YLIA Sends Thirteen Volunteers to JumpStart Back-to-School Clinic
Macon County, IL: Young Leaders In Action(YLIA) of Macon County sent thirteen volunteers to First Christian Church’s JumpStart Back-to-School Clinic event on July 16th from 9:00 AM-2:00PM at Crossings Healthcare at 320 Central Ave. Decatur, IL. This clinic allows Decatur Pre-K to High School aged students to get free physicals, dental and eye exams and vaccinations.
YLIA’s volunteers acted as a Family Advocate, which allowed the volunteer to have a personal connection to the families. The Family Advocate will also assist and direct families as they move through the clinic. Our volunteers also performed hospitality work, which includes helping families and volunteers enjoy the day by handing out snacks, water, and organizing meals for the families.
“This opportunity for us to partner with First Christian Church and Crossing Healthcare is one that our outreach chair, Morgan Perkins was instrumental in orchestrating,” Says YLIA Program Facilitator Mrs. Temethia Joyner. “YLIA understands firsthand that there are a lot of tasks that go into preparing our community’s kids to return to school. The physicals provided through the Jumpstart will allow families to cross an important one off the list.”
“In 2011 First Christian Church observed that hundreds of students in Decatur Public Schools were missing days of school due to lack of required physicals and other exams. In addition, we recognized these exams were a doorway to improved medical care and awareness of potential issues. In 2011, we created and hosted our first Jumpstart back-to-school Clinic. We were incredibly excited to see 71 students that first year.” Says Missions Pastor at First Christian Church, BJ Leonard, “Since 2011, Jumpstart has grown and developed and we have provided more than 3000 school physicals, dental exams, vaccinations and eye exams; all for free! This year’s Jumpstart will be held at Crossing Healthcare, one of our community partners, and we are excited to serve our community once again. Jumpstart will be held Saturday, July 16 from 9am – 2pm and offer free school physicals, dental exams, eye exams, and vaccinations.
Jumpstart is made possible by the generosity and service of First Christian Church and many community partners.”
For more information, please contact BJ Leonard at 217.875.3350 or at bleonard@firstdecatur.org.
Below are pictures with captions taken at the event:
YLIA volunteers getting trained before the day starts.
YLIA volunteer Dianne(pictured in black), is helping translate for an ESL family.
YLIA volunteer Nolan helps keep a child busy while waiting for his name to be called.
Herald and Review Reporter interviewing YLIA volunteers about the event.
About Young Leaders In Action(YLIA): Young Leaders In Action (YLIA) is a youth-led initiative of Macon County high school students wanting to make a positive difference in their community. The group is sponsored by The Community Foundation of Macon County and Rotary Club No. 180 of Decatur. To learn more about YLIA’s upcoming community service opportunities, follow the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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