Ja'Rease Skinner is a gentleman and a scholar.
The sixth-grader looks you in the eye, shakes your hand and answers your questions in full sentences. It makes his mom proud.
Three years ago, Ja'Rease made his mom worry. He was acting out and falling behind in school. He was diagnosed with ADD and enrolled in Links to Success at Memminger Elementary School, where Trident United Way brings together multiple providers to help students with academic and non-academic issues. Site coordinator Raymond Nelson says Ja'Rease had the opportunity to take field trips that opened his eyes to life’s possibilities. A trip to a fishing tournament has led Ja'Rease to an enduring love of fishing.
As a result, Ja'Rease has flourished. He’s reading at grade level now, participating in leadership programs and setting an example for his three younger siblings at home. “He’s come a long way,” says his mother, Adgrain. “I’m so proud.” She says Ja'Rease reads to his brother and sisters and makes sure they behave.
Now, Ja'Rease's mom dreams of her son's future.
She envisions him graduating college and leading his siblings to follow in his footsteps of success.
Without partnership and collaboration our efforts to help children achieve school success would not be possible.
Together, we are creating Bold Community Change.
Trident United Way is proud to partner with Communities in Schools, the Links to Success integrated service provider for ten of eleven Berkeley and Charleston County schools. We are also proud to partner with Dorchester Children's Center in Dorchester County.
Thank You to our Linking Partners
Wings for Kids Reading Partners Reading Soul Mates Charleston Dorchester Mental Health
Berkeley Mental Health Healing Species Lowcountry Food Bank
Americorps Financial Stability Project Tricounty Family Ministries
Charleston County School District Adult Education
Junior Achievement Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center