, the students have to choose a car, home, insurance, groceries, utilities and child care--just to name a few. The decisions they make in each of these situations, are dependent on whether or not they have enough income to support their choices. The students should walk away with the knowledge that the choices they make now (level of schooling, children, etc.) can have a huge impact on their future way of living. They will also hopefully learn to make responsible spending choices.
Child Lures
Children of the Cleveland community are educated about the dangers that surround them. In the KIDCARE I.D. program, we create a record of each child for schools to have on hand as they travel on field trips in cases of emergency or abduction. This is also done at various community events on request. Cleveland JA has also worked with other community groups with their Jump Into Safety program. Working with the local police force, members staffed and organized an annual Halloween Carnival where children could learn about safety and good health while eating, drinking and having a great time. Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 and fourth for ages 10-14. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our college age youth, as well as for ages 15 to 19 in many states. A member of the Jason Foundation spoke to over 100 parents, educators and others who work with youth to educate them on the prevalent problem of suicide and ways to recognize those youth at risk.
Crown Club
Fourth through seventh grade daughters of Provisional, Active, and Associate/Life members, are invited to join and participate in some of Junior Auxiliary's projects. Through their activities, we hope to foster the young members' interest in the social, economic, educational, civic, and cultural conditions around them. By taking part in helping others, the girls will develop leadership and character and will be prepared for good citizenship. JA members hope to demonstrate to them the importance and joy of caring for others.
Cultural
This project exposes all of Bolivar County’s school children to the arts, cultivating interest in theater and music. Scholarships are given to help needy children attend the Janice Wyatt Summer Arts Camp. Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland each year sponsors the Crosstie Arts Council arts and writing contests. Members also assist the Bright Beginnings program with their annual summer art camps.
Foster Care
Approximately 35 Foster Care children of Bolivar County are served by this project. Junior Auxiliary members provide the children with birthday boxes, back-to-school bags, toys and clothes for Christmas, and Easter baskets. We will also work closely with two families in need to provide on-going emotional and financial support. In April we will partner with the Department of Human Services as they host the Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Awareness event by delivering blue ribbons and banners to area businesses.
Recreation
Through this project, Junior Auxiliary conducts sports programs for underprivileged and special need children in our community. JA members help with the Bowling Buddies program through the local schools. Approximately 40 children, ages 10-12 years old, meet on Saturdays for 8-10 weeks and learn the game of bowling and generally have a great time. Junior Auxiliary members are there to assist them and cheer them on. We also work in various areas at the annual Brent McClendon Baseball Tournament which provides scholarships at Delta State University in honor of the young boy killed in a farming accident.
Scholarship
Through this project, Junior Auxiliary recognizes and honors the top scholars in Bolivar County. JA awards undergraduate scholarships to three winners of our "Care Today - Character Tomorrow" essay contest and sponsors a banquet to honor top senior scholars. Our chapter also assists with the application process for the NAJA scholarship available to graduate students who are pursuing degrees in fields which address the special needs of children and who plan to work directly with children.
Special Education
Junior Auxiliary members visit Special Education classes in several Cleveland schools to work with these special students. Members provide educational opportunities for these children through craft projects, field trips, parties, and personal contact with the students.
Voices of Youth
The focus of this project is to involve children from the Cleveland community in dance, music, and art. Junior Auxiliary created A Child's Dream, an adaptation of The Nutcracker Ballet. Over 150 children will participate in the performance in December of 2006. The ballet is performed entirely by community children with a few adult cast members as extras. There is also an art contest associated with the production. JA members are involved in performance auditions, assisting with set construction, planning costumes, and chaperoning the young cast members during rehearsals and performances. Approximately 1000 area school children not involved in the production are invited to attend a special matinee performance free of charge.
