For Jackie Kelsey, working with at-risk youth at the Omaha Street School is more than a job. She defines it as her calling and purpose in life - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
After 23 years of teaching, Jackie discovered the Omaha Street School in 2000. She felt an immediate connection to their mission of providing a safe, nurturing environment where troubled kids can earn a high school diploma and a new lease on life.
"I saw a brochure and I thought 'this is it - this is what I need to be doing,'" said Jackie. "In my training, we always learned about the importance of educating the total child and I saw this as an opportunity to do that. When I'm here, I feel like it's my calling to work with these kids."
By the time students reach the Omaha Street School, they often have nowhere else to go. Most weren't able to succeed in a traditional school environment. Some come from the juvenile correction system. Many see the school as their last chance.
When they first arrive, students meet Jackie, who tests them and begins the process of designing their individualized education plans. But her job doesn't end there. With her vast teaching experience and a masters degree in guidance and counseling, Jackie has many roles.
First and foremost, she's responsible for overseeing the school's literacy program, which is funded by the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. As part of the program, Jackie mentors a group of retired teachers who tutor students with significant learning disabilities. She works with the students, tutors and classroom teachers to facilitate communication and ensure the kids receive the help they need.
Jackie spends the rest of her time advising students and reaching out to other community organizations that can help Omaha Street School students continue their paths toward success after they graduate.
Seeing students undergo that process of transformation and success is what Jackie loves most about her job. "That's where my moments of peace come from. Seeing their success and their understanding that they have value is priceless."
Empowering others to overcome obstacles is the reason the Mutual of Omaha Foundation exists. With a focus on literacy as one of its critical issues, the Foundation is committed to helping organizations like the Omaha Street School and people like Jackie who are bringing about positive change.
John Parsons, executive director at the Omaha Street School, appreciates the Foundation's financial support and knows it's a critical part of the school’s work helping students close the gap between where they are and where they need to be.
"We have to understand the depths of where the students come from before we can help them," said John, who started the school 10 years ago with his wife, Lorri. "We try to help them put their lives back together within the context of school. And without financial support, we couldn't do this, because the kids can't afford tuition."
For Jackie, the Foundation's financial support is a huge encouragement.
"The fact that the Mutual of Omaha Foundation is willing to help gives me the motivation to move ahead, to keep trying, to continue doing things better. It's just awesome to me."
Learn more about the Mutual of Omaha Foundation's focus on education.
