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Jacques Cesaire has joined forces with Athletes for Education to make a dramatic impact on everyone in our community, one person at a time. Jacques knows that as a professional athlete, he has the ability to influence people in a positive manner.
J.C.'s Kids was founded in 2007. Jacques feels that everyone needs help at some point, whether it is food, clothing, tutoring, or just a kind word. Jacques knows that “somehow… someway…” he has the ability to give that assistance. He may not be able to personally offer the financial aide, but he can offer spiritual guidance, mental support and a positive perspective.
Jacques started this foundation knowing that he wouldn't have gotten to the point that he is in life without the help and support of positive role models and caring family members. That fundamental value of helping others motivated him to give back and help others in turn. While J.C.'s Kids targets our local youths, Jacques is quick to point out that he does not solely want to help children. He wants to reach out to anyone who has fallen on hard times – the homeless, children, military families and the underprivileged.
Jacques' NFL experience has been influential in helping him achieve his goal with his organization. Never wanting to let anyone down on or off the field, he is driven to make this program a success and to make a visual and measurable difference not only in individual lives but in the community as a whole. He also hopes that others will join in to make a positive impact on others by reaching out to help.
Jacques credits two very strong and influential women in his life for giving him the opportunity, support and inspiration needed to succeed both on and off the field. Jacques Haitian born mother, Jackie, is one of the hardest working women he knows. She had a dream of bringing her five children to America. She not only succeeded in doing that, but all five children graduated high school, attended college and are now successful in their own rights. Jacques still speaks with his mother everyday and his four siblings every week. The second woman is Jacques beautiful wife Jill, who he credits as being his “foundation”. She is the backbone of his success, is always there to support and cheer him on and pick him up when he has a down moment.
When asked what the most rewarding aspect of giving back to the community is, his immediate answer is “the smiles and happiness.” While he means the smiles of those he is helping and the happiness that he is bringing them, it is safe to assume that some of those smiles and happiness are also his own.
To sponsor Jacques Cesaire's J.C.'s Kids mentorship program, please call (619) 583-4955. Athletes for Education is a San Diego based 501(c) (3) non-profit dedicated to the goal of “Helping Our Youth Help Themselves.”
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