By Michael V. Hannigan

The Friends of the Cardinals program at Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) is seeking new support families for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year.

The Friends of the Cardinals program offers community members an opportunity to mentor and support students through various means. Support families can be a positive influence, invite students to gatherings, send encouraging messages, and attend games to cheer them on. The impact of these gestures, whether it's baking cookies or simply offering a kind word, can significantly enhance the students' college experience, especially for those from distant countries.

"The program is designed for families in the community to mentor a student and give them encouragement throughout their time here," said program coordinator Kandi Jones. "We have students living on campus from over 30 countries and for them to have someone to reach out to locally is important."

Athens native Kim Hodges has been a part of the program since the beginning with her late husband, Lonnie, and she knows how important this outreach can be.

"I know that I might be the grandma they left behind in Chicago," she said. "Or that they don't have someone when they need chicken noodle soup or help after surgery in Tyler. Their parents needed to know that someone here would check on them, ask how they were doing, and offer help."

She also knows the program can have a big impact on the support families.

"Everyone who's been involved with this program will tell you they feel more blessed by participating than the students who receive the support," she said. "Age doesn't matter—there are grandmas like me and young adults in their 30s with babies who come to the games. Regardless of the age gap, everyone can find a need and fill it."

Anyone interested in being a part of the Friends of the Cardinals can sign up here https://tvcc.jotform.com/230266395123049 or contact Kandi Jones at kandi.jones@tvcc.edu or call 903-675-6395.

This program not only supports the students but also strengthens community bonds, creating lasting memories and positive impacts on both the students and their mentors. Come, be a part of the TVCC family.