Junior Auxiliary Mentors (J.A.M.)

J.A.M. stands for Junior Auxiliary Mentors Program. This particular JA program was developed to address the special needs of children who are functioning below current grade level. A special relationship established through a one-on-one interaction between a mentor and a child. This relationship serves to enhance the child’s perception of himself, improve his academic and social skills while providing a nurturing atmosphere to promote the child’s ability and desire to succeed.  

The purpose of the J.A.M. Program is to provide one child at a time with the opportunity for academic success and to instill the desire to set and accomplish positive life goals. As a mentor, our goal is to help them become better readers, but our main goal is to build a relationship.  We praise them, encourage them and support them unconditionally.  This year we have 11 active members and 6 Active/Life Members working in 5 different schools in the community. We typically spend 45 minutes a week with each child on the school premises. Our J.A.M. year is conducted October- April on a weekly basis. This long running project was established in 1996 and continues to be a favorite of many Junior Auxiliary members who often choose to continue mentoring in the community long after their active years have been completed. 

Last year, our chapter had the opportunity to extend JAM to HEARTS After School Tutoring center. HEARTS is a non-profit tutoring organization providing free tutoring to students between kindergarten and fifth grade who need assistance with reading, math, spelling, and homework. Our chapter has continued to JAM at HEARTS during the school year, Monday through Thursday from 3:15-4:30. This year, 11 children were tutored on a weekly basis. Aside from the daily mentoring and tutoring, we have also enjoyed sponsoring the annual Christmas party. The children enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas music and games, personalized stockings filled with candies and toys, and a new book to take home. The HEARTS extension of JAM is a wonderful and flexible opportunity to meet the needs of the children in our community, and truly fulfills the mission set forth by Junior Auxiliary. 

In addition, for several summers, Junior Auxiliary members have also volunteered during the summer program at HEARTS After School Tutoring Center. During the 2021 Summer JAM, JA members contributed over 100 hours, assisting HEARTS Director Lisa Rooker in reading with the children, writing short stories, playing educational games, conducting science experiments, and creating art projects. A highlight of this year's Summer JAM, organized by JA members, was a special visit from local author Emily Liner and her dog Scarlet, the main character of her book, Stretch Like Scarlet.

Project Chair: Chelsea Boulware  
Assistant Chair: Shelly Blaise