By Tiffany Merlo Phelps
mail@floridanewsline.com
High school seniors Carter Magnano and Sarah Park know the value of an inclusive and supportive community. It is a perspective they both gained early in life through their upbringing and their volunteerism at JaxTHRIVE, a nonprofit dedicated to tutoring and mentoring refugee students. And it is a perspective that they aim to share with others.
To that end, Magnano and Park, JaxTHRIVE co-presidents, recently compiled and published a book titled “New Beginnings: Refugee Children’s Tales of Hope and Resilience.” The book is described as a collection of powerful stories, narrated by the refugee students themselves, showcasing their journeys, challenges and dreams as they adapt to a new life in the United States. Magnano said it is meant to cultivate empathy and understanding, especially amongst young readers.
“The message is that we are so similar and connected. It highlights that our differences are not something that should be feared or hidden away. Reading a book can put you in someone else’s shoes and will help you get a different perspective,” said Magnano, who attends Ponte Vedra High School. “We wanted to highlight the strength and determination that enabled these young refugees to overcome immense adversity and start anew in a foreign land.”
Magnano and Park spent a summer interviewing eight students with parental permission to learn about their stories of escaping war, persecution and hardship.
“JaxTHRIVE is a space where all languages, cultures and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated. I’m excited to share that our new book captures the journeys of refugee students to Jacksonville while empowering their unique experiences,” said Park, a student at The Bolles School.
JaxTHRIVE began in 2017 when Magnano’s older brother Chase Magnano founded the organization along with Grace Freedman, both serving as co-president for the first two years. Chase’s younger sister Alexis Magnano and Grace’s younger sister Hope Freedman took over once the older siblings graduated. Chase was inspired to start the organization after funding was cut for World Relief, a global humanitarian organization where the Magnano family had often volunteered their time.
JaxTHRIVE decided to partner with nonprofit Kim’s Open Door in Jacksonville to help fill that need through in person tutoring during “Super Saturdays.” Kim’s Open Door serves refugees, immigrants, homeless, foster children and the underserved community in the 32207 zip code. The organization, which began 10 years ago, currently serves 180 students each week with holistic programs, said Kim Bogart, executive director and founder.
Bogart assisted the students in getting JaxTHRIVE started and said that she is very grateful for the partnership and the organization’s ability to mobilize high school students twice a month for various programs held at Kim’s Open Door. “Super Saturdays” include tutoring, lessons in science, reading, math, art, crafts, dance and soccer games.
“We run the programs, and they provide the volunteers,” said Bogart, adding that Kim’s Open Door provides the transportation to bring the students to the organization on the designated Saturdays. “This means that 40 of our kids get to continue to be engaged in learning.”
JaxTHRIVE has tutored more than 300 students, aged five to 18, since it began in 2017 through in person tutoring as well as through a virtual tutoring program (SAT and ACT prep offered as well) that utilizes tutors from all over the world, available seven days a week, said Carter.
Volunteers are typically high school students who come from many different schools to tutor. In addition, JaxTHRIVE is offered as a club at Ponte Vedra High School and The Bolles School where students help with donation drives. In total, JaxTHRIVE has more than 14 chapters worldwide. The organization also offers “JaxTHRIVE Journeys”, an adult-level community lecture series that delves into the cultures, histories and current events of countries and a financial literacy program through VyStar Credit Union.
Looking forward, Carter said the next president and co-president are being selected as he and Park prepare to graduate. The mission will continue under new leadership, and he hopes to support JaxTHRIVE from college as well.
“I feel like as volunteers, we learn just as much from them as they do from us. JaxTHRIVE has also taught me that even small actions, such as a high five, can build confidence and make their day,” said Park.
[Author’s note: Anyone is welcome to volunteer at JaxTHRIVE and should visit www.jaxthrive.org to learn more. All proceeds from the book, which can be purchased on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble, go directly to support the children of JaxTHRIVE.]
Photos courtesy Carter Magnano
JaxTHRIVE volunteers working with students on an arts and crafts project on a Super Saturday.
