KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — West Michigan high school students from Turn 2 Foundation’s Jeter’s Leaders program visited Kalamazoo Wednesday as part of the 2021 Social Change Project. During the event, the students worked together to beautify the grounds at Bronson Methodist Hospital by cleaning, weeding, planting flowers, and more. High school senior and co-president of the local group Darianna Browning says along with making a difference, it was an opportunity to learn something new.
“This is an awesome experience. I’ve never gardened before myself so this is pretty cool, learning a lot of different things.”
The project was designed as a way to show appreciation to frontline healthcare workers and enhance the environment for hospital patients and visitors.
“The Social Change Project is an important initiative that not only provides young people with the tools and resources to give back, but also helps them recognize that they have the ability to make a real, meaningful difference in their communities,” said Derek Jeter, founder of The Turn 2 Foundation. “I’m so proud of our Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders for working together on this beautification project at Bronson Methodist Hospital, and for their ongoing commitment to helping those around them.”
Jeter’s Leaders cleaning outside Bronson Methodist Hospital – Brandon James WKZO
The Jeter’s Leaders Social Change Project brings members of the Jeter’s Leaders program to cities across the country where they work to make a positive impact on the communities they visit. Over the years, high school students in the program have ventured to New Orleans, Washington D.C., Albany, Miami and more for the initiative.
“The challenges we faced as a country this past year have shined a light on the importance of empowering youth to ignite transformational change,” said Sharlee Jeter, president of The Turn 2 Foundation. “This year’s Social Change Project provided our Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders with hands-on experience working as a team to make a positive impact in their community, and seeing their passion and dedication is inspiring. Thank you to our partner, Bronson Methodist Hospital, for working with us to offer such an enriching experience for the students we serve.”
The Turn 2 Foundation coordinated this year’s Social Change Project with Bronson Methodist Hospital, the flagship hospital of the Bronson Healthcare system that serves southwest Michigan.
“We are grateful to these young leaders and their commitment to community service,” said Kim Barr, environment of care supervisor at Bronson and resource council member of The Turn 2 Foundation. “It has been our pleasure to help connect them with this project. We appreciate the many different ways we’ve been able to partner with the Jeter’s Leaders program throughout the years.”
Miami Marlins CEO and part-owner and 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, Derek Jeter established The Turn 2 Foundation during his rookie year with the New York Yankees. Since its launch in 1996, Turn 2 has worked to help young people reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles, and social change.
The Jeter’s Leaders is a four-year leadership development program for high school students in New York and West Michigan who serve as ambassadors for Derek Jeter in their communities.
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