Aarons Presents

Givers and Visionaries Program in FY2023 Aaron's Presents served 510 children primarily from 4th-8th grade (as well as existing participants in 9th-12th grade) who completed 388 projects, benefitting over 5,000 people and animals in the larger community and beyond. Our objective in supporting and mentoring the kids' projects is for them to: Learn that they have the power to make a positive difference in the world, experience the power that actively contributing to others' lives has to enrich their own lives, experience the value of the 6C's of positive youth development - competence, confidence, character, connection, caring, and contribution - starting with the last. We believe these experiences with noticing needs and taking positive action at an early age help broaden the scope of what they believe they can reach for and want to accomplish as they grow into adults. Over 80% of our youth come from Lawrence and Lowell, two cities with large low-income populations.

Many projects in our Givers and Visionaries program were postponed to protect our participants and our employees during Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, we learned that many of our donors trusted Aaron's Presents to be a conduit for funds to help the hardest hit members of our community get through the pandemic. In 2021 we responded by creating a Community Relief Fund. The fund was depleted and closed in FY 2023.

Agents of Change Program: Our objective is to continue supporting former Givers & Visionaries participants, especially those who are economically challenged, to broaden their view of the opportunities ahead after high school, and to help them prepare for college. Opportunities offered fall into the categories of: Leadership Development, Educational & Creative Development, Contributing & Helping Others, and Continued Mentorship