Two Bartlett residents were among the 25 Memphis-area Allstate Insurance representatives who donated their time and resources last month to help 70 local teenage mothers.
Five teams, including team captain Tim Braly and team member Terry Edwards, both of Bartlett, worked to support the Adolescent Parent Program of Shelby County Schools.
The volunteers’ efforts yielded six SUVs loaded with baby wipes, diapers, infant clothes, blankets, formula, toys and snacks. In addition, each of the young mothers received a stocking full of personal items.
Area vendors recruited to donate to the cause included SafeLite, Jack Morris Auto Glass and Abra Auto Body and Glass, who provided monetary donations; ServPro, Belfor Contractor, A-Team Restoration, Jac-co Construction and Desoto Collision, who donated extra baby supplies; and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which donated beverages for the holiday party and luncheon that served more than 100 students and their dedicated faculty.
“These students could have taken the easy way out and lost hope,” said Allstate field sales leader Ray Besch. “But what we discovered was given the opportunity these young ladies appreciate and respect the chance they’ve been afforded attending this school. After meeting Principal Melita Thomas and her dedicated staff we decided to get involved with this school and the extraordinary difference they are making in these young ladies and their children’s lives each and every day.”
The Adolescent Parent Program is a collaborative program of Shelby County Schools for pregnant and parenting students.
The program provides comprehensive services to ensure that students make progress toward responsible parenting, graduation, and post-secondary education. The program serves females in grades 7-12 and their children, ages six weeks to three years old. Both academic and vocational courses are offered, as well as classes in Teen Parenting.
