The Annie Mae Jenson Foundation was founded in 2007. With a focus of helping the community
HELP IN THE PRESENT; HOPE IN THE FUTURE
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
74% kids come from single parent homes 34% of those kids have never met or spoken to their fathers. Did you know that a great percentage of these kids will become victims of or initiate a violent crime before they reach adulthood? When I am asked why we should care about what happens in Baltimore; or why these kids should be our concern, I think about Christopher. When I first met Christopher, He was 11 years old and already had way too much hardship for any 11 year shoulders to be expected to hold. As the oldest Child of a young single other with three other small Children, he was in charge of caring for his younger sisters while his mother worked both a day and evening job. I was mentoring a little boy who was to spend time with my mentee. He was always polite; but also seemed very sullen; angry even. One day I arrived at the school to find any mentee absent and asked to talk to Christopher instead. I had barely had time to say hello to Christopher when he began to sob; heart wrenching sobs that seemed to stem from this little boy’s very soul. I let him cry, and then he told me his story. Here was an eleven year old boy who had never even met his Father; He had no Grandfather, no Uncles, and he didn’t want to burden his overworked Mother with his problems. She had enough already and he was supposed to be strong for her and his Sisters. This was the day that Christopher took over a large portion of my hear. That was the day that I knew for sure that something had to be done for Christopher and all the others like him who just need someone to listen and care about what’s going on in their lives. Someone to encourage them to stay in school and out of gangs, someone to offer them fun and interesting alternatives; to help empower them with positive life skills.
“Daddy Dialogue” is made up of coaches, Athletes, Ministers, and Businessmen in the community.
This year, we have the ambitious goal of being able to lend a listening ear to every child who needs it, and we are hoping that you would consider helping us make it happen. After all, investing in these kids, is investing in our entire community.
*FUNDING FOR DADDY DIALOGUE WILL BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE ANNIE MAE JENSON FOUNDATION. THESE USES INCLUD; BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Literacy awareness & Materials
- Sports Team Sponsorship
- Day facilities, Activities, & Transportation
- Afterschool facilities, Activities, & Transporation
- Day camps & Life skills/Prep courses