St. Boniface
catholic church
Educational Support for Families and Youth at St. Boniface
Providing Hope for the Future
W
e’ve all heard some leaders of America. I will do variation of the phrase, everything I can to help chil“Children are our future.” dren and families.” It’s easy to understand, on Anna’s passion for helping an intellectual level, the impeople learn is not, however, portance of investing in our limited to young people. As young people, as the leaders of someone who attended college tomorrow. However, for many as a mom with four children, — particularly those without she also enjoys helping adults, children at home — it can be especially in the area of literadifficult to know exactly how cy. She hopes to offer an adult to support our young people ESL class in the future. and their families. “It’s never too late to Several years ago, parishlearn,” Anna says. ioner and longtime educator Anna encourages her felAnna Hodges decided to use low parishioners to consider her 40-plus years as a teachhow they might be able to er to help families in our par serve in assisting our families ish community. and youth, particularly during “I started out with a proa time when distance learning gram called ‘Step Up to Sucpresents a unique set of chalcess in Education,’” Anna lenges. Tutors are needed for Parishioner Anna Hodges loves to share says. “Initially, it was showing students ranging from kinderher passion for learning with others — monthly, inspirational movgarten through college, in all young and not-so-young alike! ies for the youth, to motivate subject areas. kids. Then, I initiated this mentoring program “The students are our future,” Anna says. “You and tutorial program for our students. The idea either pay now or you pay later. You pay now in was no child should be left behind.” educating them and investing in their future, or Through the program, Anna worked to con- you pay later in jails and for other bad things nect parents and their students with adults who they may get into, or welfare because they don’t were willing to serve as volunteer tutors, in a make enough money to support their families. particular subject area. In addition to helping “An investment in our youth is an investment connect students with tutors and mentors, Anna in our future,” she adds. “We have to invest in has also hosted several events, helping families our youth. There’s a great need.” to understand the FAFSA process, applying for If you would like more information on helpfinancial assistance for college. ing to support students, as a tutor and men“Without educated young people, where are tor, or if you would like to learn about upcomour leaders coming from?” Anna says. “These ing education opportunities — both for children students have talents, but if they don’t devel- and adults — please leave a message (English or op those talents in education, they will never Spanish) for Anna Hodges at 903-852-6808. You reach their full potential and become the future may also email Anna at jbajhodges@aol.com. 4
