STORIES
Spotlight: Kim Styron
by Jaimee Bishop - Public Relations
by Jaimee Bishop - Public Relations
Kim Styron calls herself eccentric. "Because I'm one of those people who actually love what they do," she said with a big smile. Styron's job is hardly what most people would classify as structured, and it does require a bit of heart to be done well. She's the Jackson County Community Services Coalition's Program Director.
"You have to have heart with this job, because you're dealing with kids and teaching them the dangers of drugs and alcohol while trying to promote character and resiliency building. Half of the challenge is convincing them that you care," Styron added. Those programs include Project Northland, Club Drug Education, League of Youth Voices, and Project Success, which the Coalition brings to alternative schools to teach youth how to turn their lives around.
"I feel like we make a definite impact through all of our programs, especially the ones aimed at young children. When we reach kids before they have formed their ideas and tell them not to 'just say no', but to make good decisions for a healthy, prosperous life, our message really does stick," Styron said proudly.
Styron started working for JCCSC five years ago when she accepted the part-time job of classroom educator. "It was quite a change for me," Styron said, "because I had been a stay-at-home mom for many years, volunteering in the schools and with other organizations. My youngest daughter was getting into school and I knew I was ready to take on an outside job. This was a perfect fit, because I have a heart for kids and connect easily with all of them."
Styron's favorite days on the job are the days she gets to work with kids directly in the classrooms. As programs director, Styron says those days are few and far in between now, but she's not complaining. "From the office, I'm making a difference in many more children's lives, and that gives me the most satisfaction."
