In 2013, The Junior League of Collin County entered into a partnership with the Juvenile Probation Department of Collin County to serve as mentors for children between the ages of 12-15 years old who are on probation for non-violent, misdemeanor offenses. Each year, JLCC dedicates a team of trained volunteers focused on instructing the young people adjudicated to the mentorship program. They offer a unique, concentrated curriculum on teen-focused topics such as:

• Boundary setting
• Establishing healthy relationships
• Life skills training
• Managing negative emotions
• Positive decision making
• Self-esteem building
• Social Media/Media awareness

The community impact of this project is 30-60 youth annually in Collin County.

The goal of the JuMP project is to equip these young people with the mechanisms they need to make good choices and reduce the likelihood for re-offending. The positive interactions with League volunteers help them develop trust, interpersonal skills, and tools for life. Not only does participation in the program give a sense of accomplishment, but it also builds on the foundation they have to increase and improve upon their self-esteem and communication skills.

“The JuMP program has achieved extraordinary results for the probation department in just a few years. Many of these young people simply made one poor choice; to show them a different trajectory in life, and that there are people who care about their future, has had an astounding impact on participants.” – Shannon Kmak, President 2018-2019

The JLCC received international commendation in 2016 for the JuMP program at the 94th Annual Conference of The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI). JLCC was the recipient of the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Community Impact Award for our work on JuMP. To date, JuMP graduates have all successfully completed probation and have a 93% non-recidivism rate.