IEA Ben's Kids Thanksgiving Gathering 2022

The IEA – Inspire, Encourage, Achieve Program rang in the 2022 holiday season with its Ben’s Kids Thanksgiving Gathering at the LIT Multi-Purpose Center in Beaumont on Nov. 17. The annual community-wide celebration is a time to recognize IEA “Ben’s Kids” and the families who support them in making positive choices for their futures and also honors the contributions of IEA community partners – mentors, volunteers, board members and sponsors – who are integral to the success of the program.

 A prominent IEA partner for nearly a decade is the Beaumont Police Department and its Cops ’N Kids Mentoring Program that emphasizes building positive relationships, mutual respect and rapport between officers and at-risk youth by providing opportunities for positive interactions. BPD officers Tom Swope and Tim Ocnascheck were present for the Thursday night festivities, supporting and sharing in the celebration with participants and their families.

 IEA board member and former Juvenile Probation Chief James “Bubba” Martin also was in attendance, as were IEA mentors Thelma English, Dora Nisby and Kristin Hampton, city of Beaumont Mayor Robin Mouton and Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Naomi Doyle, all of whom were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the program. LIT representatives LaLauni Thomas and Brandi Bradshaw informed guests about career paths and educational opportunities that are available at the college.

IEA Interim Executive Director Imogene Chargois said, “It truly takes a village to turn around lives and offer the kind of sustained support needed to direct youth on the right path to brighter futures. We have an important partnership with Jefferson County Juvenile Probation and community partnerships with area faith groups, businesses and service organizations that provide mentors and volunteers and assist youth with practical guidance, including job-training and skill-building. What better time than Thanksgiving to pay tribute to these supporters who, along with IEA staff members, help sustain the successful IEA program, now in its 25th year?”

 IEA Service Coordinator Donna Taylor praised IEA youth who were on the A/B honor roll for their educational accomplishments. Several IEA youth also were recognized for completing juvenile probation, and November birthdays were celebrated.

Taylor then introduced special guest speaker Sanders Wilkerson, who is a safety specialist with Motiva. 

 Wilkerson told the youth to stay focused, make good decisions and never give up on achieving their goals.  He added that, no matter the challenges and struggles in life, with commitment and determination, everyone can succeed.

Guests in attendance were then invited to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal, and at the completion of the evening, Ben’s Kids and their families received a turkey, a festive box filled with non-perishable items, an HEB gift card, holiday pies and a restaurant gift card for each IEA youth participant.

The mission of IEA – Inspire, Encourage, Achieve – in cooperation with the Jefferson County Juvenile Probation Department – is to initiate and support educational programming and rehabilitative services for at-risk youth in Southeast Texas by inspiring and encouraging them to achieve. Call (409) 839-8778 for more information.