Spc. Nathan Gumbert grew up poor. "Growing up poor is hard on kids," said the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier, who is assigned to the 47th Combat Support Hospital (CSH), as he sat in a Tillicum Elementary School classroom. "I grew up poor; I know what a lot of these kids face."

The vast majority of children at Tillicum Elementary can relate. An area that has struggled with economic and crime issues for years, Lakewood's Tillicum neighborhood has a majority of economically challenged families. "(More than) 95 percent of the children here qualify for the free/reduced lunch program," said Christina Klas, coordinator of the Tillicum Community Learning Center.

Partnered with the Communities in Schools of Lakewood (CISL), the learning center has become a magnet for some JBLM personnel to spend time with some of the school's children.

Specific to Tillicum Elementary students, JBLM's servicemembers have a direct and visible impact. "I was at the mall walking around, and I noticed some bad kids hanging out there," said Sgt. 1st Class Darius Turner, who works with the 62nd Medical Brigade. "My mom is a teacher, and I understand what education can do; I figured I could help change the lives of some of these kids here."

Sgt. Jennifer Reuter, 575th Area Support Medical Company, smiled as she listened to Turner. "It's good just to see the smiles on the faces of the children when you sit and talk with them," she said.

School officials pointed out that many of the children have unstable role models in their lives. "There is instability in many of their lives," Klas said as she walked a nicely decorated and clean hallway. "These volunteers - these Soldiers - build relationships with these kids, and the kids can't wait for them to return."  

What Gumbert, Turner and Reuter personify through their efforts with the students is a program called America's Promise. Chaired by retired Gen. Colin Powell, America's Promise seeks to provide youth with five fundamental resources - or wrap-around supports - that they need for success in life.

Spc. Jeda Delaney, 47th CSH, who volunteers as a mentor at Clover Park High School, knows something about the value of helping others succeed. "I grew up without a mentor; I've been in these children's shoes, and I am happy to be able to help out."

For more information about Communities in Schools in Lakewood, contact Klas at (253) 589 -7489 or e-mail kidsandfamilies@cislakewood.org.