COMMUNITY PARTNERS

This year our community partner is Mission First. It is a non-profit organization started by First Baptist Church Jackson in 1997 which responds to the spiritual, physical, mental, social and educational needs and problems in the Jackson Metro area by providing Christian ministries, care and assistance to people in need. Their West Park Community Ministry Center located in west Jackson is the focus for their outreach efforts which include the following programs:

• affordable Medical/Dental Clinic and Legal aid office
• Pre-K through 5th Grade OASIS After-School Program
• Girls’ Teen Club
• Sports Ministry
• Bible Clubs and Youth Choirs
• Music, Arts and Drama Camps
• Neighborhood Enhancement Projects

This year the Jackson Preparatory community will have the opportunity to support Mission First in a variety of ways.

1. In early November, the students will conduct school and arts supplies drives for the After-School OASIS program.
2. In late November thru early December, all Prep patrons can help by purchasing Christmas gifts for children and teens in all of Mission 1st’s programs. Angel Trees will be set-up in the foyers of the Junior High and Senior High Buildings.
3. On Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 21) Prep will have a special project work day at the West Park Community Ministry Center.
4. In early April there will be a school-wide fundraiser for the Sports Ministry.
5. In addition 20% of the Junior Class Garage Sale proceeds will be donated to Mission First.
6. Also smaller, hands-on projects are being coordinated through the 9th Grade and Senior High Service Clubs.

These opportunities will be posted in the announcements and on the Community Service bulletin boards as well as announced at club meetings.

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Last year, 2006-2007, Stewpot Community Services was Jackson Prep’s community partner. We focused all of our school-wide efforts for greater impact and support for their ministry. We began with a fund-raiser in the fall raising $ 7,500. This provided a real Christmas for their Teen club members. The teens received gifts on their personal wish/needs lists, a party here at Prep, and a new fooseball table for their Teen Center. Prep students shopped, wrapped, decorated the tree and entertained our guests! PAT volunteers helped coordinate and provide food. In the spring we conducted a school-wide canned food drive to supply the Stewpot pantry with much needed staples. In a letter from the Stewpot thanking us for our efforts, they said “For most of the teens, those were the only presents they received for Christmas” and “The blessing you have bestowed upon us have been such an encouragement.” What an impact our collective and focused efforts made! What a privilege it is to serve and make a real difference in someone’s life. Prep was so blessed by this partnership.