www.jameridian.org

	Service Projects 2011-2012 Junior Auxiliary has a long history of volunteering in the Meridian and Lauderdale County community. We invite you to learn more about the projects we are providing this year. Our love for the children in this community extends through the schools, community events and the homes of families in Lauderdale County.
	Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Chairpersons, Laura Rush & Angie Null RIF brings over 10,000 books to more than 2,400 students in local schools each year. Funding for RIF is provided by the Phil Hardin Foundation as well as national RIF funding programs. If you would like to help support this program, please contact Laura Rush 601.681.9278 or Angie Null 601.679.7665. Community Events Chairperson, Lynn Hale Breakfast with Santa and Child Safety Day are two community events JA is excited about this year. We invite you to join us at Breakfast with Santa on December 3, 2011 at St. Paul's Episcopal. This event will benefit the children of the Wesley House. Tickets are $5 per child and one toy donation per family. Toys will be donated to the Wesley House for children at Christmas. Child Safety Day is a great spring 2012 day for local families to learn about bicycle, fire, and internet safety. Numerous children's activities will be offered as well as food and family entertainment. If you would like information about either of these events or would like JA to consider participation at your upcoming event, please contact Lynn Hale at 601.938.9308.
	Helping Hands Chairperson, Nicole Ward JA provides basic necessities to area children when their families are unable to do so. Clothing, counseling, hearing, vision and dental examinations are a few of the services JA arranges for these families in our community. If you need assistance our would like to support JA in our efforts to help local families, please contact Nicole Ward at 601.681.9426. Community Outreach Chairperson, Bryn Taylor Each year JA awards over $10,000 in mini grants to area teachers to enhance classroom curriculum. JA members also perfrom hearing and vision screenings for children in kindergarten, first grade, and fourth grade at local schools. In addition to these community outreach efforts, JA sponsors a local representative each year to attend Girls' State, where young women learn about the political process. If you would like to nominate a young lady for Girls' State, request information about hearing and vision screenings or mini grants, please contact Bryn Taylor at 901.233.3694.
	Junior Auxiliary Mentors (JAMS) Chairperson, Amy Drummond JA members provide encouragement and motivation to the children at Hope Village one night a week. Members take snacks, play games, tutor and practice life skills to children of all ages. This year JA will host an art show exhibiting the creative talents of Hope Village children. If you would like to support JA efforts at Hope Village or would like further information about the Art Exhibit, please contact Amy Drummond at 601.483.6421. Reality Check Chairpersons, Dawn Gore & LaFondra Kenney Area students gain an understanding of the challenges adults must face everyday in paying bills, buying groceries, and providing for a family. This is a fun and exciting way for students to gain a better perspective on the importance of higher education, budgeting and prioritizing their spending decisions. If you would like to support this program or receive further information, please contact Dawn Gore at 601.693.4499 or LaFondra Kenney at 601.681.8775.