A Helping Hand Goes a Long Way

Jackson’s Story

Simply being a teenager isn’t always easy. But being a teenager that’s moving to a new country with only your mother while suffering from various undiagnosed medical challenges?

Anyone could see that 13-year-old Jackson desperately needed help.

With the assistance of Communities in Schools of NOVA coordinator Isabel Perez, Jackson and his mother received support for and access to basics most of us never even think twice about—such as food, rent, and furniture. Communities in Schools also connected Jackson with services that helped him better manage his medical issues, which directly affected his ability to attend school.

The result? In one quarter, Jackson’s attendance rose 40%. And his grades have soared as well.

Today, Jackson has fewer things to worry about and many more things to look forward to. All he really needs to concern himself with now…is simply being a teenager.

In one quarter, Jackson’s attendance rose 40% and his grades have soared as well.