FSPA and A-TEAAM team up to mentor children of color

Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Helen Elsbernd, Marla Lang and Eileen McKenzie, along with Luke Alvin, FSPA partner in mission, traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, in June to represent the congregation at the Ambassadors of the Evers Academy for African American Males’ annual Choose to Grow National Youth Leadership Summit.

Ambassadors of the Evers Academy for African American Males (A-TEAMM) National Mentoring Initiative is a Juanita Sims Doty Foundation, Inc. program, missioned to “positively impact the lives of children, specifically children of color, through mentoring, youth development, health, education and advocacy and the overall wellness of the family.” A-TEAAM is facilitated in partnership with the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute and other local and national community-based organizations, including FSPA.

Events held throughout the summit included a celebration of the program’s 10th anniversary, during which the first-ever Thea Bowman Mentor of the Year Award was given to local media leaders who have consistently delivered the good news of the program. 
Read about the A-TEAAM and the summit in an article published by Jackson Advocate: The Voice of Black Mississippians, learn more FSPA’s collaboration with the Juanita Sims Doty Foundation through a Seeding a Legacy of Healing grant.

And stay tuned: There is much more to this story of equity, inclusion and mentorship for youth of color in Mississippi -- reflections shared by Sisters Helen, Marla, and Eileen with Luke Alvin -- coming to fspa.org soon.