kara’s story
Kara has a passion for inspiring others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, so working with the students of the Partnership’s group mentoring program, is much more than just a job for her. Alot of what Kara works to instill in her students, she learned from first-hand experience as a student in the program, which she now teaches.

Kara is an alumna of The Partnership For Our Kids and was a member of one of the first groups of mentees in the mentoring program, which was then known as All Our Kids. “All Our Kids taught me how to be the best that I can be, without altering my morals and values,” says Kara.

Armed with confidence she gained from the program and a scholarship she earned from the All Our Kids Scholarship Fund, Kara obtained a degree in Black Studies and Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She later went on to create the Beauty is Skin Deep Movement, a program dedicated to empowering young women of color to embrace a positive self-image and identify their own individual value.

These days, ‘Kara, the student’ has literally become ‘Kara the teacher’ and she hopes that sharing her experience with her students will inspire them as much as she was inspired by the program as a student so many years ago. “I advise my students to surround themselves with positive people who support their dreams and to always look forward to a brighter future.”

jesus’s story
Strong moral fiber is what eighteen-year-old Jesus is made of, from head to toe. Being raised in a household of immigrants, where Spanish was the only language spoken, has made Jesus grow up a little faster than some of his classmates. Learning to speak fluent English in just three short years, Jesus began to serve as his family’s interpreter at the age of 14, often having to help his parents translate bills, prescriptions and bank statements. Although he agrees it has been difficult at times, he views it all as a positive learning experience. "It's really helped me learn about a lot," he says. In addition to helping his family, Jesus is an excellent student and even mentors two elementary school students with Griot, a local youth program. Although he is not sure what he wants to major in when he attends Metro Community College next fall, Jesus knows he enjoys helping people and would like to work in law enforcement one day, so that he can do more to serve and protect his community.

porchia’s story
Porchia dreams of becoming a college history professor and is extremely passionate about learning everything she can. “Education is important no matter where you go in this world. You can never have too much knowledge, and there will always be more to learn,” she says. Porchia is the first in her family to graduate from high school and is extremely proud of her accomplishment. “It was an honor to walk across that stage,” she says. Porchia plans to attend Wayne State College in the fall, where she will major in elementary education. Excited to start her future, Porchia says she feels well equipped to handle it, thanks to a little guidance from The Partnership For Our Kids.

corwin’s story
As Field Club Elementary sixth-grader, Corwin, made his way through the receiving line at the Winners Circle Sixth Grade Recognition Ceremony, he had no idea the small four-leaf clover he handed Omaha Mayor, Jim Suttle, would have such a huge impact. “He singled me out among everyone, and it really made me feel special,” says Mayor Suttle.

Corwin says he found his good luck charm at school one day, but wasn’t sure what he should do with it at first. He knew he would be attending the Winners Circle Sixth Grade Recognition Ceremony and decided it would be nice to pass his good fortune on to the mayor. “I figured he needed some luck with the budget and everything that is going on,” says Corwin.

“Corwin is one of those students you will never forget,” says Goal Buddy Volunteer, Patti Quinn-McGovern. “I’m not sure if he actually plans ways to make you smile, or if it just comes to him naturally.” Quinn-McGovern says she has always marveled at Corwin’s innate ability to pick up on subtleties that are beyond most kids his age. “He exhibits enthusiasm for learning and is wise beyond his years,” she says. Mayor Suttle agrees with this sentiment, “We should look to him as an example. If we had more Corwins in Omaha, it would make it a better place to live,” says Suttle.

natalie’s story
Before Natalie became a part of the Winners Circle Program at Saratoga Elementary School she had a lot of difficulty with school. “I struggled with math work and though I’m not proud of it, I didn’t know how to respect those around me, but more importantly, I didn’t know how to respect myself,” admits Natalie.

Natalie credits Winners Circle for helping her to turn things around and believe in her own abilities. “As I became more involved in setting positive goals, I found I could do so much more than I ever gave myself credit for. I stopped giving up when things got tough,” she says. Soon Natalie began to see a change in her attitude toward school and how she approached life. “A leader was emerging from within me. I feel that Winners Circle gave me the confidence and pride that I need to be successful in middle school and beyond,” Natalie says.

deddrick’s story
Looking back at the time he has spent in the Winners Circle Program at King Elementary, Deddrick says he has learned a lot about goal-setting. “Setting goals can help more kids have a brighter future,” he says. As a current middle school student, he has already mapped out his goals for his bright future. “I’m going to graduate and then go on to a trade school to become a mechanic,” Deddrick says matter-of-factly.

Although he says he has worked really hard to achieve his past Winners Circle goals, he credits a great support system for encouraging him to keep going towards the gold. “I want to thank my mom for caring, and Captain Bell for helping the school, and I really want to thank Miss Treat and Miss Lemon for believing in me.”