It is an amazing story.

Although CARES is Jean’s program, she hasn’t put a copyright on it. She makes it freely available for any organisation to implement, at no charge to them.

There are three secrets to success here.

First is the 12 year commitment.

Of time, energy and funding.

Second is the energy and drive that comes from outside the bureaucratic school system.

And an important third is this. No hidden agenda!

CARES needs to be implemented starting in kindergarten. As Jean says, if you start this with teenagers, it just doesn’t work.

And to 99.9999999% of companies, 12 years is a long time. Management changes, focus changes.

And I can’t see the average organisation taking this on without an agenda.

For most companies, for every dollar spent, they want to see some positive result for the company. There’s always the danger of manipulating the program to suit the company. Not the children.

And Jean’s focus is all about the cultural and social benefits for her adopted kids. Not her company.

It takes a special person in a special organisation to make this happen.

And Jean is really extra special.

As is her staff.

They love this program and freely contribute a small part of their real estate commissions to build up the funds required to pay for all the events and junior college. The bulk of the funding, though, comes from Jean’s corporate budget and fundraising events.

Jean’s Century 21 Clary & Associates wins many awards. All proceeds from these awards go straight into the CARES program fundraising account.

It’s a big ask for most organisations.

But I’ve no doubt there will be a few who will look at this and consider it.

The benefits to all of us are immense.

After all, these special young adults go out into society, cut a different swathe and make positive changes to how others are treated.

A small pebble dropped in the ocean is now a bigger wave.

Many thanks for your comment, Beverley. And perhaps Tamara can influence someone else, who influences someone else, and something happens. Tamara sounds very special. As I’m sure she is if she’s your daughter, experiencing your loving influence!

I received an email from Jean this morning. She simply loves the story. It made her cry! To quote Jean,

“Hopefully it will inspire others to take the leap of faith and experience the joy of creating their OWN CARES program.”

Take care,

CAROL

What a commendable inspiring story. What a positive influence Jean Clary Bagley is making on these young lives for ever.

There is someone special to me, who must hear about this.

You won’t believe it, but my youngest daughter, also named Tamara, is a devoted school teacher who has just adored her 4th grade primary pupils, at Newport NSW, for the last 3 years…. 2010 will be her fourth. Tamara teaches with a genuine interest in her student’s profiles, and with a view to getting the children to think outside the square by stimulating their imaginations and thereby activating positive responses. So her outlook maybe different. And they love her.

She found her niche for teaching while travelling the world for 4 1/2 years following her Media degree, (completed at Patterson Uni, New Jersey in 2001 – Her final semester studies done at Ground Zero).
During some of this time she earnt her travelling dollars through camp counselling with the Children’s International school camps in Michigan USA, Switzerland, Austria and Southern France. She then did voluntary work teaching English through South America, and worked with orphanages and environmental improvements. By the time she returned home, Tamara was enrolled to do her Post Grad in teaching at Calaghan Uni at Newcastle, after which she gained a permanent placement at Newport.

Carol, I feel sure my Tamara will find your links to this incredible scenario encouraging to say the very least. I shall refer her. It’s young people like this who can make a big direct difference to enrich lives in the future; and maybe encouraged, just because you posted this true and amazing story.

Your rediscovery of Jean Clary Bagley may be a step to other super caring good things. And I agree, YES, it’s all WOW !!

Take Care,

Beverley