Donating to nonprofit organizations at an early age is important for creating strong communities and helping children develop empathy and compassion toward others.
Being involved in charitable activities can help students understand their role in society and instill values that shape them into socially responsible individuals. That’s why Agape Child & Family Services thought it was important to honor their youngest donors at Central High School, in Memphis, and their loving teacher who led the initiative, Amy Working.
Caring and dedicated high school teachers can inspire and motivate students. Mrs. Working is the perfect example of that. For nearly 20 years, she has not only taught social studies at Central High School, but she has helped shape hundreds of students' characters and supported current and future leaders of Memphis. Mrs. Working has instilled important values such as integrity, discipline, responsibility, and respect in each of her students.
Photo: Kinnawa Kaitibi
Amy Working, Central High School teacher
High school teachers shouldn’t only teach their subjects,” says Working. “We’re supposed to teach compassion, empathy, and the value of giving back. All acts of kindness have the power to change the world. I’m so happy I could inspire my students to love others and make a positive difference in Memphis.”
Over the last seven years, Mrs. Working and her classes have donated more than $10,000 worth of food and clothing to Agape. These donations have helped hundreds of families escape poverty in Memphis and allowed them to feel happy and loved during the holiday season.
“Honor students and student council members at Central High School give back to Agape every year during the Christmas season,” says Marquis McPherson, Volunteers Services Supervision at Agape. “Every year, these donations serve Agape families in Frayser, Raleigh, and Hickory Hill.”
Thanks to dedicated donors like Mrs. Working and the students at Central High School, Agape Child & Family Services can commit to helping those in need and moving families forward. Using a two-generational model, Agape can support both parents and children through a poverty-reduction model. Agape aims to provide healing for the full family and their community.
“Agape Child & Family Services is proud of our youngest donors and Central High School, and their fearless leader Mrs. Amy Working,” says David Jordan, president and CEO of Agape. “Devoted donors like these make it possible for our team to completely, unabashedly, and unconditionally love Memphis.”
Recently, Agape hit a major milestone in ending poverty in our communities. Two years earlier, only 8.8% of families escaped poverty after one year with Agape. However, in 2023, 28% of families who worked with Agape for a year were no longer living below the federal poverty line. Agape is a strong advocate for the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of the under-resourced populations across Memphis. Agape’s motivation is love. “We (Agape) want to express our gratitude and appreciation for Mrs. Working," says Kimberly Nickelberry, a current Agape employee and former Central High School student. “Agape loves you. You make a difference in our community.”
To learn more about the programs offered at Agape Child & Family Services, visit agapemeanslove.org.