With a goal of being sure Trenton is a place where meeting needs is the norm, a group of Trenton residents gathered at Trenton High School for the official kickoff of the Trenton Bright Futures program.
With a theme of “Connections for Success,” the program seeks to bring together the school district, human services organizations, faith-based organizations and business and industry partners to meet the needs of Trenton’s children and youth so the students can focus on learning. Terri Critten, coordinator for the Trenton affiliate of Bright Futures USA and a counselor at Rissler Elementary School, said the program is all about connections and is designed to help students “learn, lead and serve.”
Aaron Franklin, executive director of the Community Action Partnership of North Central Missouri, presented statistics on the state of Grundy County when it comes to children and poverty, noting that 27 percent of children in the county are living in poverty. Just over 50 percent of children in Grundy County qualify for free and reduced lunches, with one school in Trenton having over 60 percent meeting the guidelines for that program.
Rissler Counselor Leslie Woodard discussed the important role mentors play in the life of students, and said the elementary school is in particular need of male role models. She said children of all ages need working role models and those who will serve as their advocate.
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction,” she said, quoting John C. Crosby.
Those at the breakfast viewed three videos, one showing how the Bright Futures Program at Poplar Bluff is working; one in which Trenton businessman Jim Bush discussed how he and his family were helped when he was a child and how he is now paying it forward; and one in which Trenton students Jaylen Neff, Elijah Oyler and Carter Wells and teacher Taron Loyd discussed the role mentors have played in their lives.
Doug Franklin, who is serving as the chairman of the Trenton Bright Futures Advisory Board, said poverty and the lack of positive role models are obstacles that get in the way of children being educated. He said he believes many in the community don’t know what poverty looks like and self-identified as someone who grew up qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Franklin pointed out that there is much to be proud of in Trenton and while it’s great to look at the all the good things that are happening, there are challenges that need to be met to improve the lives of children and youth in the community. Bright Futures, he said, allows the needs to be identified and resources brought to the table to meet those needs.
Those at the breakfast were asked to commit to serve the program in some way, whether it be to tell others about the program, provide financial assistance, serve as a mentor, be part of an ambassador tour of a school or serve on a site council. The goal is to become a community where needs are acknowledged and met through concerned and involved citizens.
“I want Trenton to be a place where serving one another and caring for one another is the norm,” Franklin said.
For more information on the program and ways to become involved, contact Mrs. Critten or Mrs. Woodard at the elementary school, 359-2228.