LIFE reaches out to students

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories with the United Way highlighting volunteers and agencies who are active in or funded by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. To get involved, visit the United Way online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org, at its offices at 430A Broadway or by phone at 334-9634.

Southeast Missourian

One of the initial issues that the United Way of Southeast Missouri board of directors targeted in the community was the number of youth at risk of failing school. The LIFE (Leading and Inspiring Families to Excel) Initiative was created to provide additional support for these children and their families through after-school programming, family activities and parent education programs.

More than 200 children in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson public schools were helped by this program this past school year. Through collaborations with the school districts, area youth-serving agencies, neighborhood churches, and Southeast Missouri Hospital, the LIFE Initiative has proven effective with results that include a steady increase in grades and decrease in absenteeism and discipline issues among those involved.

Antoinette "Toni" Pearson, 39, has been in Cape Girardeau for about 12 years and has been volunteering with LIFE Initiative as the parent liaison for Cape Girardeau Central Middle School for almost two years. Her daughter, Candice, 11, is active as a student being helped by LIFE. She said the program has taught her to be patient and polite to others and herself. Toni took a moment to answer some questions about her time volunteering.

Question: What made you want to volunteer?

Answer: The opportunity to be more involved not only with my children's education, but other students' as well. With this position I am open to a new world in education. One of the many rewards of having this position is assisting the United Way with the LIFE Initiative program. I am able to encourage students to join and obtain the benefits LIFE has to offer them.

Q: What do you do at this organization?

A: My assistance to the program varies. I may speak with parents one day and hand out applications the next day. I attended a field trip to First Missouri Bank with the LIFE students. We were given a tour and learned quite a bit of information that will be of great value to the students.

Q: How do you think volunteering here has changed or affected you?

A: Volunteering my time with LIFE has increased my awareness of the importance of the contribution we as parents make to our children's education.

Q: What lessons have you learned?

A: The LIFE program continues to teach our students that leadership, character and social skills are important to our society.

Q: Why should someone volunteer with LIFE?

A: The LIFE program has a vision and has instilled this into the hearts and minds of our students. It's obvious what the goal is among the LIFE volunteers. Success of a student has no limit and we can be a part of it.