Staff Report
Project PROMISE works hand in hand with the Hillsborough County school administration and school social work services to identify families in need. This year families from McLane Middle School were the recipients and were invited to participate in the Harvest Dinner project and pick up a holiday dinner package to take home and prepare a full holiday meal for their families.
For the fifth year in a row, Project PROMISE partnered with Jaffe-Tilchin Wealth Management to assist families with meals throughout the holiday seasons. Since its partnership in 2011 with Jaffe-Tilchin Wealth Management (JTWM), 160 families have been fed. This year the aim was to feed even more, and 110 McLane Middle School families were provided with a Thanksgiving dinner or gift card of equal value. Half of the donations were provided by Jaffe-Tilchin Wealth Management and the other half was Project PROMISE including business and community supporters.
Donations were received from businesses and individuals throughout the community. People wanted to help and wanted to play a part in the needs of these families. According to the Business & Community Resource Specialist for Project PROMISE, Paul Burke, “Often we hear of challenges and sorrowful stories in our schools and communities. This event was an example of what is right about our community and the needs of our students and their families matter to all of us.”
Supervisor Dr. Sherell Wilson often shares The Starfish Story which is relevant to the support received by the community and is also the philosophy of Project PROMISE.
The support received would not have happened if not for people like Michelle Hernandez, Charlotte Clark, Georgia Vahue, Tim Smith, Illana Wells, Dr. Busciglio, Pam Gonzalez and others.
Deservingly, Jaffe-Tilchin Wealth Management was nominated by Project PROMISE and recognized as 2015 Parent/Community Involvement Award recipient at the annual SERVE Volunteer Awards Program last May.
To meet the unique academic needs of children and youth who are at-risk such as student-oriented legal workshops, motivational seminars, academic and vocational success coaching, and training in goal-setting, decision-making and leadership skills, Project PROMISE seeks community business partners. To become a potential provider, register on the Hillsborough County Public Schools Online Vendor System at www.vendorbid.net/hillsborough.
