HOW WE GOT STARTED
As a social worker, I've spent many years helping foster children. Along with the numerous other duties that go along with serving our foster children population, my work included completing home studies for adoptions, placing children, and training and licensing foster parents.
During my years completing these tasks and helping our community's Foster Children through the New Hanover County Department of Social Services (NHCDSS) and as well as other counties, I always noticed how these children never did many of the "normal" activities that other children and I got to do as a child. Activities like taking piano lessons, going to karate classes, attending camps, and so on. But it went deeper than that. I discovered that most of these children's emotions were also a level below because they knew that these things existed but never could dream to make them a reality!
When I decided to do a career change from Social Work, I became a REALTOR. The years at the agency had made me wonder…
“Why doesn’t anyone donate money so HAPPY things could change here instead of the usual not-too-happy things for these children?”
After much prayer concerning my health and other factors, it was time for me to do this to not only be able to do the best job at whatever I was doing but to be safe, as well. This is when (because of my LOVE for these children) Bobby Jean's Kids, my charity, sprang to life!
Currently, I have been raising money for my charity for fourteen years and giving 100% of the funds to the NHCDSS. I supervise all the money spent through the agency. They receive a check at the beginning of the year (usually the first quarter) into an account just for Bobby Jean's Kids and we use it as wisely and carefully as possible to make sure every dollar is well spent! For example, if a child needs something, I will usually receive a phone call or email informing me about the need and then decide which is the best route for the situation and how much is needed to accomplish the goal.
This was the ONE condition I made with the agency about my charity: NO ONE spends any of the money unless it goes through me. Unfortunately, having worked in the system alerted me to the fact that funds are not always distributed as they should be. So, with my past experiences, I feel qualified to make wise decisions.
PROOF WE'RE CHANGING LIVES
Sent a pretty awesome kid to sing at a Braves Game!
One child was selected out of the entire New Hanover County School district to sing the National Anthem at an Atlanta Braves game. This child had never been out of Wilmington and was selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Of course, she went with money gifted to Bobby Jean's Kids.
Increased the confidence of a child through sports
Another child wanted to play soccer but was unable to participate due to bowel/bladder problems. Bobby Jean's Kids purchased a special mobile toilet which enabled him to participate and caused an increase in his self-esteem!
HELPED A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL HAVE A BEAITUFL SMILE
Another child never smiled and was not succeeding in school. She had the regular braces the system paid for, but needed special braces for her front teeth. Bobby Jean's Kids paid for the special braces, and now, smiles ALL the time and makes good grades!
MADE SURE SOME SENIORS GOT TO SHOW UP TO PROM IN STYLE
Many children want to go to prom with their friends but don't have the money for that special dress. In 2017 alone, Bobby Jean's Kids paid for 24 prom dresses and accessories so they could participate and have a blast with their friends!
HELPED SENIORS SHOW OFF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Many children graduating from High School have wanted to get a few extra things like a high school ring! Bobby Jean's Kids not only paid for those but also 36 graduation cap and gowns!
HELPED SUPPORT SIBLINGS AS WHO STAYED TOGETHER
An older sister (age 19, works full-time) with abusive parents and three younger siblings. To prevent the siblings from going into a foster home and to keep the family together by allowing them to move in with her. Bobby Jean's Kids paid for all the children's uniforms needed for school and the big sister some money to get a new outfit!
Special books for special kids
Bobby Jean's Kids purchased 4 special books for an autistic child who needed them to help his motor skills.
There are so many opportunities to serve, but as you can see, Bobby Jean's Kids makes things happen that NORMALLY do not happen!
Donations from Quilters by the Sea Guild Sweet Charity
thank you
There are so many opportunities to serve, but as you can see, Bobby Jean's Kids makes things happen that NORMALLY do not happen!
