The Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs serves children and their families in our communities through one of our 10 service projects. Our service year runs from May 1-April 30, and members work to provide everything from basic necessities to college scholarships and ACT preparation for children in our communities. This year, we are on track to serve over 10,000 children and families through projects sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs.
Bridge the Gap was created to honor and celebrate the differences that can sometimes make kids feel separated. This project within Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi – Ocean Springs focuses on partnerships, events and activities that support kids on the Coast who often feel left out or forgotten. Through inclusive activities and past events like ICONS Photoshoot and Runway, our ten Little Libraries, the kids’ tent at Equality Fest and more, Bridge the Gap believes all youth, regardless of visible or invisible disability, race, gender, or sexual orientation, deserve the same opportunities as others.
Community Connection focuses on meeting the needs of the community through partnerships, other nonprofits, schools and governmental agencies through family-centered events. Community Connection is also home to the “Christmas Wish Project” which identifies children in our service area who need holiday assistance.
Crown Club is an organization of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors in the JABOS service area. Members are selected by a committee through an online application process. The mission of this project seeks to foster interest in social, economic, educational, civic and cultural conditions among its members. Crown Club serves our community through projects selected or created by its members, such as “Welcome Back” banners for schools, CASA Christmas Stockings, ‘Night to Shine’ special needs Prom, and a variety of other community activities. This JABOS Committee strives to develop the character and leadership of Crown Club members while identifying needs in the community and demonstrating the act of caring for others through meeting those needs.
Fit4Life is a project that addresses the mental and physical well-being of children in our service area. We supply them with healthy snacks, lead fun group fitness activities, and introduce different tools that help promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Our ultimate goal is to equip children with a foundation of mental and physical health. Throughout the year, we host meet ups such as “The Turkey Toss” and “Rise Against Bullying”. We also partner throughout the year with the Dream Program and help with many of their activities. Our biggest event is our race, “Kickin’ It #WithTheKids”.
Provides formal dresses, jewelry, and accessories to middle and high school-aged students for homecoming and prom events at minimal cost. Shoppers are showered with one-on-one attention from members to find the perfect attire and encourage self-confidence.
Our Chapter’s National Service Project, I MATTER, is rooted in connection, empowerment, and opportunity. Each year, committee members partner with local families with children to build meaningful, ongoing relationships. Through this partnership, the I MATTER project supports families as they strengthen stability and work toward their goals by providing access to essential resources such as financial literacy education, food, clothing, emotional encouragement, and supports tailored to each family’s unique strengths and circumstances. Together, we uplift families, reinforce their existing capabilities, and support their journey toward long-term independence and community belonging.
KiCKs project serves the children of Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA Volunteers are community members, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Jackson County CASA supports these CASA Volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system due to abuse or neglect. KiCKs provides for the children of CASA through the following service opportunities: Back to School Backpacks filled with School Supplies, Halloween Buckets, Adoption Day Celebration, Christmas Blessing Bags, monthly Birthday Wishes, and Easter Baskets.
LAHS assists students academically, financially, socially, physically and emotionally for what life has to offer after graduation. Our mission is to foster and help positively shape students to be their most successful self after they leave the K-12 environment, in every aspect of their lives. The experiences students have during K-12 greatly impact how successful of a young adult they will become. This project serves the community by hosting ACT prep workshops, creating career/college fairs, holding healthy relationship/dating seminars, providing a special treat for state test students, and planning “Stay Safe and Play” events. Whether a student plans to enter college, the workforce, military or any other path he/she may take, this project provides assistance to achieve success. This project also awards Ann Wesson scholarships to high school seniors in memory of one of the past JABOS presidents and National Junior Auxiliary Scholarship Committee Member, Mrs. Ann Wesson. Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria: student need, extracurricular activities, community service, academics, essay response and referrals. This scholarship gives students who are truly in need of financial assistance a chance
to make their future a little brighter.
To apply for the Ann Wesson Memorial Scholarship, click here.
JABOS School Aid partners with schools in our service areas of Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Vancleave, St. Martin, and D’Iberville. We work alongside school staff to assist with students’ needs that may otherwise go unnoticed, such as lack of school supplies, clothing, hygiene products, eye exams, and glasses. School Aid’s goal is to support a positive learning environment while empowering children to thrive despite unavoidable challenges. All School Aid purchases are delivered directly to the school point of contact who has identified the specific student needs.
For Tomorrow’s Promises, our members visit children residing at the Gulf Coast Center for Non-Violence twice a month while their mothers are in group sessions. We want the children to know that we are there for them and to be a positive influence as they grow and strive past their circumstances. We aim to provide fun, loving, and nurturing events for the children living in the shelter by providing fun snacks and physical and mental activities.