November 2011

Family Advocate Nanci Thomas Honored with The Jim Moran Foundation Award

Jan Moran presents The Jim Moran Foundation Award to Nanci Thomas.

For her compassion and commitment to Broward County's children, families and seniors, Nanci Thomas has been named the 2011 recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award.

With this honor, Ms. Thomas received a $50,000 unrestricted grant for the Oscar Thomas Foundation — the nonprofit of her choice — and a bronze sculpture created by South Florida artist George Gadson of an open book with a child climbing a ladder supported by an outstretched hand. Considering the tremendous hardships on so many who are struggling to make ends meet in today's economy, the Board of Directors increased its annual grant for The Jim Moran Foundation Award from $25,000 to $50,000.

"Nanci believes every child is special and has the potential to achieve great things," said Jan Moran, chairman and president, The Jim Moran Foundation. "I know my husband would be so proud of her and the Oscar Thomas Foundation for helping children discover the very best in themselves through art, academics, and multi-generational interactions." ... Read full story.

Youth Achiever Prepared for a Bright Future

FSU and North Florida Youth Achiever Shanita Shack

Each year, The Jim Moran Foundation in partnership with Florida State University (FSU) honors two high school seniors with the African American Youth Achiever Award. The students — one each from North Florida and South Florida — receive a four-year, needs-based scholarship to FSU with funding provided through The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.

Shanita Shack, our 2007 North Florida Achiever, has been busy at FSU as an honor society member, peer mentor for international students and salsa dance team instructor. She will soon receive a bachelor's degree in biological science with a minor in Spanish, and then plans to attend graduate school.

"I am grateful for the variety of opportunities I've had at FSU in which I have been able to demonstrate my leadership skills, as well as contribute to the community in a meaningful way," said Shanita. "The award has meant so much to me because it has supported me throughout my undergraduate education. It has been a great relief to have the financial aspects of achieving a higher education taken care of so that I have the ability to focus on my education."

Congratulations, Shanita! We wish you and all of our Youth Achievers a lifetime of success.


Smiles and Learning Go Hand-in-Hand at Lake Worth West

During the summer, youth enjoyed activities such as art, sports, swimming, bowling, and cultural field trips.

Following a well-attended summer program, Lake Worth West Community Center's After School Homework Assistance and Teen Club programs are now in full swing. In this underserved area of Palm Beach County, most parents and caregivers do not speak or read English, which can lead to their children falling behind and eventually dropping out of school. To keep students on the right path, Lake Worth West provides necessary academic coaching, encouragement and enrichment experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

"Through the continued caring and support of The Jim Moran Foundation, these youth have been given an opportunity that they otherwise would never have been able to receive by having the chance to improve the quality of their lives and hopefully break the cycle of poverty and crime," said Carol Clinton, Executive Director, Lake Worth West Community Center.

To learn more about Lake Worth West, call 561.649.9600.