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Jewish Family and Community Services Instrumental in Achievers for Life Program

August 12th, 2013 · Leave a Comment

Lori Chapman, Achievers for Life Program at Jewish Family & Community Services, and Jakiel Clay, an eighth grader at Ribault Middle School

Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), a full-service social service agency serving both the Jewish and non-Jewish community, has a vision – a vision for all Jacksonville families, no matter what their circumstances, to receive the help and assistance they need.

The Achievers for Life program, a United Way-funded program that addresses the challenges of keeping students on track for high school graduation, is one step in the right direction. JFCS has been involved with Achievers for Life since the program began in 2007. Last year alone, more than 1,100 families received services ranging from weekly mentoring and family counseling to parent training and academic planning.

“Achievers for Life is a fantastic program that not only helps kids in school, but it also helps whole families become engaged in the learning process, particularly helping them through the tough transitions from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school,” said Chris Atkins, manager of Achievers for Life for JFCS. “JFCS, along with the United Way and other partners, plays an integral role in the program. Together, we have achieved a 95 percent promotion rate with the kids who are involved in Achievers for Life.”

The Achievers for Life program works as follows:

  • Each summer, incoming sixth graders, from 10 participating middle schools, that are at-risk for school failure are contacted by family advocates from JFCS. Children who will benefit from the program may also be recommended by guidance counselors and other school personnel. Each family is evaluated and encouraged to sign up for the program.
  • The families develop an ongoing relationship with their family advocates and support services are tailored to their needs. Support can include family and student academic counseling, academic planning, parent training, parent workshops or mental health counseling.
  • The students and families receive help for as long as they need it, usually through 8th grade to assist with the transition from middle school to high school.
  • Communities in School and Big Brother and Big Sisters also play a part of the Achievers for Life team by providing mentors and academic support for the students.

“We address anything that students and families need to be successful, from small to large, so the students can focus on what they need to do to be successful in school, ” said Atkins. “Achievers for Life is really about making a culture change. We want to move every family towards a greater emphasis on education, and we are proud that JFCS can be a part of making this happen.”

For more information about the Achievers for Life program, contact Chris Atkins at (904) 487-5802 or [email protected].

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