The GoodWorx Foundation consists of a collaboration of men and women with one thing in common:
the desire to give of themselves in a positive and nurturing way. All members of The GoodWorx Foundation
have a multitude of experience as mentors, coaches, or members of other non-profit organizations. Many have previous experience
in educational systems, youth services, athletic organizations, as well as, the business world.
Jeffrey Jordan- Chairman
Jeffrey Jordan founded The GoodWorx Foundation in the year 2004.
Also an entrepreneur, Mr. Jordan holds a degree in Business from New Jersey City University. He is currently earning his
Master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Jordan enjoys working in the non-profit world,
dedicating his time and experience to the younger generation. He has worked with various non-profit organizations, including
a foundation benefiting Pediatric Aids. He has also donated his time to non-profit inner-city basketball camps and other
instructional activities. In 2000, Jeffrey Jordan actively participated in an organization which produced several high-profile
events generating over 1 million dollars in donations.
It has long been his desire to create an organization, which could provide assistance for today’s young people as they navigate
through their youth. Mr. Jordan has a vision for The GoodWorx Foundation ; the dream is to
continue creating unique, energetic, and influential programming that will aid young people, ages 8-23, in recognizing and
developing their unique potential within.
Frances Ramirez- Director of Operations
The
day-to-day programming of The GoodWorx Foundation’s MTC Program is directed by
Frances Ramirez. Frances Ramirez, a graduate of Sayreville War Memorial High School, is currently enrolled in
Kean University working on her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. While attending The George Washington University
during her freshman year, Frances joined Jumpstart as an AmeriCorps member to help develop the literacy, language, and social
skills of disadvantaged preschoolers to better prepare them for elementary school education. She was actively involved in
several programs during her high school career, some of which include Student Council, holding officer positions of Treasurer
and Vice President, Spanish Honor Society President, a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leadership, and the Talented
& Gifted Program. In the summer of 2004, she attended New Jersey Girl’s State at Rider University in New Jersey, a Leadership
Training Conference camp through the NJASC (New Jersey Association of Student Councils) and attended a CSLC Leadership Conference
for Crime Scene Investigation with LeadAmerica at Bentley College in Boston. Her experience, dedication, and tremendous
love for helping others succeed make her an invaluable asset to The GoodWorx Foundation.
Keith Rhodes- Programming Consultant
Programming
for The GoodWorx Foundation was developed over a period of two years. The team of Jordan,
Ramirez, and Mr. Keith Rhodes, spent 18 month’s researching effective programs, thoroughly
analyzing the beliefs that the foundation was built upon, and traveling across the country to visit other facilities. Mr.
Rhodes was instrumental in planning and developing aspects of The MTC Program. Utilizing Mr. Rhodes past experience was
key to the formation of the GoodWorx infrastructure.
Born in Syracuse, NY, Keith Rhodes acknowledges that sports, basketball in particular, have opened many doors for him throughout
his life. Because of this, he has always tried to give back to those less fortunate as a small way of saying "Thank you"
for his blessings. In the early 1980’s, after returning from the University of Wyoming, Mr. Rhodes volunteered at the YMCA.
He helped to revitalize the Youth Basketball League (YBL) by sharing basketball knowledge, as well as, life experience with
young men. It blossomed into having a profound impact in the lives of many successful adults. By the early 1990’s, Mr. Rhodes
was a founding member of the Capital Region Youth Tennis Foundation (CRYTF) or "15 Love" Program. He was fortunate to be
able to work with the great Arthur Ashe. Arthur’s strength and humility are forever emblazoned in the mind of Mr. Rhodes.
CRYTF is in its 15th year and continues to reach thousands of youth in the capital region of Albany, NY.
Keith was a founding member of the New York City Inner-City Games Foundation (NYCICG), which is the New York chapter of
the Inner-City Games Foundation, originally founded by the now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Daniel
Hernandez. As Executive Director, Mr. Rhodes was able to raise more than 4 million dollars in a four-year period. That translated
in tens of thousands of New York City youth benefiting from worthwhile programming. Mr. Rhodes looks forward to working
with everyone connected with The GoodWorx Foundation and encourages youth to take ownership
in their role in the world.
Rachel DiGiacomo- Program Director
The
GoodWorx Foundation, specifically The MTC Program, has grown to include several elementary schools in Middlesex
County, NJ. In the fall of 2007, Rachel DiGiacomo will head The GWx MTC/UES After-School Program
at The Samsel Upper Elementary School. Rachel DiGiacomo graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School in 2005. During
her years at Sayreville, she was Vice President of the French Club and an active member of the French Honor Society. Also
a former Peer Leader at the high school, Rachel has always been drawn to helping others and strives to set a positive example
for the youth around her. Although she originally attended Rowan University with intention of becoming a mathematics teacher,
she has recently changed her path and would like to pursue a career in child psychology. During her time at Rowan, she was
also a part of iMPACT, a program that consisted of students that focused on setting an example for their fellow peers and
helping new students get better acclimated to an unfamiliar environment. She is affiliated with the Keeping Kids Warm Charity.
With this charity, she has traveled with other managers in her previous company to provide winter coats to underprivileged
children. Having high hopes and expectations for the foundation and for The MTC Program, Rachel intends to grow with GoodWorx
and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of generations to come.
Mike Jacobs- Program Director
The
success of The MTC Program has lead to the creation of additional programs designed to fit the needs of its expanding community.
The GoodWorx MTC "Onward and Upward" Program, lead by Michael John Jacobs,
will focus on students making the transition from middle school to high school. This program will service 8th
and 9th grade students and focus on issues that adolescent students often face while making this transition.
Michael Jacobs spent the previous year assisting with the 6th and 7th grade students and will be a
perfect fit for this exciting project. Mr. Jacobs grew up in the culturally diverse community of Lakewood, NJ. After completing
his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Monmouth University; he began to pursue a career in law enforcement. However,
life would take him down a different path. His passion in nutrition led him to work for a number of nutrition companies,
traveling throughout the country and working in various capacities. He temporarily left the industry to work for Verizon
Telecommunications as a business consultant; ultimately, however, his passion for nutrition led him away from Verizon after
only two years. His desire to make a difference on a larger scale resulted in his enlistment in the United States Navy Reserves
as an Intelligence Specialist in January 2006. He is currently in the process of creating a non-profit nutritional information
web-site and also volunteers with Big Brother, Big Sister of Ocean County. His intense passion, creativity, and dedication
are all extraordinary qualities that contribute to the GoodWorx team.
Mentors in Training (MIT’s)
The
GoodWorx Foundation is proud to have a "Mentor-in-Training" program. We identify young adults in high school
who share the passion and commitment to service to others. These MIT’s undergo the same training and orientation as other
GoodWorx mentors and tutors and actually work in our after-school programs in a support capacity.
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