Vara Allen Jones
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Far West Region Member at Large
T
he chapters of the Fabulous Far West region understand and exemplify “The Power to Make a Difference” in their diverse communities. The Fresno chapter provides backpacks filled with school supplies to approximately 150 impoverished elementary and middle school students. These children are from families without the financial resources to provide the educational tools needed to succeed. The Tacoma chapter continues their annual Adopt a Family event. With humility and joy the chapter helped a single mom and her three beautiful girls have a wonderful Christmas by providing necessities such as pots and pans and other household wares, clothing, and toys. The San Fernando chapter continues to “Make a Difference” in the lives of foster children in their community. They held their 5th Annual “Christmas Store” for Penny Lane Foster Care Centers, where they provided over 400 children, teens, emancipated youth and low income families with vital necessities (toiletries, socks, clothes) as well as toys, books, arts & crafts and more. The Pasadena Chapter co-sponsors the Career Pathways and College Fair with Pasadena Unified. Over 1,000 public and private school youth and over 100 universities participated annually. Through its support of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County (SCFOC), the Orange County JJ chapter has made a profound difference assisting families affected with sickle cell disease. Through the generous support from JJOC/JJOA Foundation, SCFOC is able to educate parents, family members, teachers, caregivers, and the community by raising public awareness of sickle cell disease. The Inglewood chapter preteens partner with the Midnight Mission Family Housing Inglewood Program; which houses homeless families with school aged children. The tweens spearhead the “Cradle to College School and Book Supplies Drive” and deliver book bags, folders, pencils and pens to children residing at the complex. The Anchorage chapter children and teens “Turned Up the Vote” last November. They rallied adults to vote so their young voices could be heard. We make a difference in our communities one child at a time.
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SCOPE 2015