Janine Ekhardt

Devoted with more than 10 years of experience. Positive role model with extensive knowledge of how to address various situations that arise when working with at-risk youth. Dedicated to individualized relationships and compassionate listening. No college experience, but I've volunteered/worked for The Salvation Army since I was a young teenager. The on-the-job experience, as well as personal experience, has given me the skills and knowledge, as well as the patience, empathy, and compassion necessary to assist families going through difficult times.

• Collaborated with volunteers to create personalized schedules for students. By working with them and staying in communication with parents and teachers, multiple students went from failing grades to A/B honor roll.
• Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
• Developed materials for after-school program to motivate students to participate in Mayor Jacob's Read City Initiative. This aim was to increase literacy among middle/high school students.
• Successfully created and coordinated Financial Workshops in 2023 that families receiving Christmas Assistance were required to attend. This helped build relationships with families, in hopes of maintaining communication throughout the year to encourage and motivate families.