There is a
new resource for teachers and school staff who are forced to take
an extended leave from their jobs. Remember You, Remember Me, Inc.
is a new non-profit organization that aids teachers temporarily out
work in paying necessary bills.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Dorothy Boykins, the organization founder, said she was inspired by the hardships of co-workers.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Hearing their stories touched my heart because teachers do much more than just educating their students,” said Boykins.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“The public does not see teachers staying after hours tutoring students that need additional help; they don’t see the teachers purchasing clothing items and shoes for the less fortunate students.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Boykins had been employed with the public school system for 25 years when she retired in July 2010.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Boykins recently hosted her second fundraiser event for Remember You, Remember Me at North Oaks Bowling Alley.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“We had an amazing turnout, and I was blessed to have raised enough money to continue to provide assistance to teachers in need,” she said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Cecelia Jones, an upcoming author in St. Louis and a recent retiree, attended the event.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I’ve taught through the St. Louis Public School System for 36 years,” said Jones. “I came to support this organization because it’s outstanding and it provides tremendous resources that help teachers.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Since the organization has been in effect, strict guidelines have been set in place for those that are seeking its financial assistance. To be eligible for support, an individual must be on leave of absence for more than 26 days, must present a past due bill in their name, must show proper identification and have proof of residency.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“Our top priority is to make sure that anyone wishing to receive assistance from us fully understands that it’s just that, assistance,” said Boykins.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“We do not pay the entire bill. Once payment arrangements have been made with the company governing whichever bill they decide they would like help with, only then can further accommodations be made.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The budget of the program only allows for any one person to receive aid twice a year in which those two terms must be spaced at least six months apart.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“This rule was placed in motion to ensure that no individual gets the opportunity to take advantage of the program’s funding,” said Boykins.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Boykins said she is pleased with the amount of help she has received from
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>church congregations and business owners, including Richard Connelly, owner of Goody Goody Diner. He recently donated 10 percent of his daily proceeds at the restaurant.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It’s important to me to do my part and give back to the community,” said Connelly. “I’ve been in my business for 63 years, and the community has been very supportive of my business and making this donation is my way of returning the favor.”
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Contact Boykins at
“text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;”>yourememberme66@yahoo.com for additional information.
