JMJ Fund Goals & Results
The Jeffrey Milano-Johnson Memorial Fund supports a number of wide ranging initiatives and programs targeting youth development and family support. The Fund allows Jeff's zest for life and his love of people to continue well into the future.
Programs Supported to Date:
JMJ Scholarships
Rochester City School District Students
The JMJ Memorial Fund sponsors a scholarship program for Rochester city school district seniors who have characteristics similar to Jeff's and meet other criteria.
In 2009, three high school seniors from Dr. Freddie Thomas High School in Rochester received JMJ Scholarships. Jonnathan M. Waddell, Kishonna Chandler and Hillary Labrador each received a JMJ Scholarship. Initial plans called for awarding one scholarship to a graduate of a Rochester high school. After interviewing the three finalists from Freddie Thomas the decision was made to award each of them a scholarship.
Every adult remembering his/her high school years knows well the strength of character and courage needed to choose a path significantly different from his/her peers. Under incredible pressure and adversity, each of these Rochester city school district graduates did just this which opened doors and opportunities not readily available to most other Rochester city school district graduates.
Section V Lacrosse Players
The JMJ Fund also sponsors an annual scholarship for a male or female lacrosse player from Section V who possesses passion and talents similar to Jeff's and meets other criteria. The 2008 Section V scholarship winner was Mary Alice Postel from Pittsford. The 2009 Section V scholarship winner was Kyle Van Thof from Penfield.
Applications for 2010 Scholarships
Applications for the 2010 JMJ Memorial Scholarships will be accepted up until April 30, 2010. For information about the city school district program click here. For information about the program open to Section V lacrosse player click here.
Other Programs for Youth
The JMJ Fund is committed to supporting evidence based programs for Rochester city youth. Funding decisions for each program are made after careful review of each organizational sponsor and their programmatic outcome measures.
ROC E6
The JMJ Fund provides financial support to ROC E6, a not-for-profit community organization established to improve the current and future lives of inner city youth. ROCE6 was developed by Arkee Allen, a graduate of both Columbia University and the Rochester city school district who teaches high school at East High. The program has improved the academic performance and self esteem of children who attend its summer academic and sports camp. More details on the ROC E6 program can be found at: www.roce6.com
Other Programs
Grace Community Village, Inc. sponsors after school, summer and youth empowerment programs to Northwest Rochester Families. Other funders of this program include the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, the Wilmott Foundation and the United Methodist Church.
Partners in Community Development aims to improve the lives of those in low-income housing. It sponsors Kids Care which provides high quality, affordable before and after school and summer care for school aged children.
Generation G2 links older adults and college students to first graders and in so doing helps these children develop their self-esteem and begin to build the foundation needed to lead a productive life. Generation G2 was founded and is operated by a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Ceremony of Remembrance
The JMJ Fund supported the third Annual Ceremony of Remembrance held on Sunday, December 13, 2009. This interfaith celebration of children (of any age) who have died attracted 150 individuals from all parts of the city and suburbs. The event is held each year to help families and friends of children who have died and provide them with an avenue to include their deceased children in a meaningful way during the holidays. Held in conjunction with the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candlelighting Event, the 2009 event featured a harpist, several soloists, candlelighting, a slide show and refreshments and support. For more information about Compassionate Friends go to www.tcfrochester.org.
