Page 8 - 2021 Annual Report

35 Years of Service

.................................................Educators play so many different roles: They
Celebrating Mary Thomas—
are mentors who guide classrooms with creativity and care; advocates who
fight for a child’s needs; role models who help students dream fearlessly;
and leaders who tirelessly support the families and communities that
depend on them. Every day, educators motivate and uplift their students
in order to ensure their futures are bright and prosperous. One such
educator is Mary Thomas. Mary has been a pillar of leadership, generosity,
and love for 35 years at Jack & Jill Center.

Mary knew she had a tenderness for children when she began babysitting
at the age of twelve. Following her passion, Mary participated in the OJT
(On-the-Job Training) Childcare Program at Dillard High School in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida which was facilitated by Judy Wilson. In 1987, upon
obtaining her CDA (Child Development Associate®) certification, Mary
was referred by Judy to the school’s premier childcare partner, Jack & Jill
Nursery (our name at the time!) led by Executive Director, Fran Payne.

Fran hired Mary on the spot and scheduled her start date for the
following Monday, but over the weekend, Mary’s young daughter fell ill
with pneumonia and needed to be cared for in the hospital. Mary still
reported to work on Monday, but Fran could tell something was weighing
heavy on her heart. When Fran inquired, Mary revealed her distress about
her daughter and her worry about losing her job if she were to call out
from work during her first week. Fran put Mary at ease by reassuring her
she could take as much time as she needed, and her position would be
waiting for her whenever she was ready to return. And return she did—
Mary has been with Jack & Jill Center for 35 wonderful years! It was in
that early moment that Mary’s dedication to Jack & Jill Center was born.

Each of Mary’s five children have attended Jack & Jill Center, as well as
her eight grandchildren... and Mary currently has three more
grandchildren on the way! Mary’s 35 years of educational leadership for
the children and families of Jack & Jill Center has created an incredible
ongoing legacy. We are so appreciative to Mary for her dedication,
compassion, and love for the children we serve. Thank you for your 35
years of incredible service to the Jack & Jill Center community.

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