LEAD Staff Create Holiday Magic for Students and Families
LEAD strives to meet the needs of students and families both inside and outside of the classroom. The holidays are a time where our organization comes together to provide some additional love and support for our families.
The Ethos Exemplified Holiday Initiative, led by Family Engagement Associate Biridiana Martinez, is in its third consecutive year and serves over 50 families every holiday season. Staff purchase holiday gifts and household essentials for students and families in need.
“LEAD is an organization that cares about our families deeply,” said Director of Enrollment and Family Engagement Corey Burton. “We realize that in order to develop deep relationships with our families, we must invest the time, energy, and attention to get to know and understand who they are and what they experience on a daily basis.”
Additionally, the LEAD Development Team is leading a Winter Drive which is collecting funds from the community to provide winter coats, hats, and gloves to LEAD families to keep them warm this winter.
“In serving others, I have the opportunity to show love, serve, and support someone in their life’s journey,” said Burton.
But supporting our families isn’t something that only happens during the holiday season. LEAD Serve Others Stations provide necessities all year round.
“We know that our families at LEAD exemplify resilience, strength, and courage daily and the LEAD Serve Others stations provide me a venue to partner in their lived experiences as a labor of love,” Burton added.
The LEAD Serve Others Stations came to fruition after the devastating tornadoes that tore through Nashville in 2020 left many LEAD families without power or access to basic resources, and caused loss of wages and jobs. Almost three years later, Serve Others Stations continues to provide families with household assistance. LEAD has provided hundreds of boxes of necessities, thousands of dollars in support, uniforms, clothing, and internet assistance in the last three years.
“We hope that this will serve as a differentiator as families know that at LEAD, faculty and staff are committed to families in a way that not only prioritizes their student’s academics, but also their lived experiences as we look to ensure that they are Ready for College and Ready for Life,” said Burton.
If you are interested in helping LEAD families this holiday season, click here.
