The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation (JSFF) has gifted a major grant to Operation Hero and Camp Hero, two children’s programs run by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA). The organizations will work together to support military children by improving their social and academic skills in addition to building their self-esteem.
Operation Hero is an after school program designed to help school age (ages 6 to 12) military children improve academically and socially. The program provides after school mentoring in small groups with certified teachers. This early intervention program runs during the school year and can extend into the summer as Camp Hero. Both programs facilitate a positive environment, encourage responsible behavior, and get children back on track in school and at home. This unique offering is targeted to serve military families of all abilities, with a great focus on the 32% of children in San Diego with special needs.
The JSFF is proud that this gift cares for two of the JSFF’s mission segments, military families and youth with special needs. “Anytime we find a fit with a partner organization that serves two pillars, it’s truly something special,” Spieth said. “Helping our military families feel appreciated and adjusted means a great deal to me, and at the end of the day, our mission is to provide opportunities to those that are in need. These guys and their families are real heroes.”
The Foundation is also thrilled to see the ASYMCA approach the work Camp Hero is doing in both San Diego and Hawaii as measurable. The organization is hearing from families that they were able to see a significant difference in their child after Camp Hero and can measure program progress in a very tangible way through these families’ stories.
Josiah, a program participant, had never attended a camp in his life previous to coming to Camp Hero in San Diego. He had moved with his family due to relocations a total of 8 times and he is only 11 years old. Josiah is a very shy boy who at first didn’t want to talk to anybody and wouldn’t participate in the activities. By the end of the sessions, Josiah was climbing the rock wall and hugging his many friends goodbye! It was “truly a life changing experience”, said Josiah’s mother said.
JSFF Supports Military Children Alongside Armed Services YMCA
“We’re looking forward to this partnership because Jordan is someone who really cares about helping military families,” said William French, President and CEO of ASYMCA. “A lot of people are impressed with Jordan’s golf talent. I think it’s more impressive that he spends his time and talent improving the lives of others.”
The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation (JSFF) offers a platform for PGA Tour Player and 3-time Major Champion Spieth to lend time, help grow awareness and offer financial support to four philanthropic areas: youth with special needs, junior golf, military families and pediatric cancer. The Foundation works alongside many community programs within their mission pillars to provide direct assistance to families, having granted over $1.5M since inception.
The Armed Services YMCA has served military members and their families for more than years 150 years, dating back to the Civil War. The organization supports more than 500,000 young enlisted soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their family members each year. Programs such as childcare and providing travel assistance to military individuals and their families are just a few of the offerings they provide. The Armed Services YMCA is able to support so many deserving military members and their families through the continued support of individual and corporate donors.