As the new school year begins, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona’s Step Up to Kindness program is preparing to launch its fourth year of transforming young lives through empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience. This evidence-based program continues to make a meaningful impact at both Homer Davis Elementary and Anna Henry Elementary, thanks to the ongoing generous support of Eleanor and Don Jeck.
The Step Up to Kindness program is a comprehensive social-emotional learning initiative that helps students advance their pro-social behaviors while reducing negative behaviors such as bullying. Built on the foundation of the research-backed Second Step curriculum, this program combines meaningful lessons with engaging activities that help students develop critical life skills. Each weekly session addresses essential topics, including dealing with peer pressure, seeking help from trusted adults, accepting differences, and learning to take others’ perspectives.
At the heart of the program are specialized lessons focused on behavior prevention that teach students to “recognize, report, and refuse” negative behaviors while understanding their power and responsibility as bystanders. These skills empower children to become advocates for kindness in their school communities and beyond.
This year brings exciting new leadership to both school sites. At Homer Davis Elementary, JFCS therapist Gloria Damian Almaraz will lead the program alongside master’s-level intern Abbie Smith. At Anna Henry Elementary, therapist Dayne DiSesa will guide students with the support of incoming master’s-level intern Katherine Tesch. These master’s-level clinicians and interns bring both professional expertise and genuine passion for nurturing young people’s emotional development.
The expansion to Anna Henry Elementary was made possible by Eleanor and Don Jeck’s unwavering commitment to fostering positive social behaviors in children. Eleanor’s passion for this cause stems from witnessing the lifelong impact of negative peer interactions on a childhood friend, while stories from Don and Eleanor’s own grandchildren reinforced their dedication to making Step Up to Kindness accessible to more students across Southern Arizona.
One of the program’s most cherished traditions is the family celebration held at the end of each semester. These special evenings bring families together for a catered meal where students proudly share what they’ve learned and engage in meaningful activities with their caregivers. These celebrations not only honor student achievements but also extend the program’s impact into the home, creating a broader community of kindness and support.
As Step Up to Kindness embarks on its fourth year, the program continues to demonstrate that investing in children’s emotional intelligence and empathy creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. By teaching young people to recognize their power to create positive change, we are cultivating the next generation of compassionate leaders who will carry these values throughout their lives.
For more information about JFCS programs and services, visit jfcstucson.org.
