Jordan Youth Academy is more than just Tutoring Kids, it's about Touching Lives

My name is Marissa, and I’ve been going to the Mission’s after school program for quite a few years, along with my brothers. Some of my friends go there, and it’s also fun to play games and learn about God. I have even gone to summer camp. I’ve always liked going to the Jordan Youth Academy. But even after so many years of being involved with the Mission, I never thought it would be as important to me as it is now.

 

 

My mom got surgery recently, and her recovery was really hard. Every time she tried to walk more than a few steps, her leg would start to swell up. She was in a lot of pain, and she couldn’t work any more. This was a big problem, because she’s all we’ve got. Her job pays for our apartment and everything else. We didn’t know what we were going to do. Soon, we had used up our last little bit of savings, and I knew I had to help. I dropped out of my junior year of high school and got a full-time job. My family needed me to provide money for food and shelter so that we could survive.

 

 

Even though I was working full-time, I would still go to the Jordan Youth Academy at night. It was there that I started becoming friends with one of the leaders. I had met her at camp, and she continued to care about me even after we got back to our everyday lives. When she found out about my mom, she did everything she could to help. She started meeting with me after work once a week to try to help me get back into school. She also brought my family and me lots of gifts and things we needed. She even gave us a couch! Her friendship meant the world to me. During our biggest time of need, I knew the people at the Mission cared about my family and me.

 

 

My mom’s surgery wasn’t very long ago, but she is doing a lot better. I am so happy to see her walk around and not be in pain. Also, I’m back in school! I’m going to graduate in a year, and I’m really excited. I still have a job and work to help my family, but I’m learning how to balance my time better. I also still meet with my friend from the Mission each week, only now she helps me with my homework. We also just talk about life and how God wants what’s best for my life. Now I feel excited about the future, and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with these people. I love the Fred Jordan Mission!