I am proud to have the opportunity to serve on the board of JRC, the parent organization of two private nonprofit businesses that work with low- to moderate-income children, families and seniors.

At JRC Learning Centers, children ages six weeks through 5 years of age receive all-day education and care from a licensed, trained team – with the goal of making sure students are ready to enter kindergarten. The centers offer developmental screenings, learning assessments and healthy meals.

At the Adult Day Center, activities are geared toward helping seniors remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Seniors can exercise, play games, work on crafting projects, attend field trips, and socialize. They also have the opportunity to participate in JRC’s intergenerational program, which brings children and seniors together to build relationships.

I joined the JRC board this year after developing a friendship with JRC’s CEO during our participation in Leadership Stark County’s Signature Program. As a board member, my job is to help guide JRC’s executive leadership team as it relates to items such as building improvements, events and fundraising; to prioritize next steps; and to provide volunteer assistance at events. In addition, I serve on the finance committee, and we analyze both the present and future financial health of the organization.

JRC supports and enriches the lives of many local residents. The organization helps prepare young children for kindergarten by providing them with early education, as well as the social skills and connectivity they will need to succeed in the future. And, JRC provides their seniors with engaging activities, companionship, a sense of belonging and the ability to stay at home longer. The ways in which JRC enriches the lives of our youngest and senior populations and strengthens families are priceless.