We know Jackie Joyner-Kersee as a world record holder and Olympian track star, but she’s also an STL native who continues to inspire countless young lives through the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.
KCLM: What would you love our readers to know about the foundation?
JJK: The success of every child begins with opportunity. Help us open more doors and shape tomorrow’s leaders by making a difference today. We use sports to get kids in the door, but students are also learning and going through our curriculum. It's important that each student is at grade level, so we have the JJK Academy for students from kindergarten to 4th grade.
KCLM: What values does the foundation teach?
JJK: Being able to sow into our kids at a young age how to build confidence along with working on being a critical thinker. When teachers are having students write a critical statement, they probably don’t connect with it right then. But, later in life, it's our hope and dream that it’ll start to manifest. You start understanding your values, setting your goals, and appreciate your own self respect, determination, and grit.
KCLM: How can our community of readers get involved with the foundation’s work?
JJK: I encourage people to visit – there’s nothing like seeing what's happening at the JJK Center. We are always looking for volunteers and ways to connect with our young people. For the readers who would like to get a tour, if I’m there, I would personally give the tour!
jjkfoundation.org