Willie Gibson and Project Rise

For Willie Gibson, the relationships he has formed with his third and fourth-grade students are the best part of his job at Operation Shoestring.

“In my work at Operation Shoestring, I mentor as well and educate the youth in our community, and help support Jackson Public Schools implement their curriculum.”

Willie thinks his time at the Walton Elementary Project Rise site has been going so well in part due to the professional development he’s provided every day before the children arrive.

“I love being able to help the kids advance educationally and mentally, and be a pillar in their lives.” 

Willie was immediately struck by how attentive and eager to learn kids in Project Rise were.

“But, when it’s time to have fun, we have fun,” he says with a laugh. 

Committed and caring teachers are a huge part of the equation that makes Project Rise such a nurturing place for kids in our neighborhoods. You’re part of it too! By partnering with Operation Shoestring, you’re providing afterschool and summer programs for kids, supports for their parents, and creating an ecosystem of care that supports all of our families.

Learn more about how you can help Willie make a difference in the lives of students at operationshoestring.org/support.