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B.A.S.E 5/6, JBA community make difference in children's lives

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  After the holidays, an Airman from a private base organization was tasked with gathering donation boxes across the base, which were emptied just a few days before of toys and clothing donated to a local homeless children's daycare.  She expected to quickly grab several empty bins, but was instead surprised to see many were once again overflowing with donations from the base community. 

"I was so overwhelmed by the amount of donations given," said Tech. Sgt. Shannah Ross, the Air Force District of Washington Commander's Support Staff Knowledge Operations Division NCO in charge. "I sincerely appreciate everyone who donated clothing, toys, books, and coats."

The local daycare, Bright Beginnings, Inc., is a free daycare center for children six weeks to 5 years old with parents who live in homeless shelters and transition homes. 

Ross appreciates donations for the parents of these children.

"Although Bright Beginnings focuses primarily on the children, they also assist their parents with job placement and job training," Ross said. "I know your generosity put a smile on many faces."

Ross learned of this daycare at a meeting of the private base organization, called "Building Andrews Shaping Excellence," also known as B.A.S.E. 5/6.

"I volunteered and loved it so much that when I came back to work I got in touch with the B.A.S.E  5/6 coordinator to see how could I get more involved," Ross said. "Three months later she received orders and called me to see if I would be interested in taking her place and becoming the new chairman, which I happily accepted."

The center, located in the heart of the District of Columbia, offers services for 157 children and 100 parents. The staff recognizes the important role volunteers play in achieving their mission of creating "Sunny Starts. Bright Futures. Where Homeless Children Grow."

"Volunteers help provide additional one on one interaction with students," said Whitney Faison, the center's volunteer and communications specialist. "Volunteers show our children that the community is invested in their success. Children also form bonds and a mentorship is developed. Volunteers bring their talents to Bright Beginnings classrooms which includes supporting teachers and creating diversity at our center. When volunteers provide coverage, it also allows for our education team of 25 teachers to attend training. Continuing education ensures that Bright Beginnings is providing the absolute best programming."

As the B.A.S.E. 5/6 Bright Beginnings coordinator, Ross helps Faison find volunteers to assist the full-time daycare providers with keeping the children entertained by reading books, playing games, making art work, singing songs, helping during lunch time, and on occasion escorting the children on field trips. 

"Volunteering at Bright Beginnings will positively impact your life," Faison said. "Our center is a warm and inviting community. We value every member of our Bright Beginnings community. Our children are some of the most kind and happy people on the planet. Volunteering your time at Bright Beginnings also opens your eyes to the reality of homelessness in D.C. and the measures being taken to eradicate this horrible epidemic. You really do see the impact you're making in these children's lives."

For more information about volunteering with Bright Beginnings, email Ross by clicking here. For more information about Bright Beginnings, visit their website at www.brightbeginningsinc.org.