Jackie Joyner-Kersee, winner of six Olympic medals and four World Championship medals, is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. After achieving international recognition, she turned her focus to creating opportunities for youth in her hometown of East St. Louis, a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri.
At the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJK), every child has access to quality programs and positive role models. WIN Warehouse is honored to stand beside this nonprofit organization.
Their Mission
Their founder is committed to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality after-school programs, safe recreational places in their communities, and caring adults to help them achieve their dreams.
Academics
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) are a major focus of the foundation’s programs. Students take part in age-appropriate projects and activities that encourage creative and critical thinking while allowing them to enjoy learning. A reading program helps students reach the appropriate grade-level standard, and language programs introduce American Sign Language (ASL) and a foreign language.
Students learn firsthand how fruits and vegetables are grown at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN). The on-site greenhouse can produce up to 30,000 pounds of food each year, providing an opportunity for children to explore the connection between nutrition and community.
After School and Summer Camp Programs
Academics play a central role in the foundation’s After School and Summer Camp Programs.
Their After School Program runs from August to May and serves youth ages 5 to 18. Students in East St. Louis School District 189 receive transportation, and every participant is provided dinner and a snack each day.
Summer Camp is an eight-week, all-day version of the After School Program, filled with enriching experiences that help close the summer learning gap. Campers enjoy field trips every Friday to destinations that align with each week’s theme and activities. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided daily.
Youth Athletics
The Youth Athletics program offers opportunities for students to participate in basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball, football, soccer, golf, and cheerleading. Athletes are led by community leaders and coaches who teach structure, sportsmanship, and life lessons. At the end of each sports season, athletes and coaches are celebrated with a sports banquet, and athletes are presented with awards such as trophies, medals, and plaques.
WIN Warehouse’s Impact
Since becoming a WIN Warehouse member in October 2023, JJK has been able to access resources like:
- Commercial fans for the greenhouse that keep crops growing through every season.
- Shelving and workstations that turn classrooms into hands-on learning labs.
- Commercial heaters, ladders, cleaning products, power tools, hand tools, and first aid kits.
These tools and supplies help JJK strengthen its facilities and focus on what matters most: serving youth and families.
“Partnering with WIN Warehouse has been instrumental in advancing the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation’s mission,” said Scott Loeffler, Facilities Director at JJK. “Thanks to WIN’s support, we’ve been able to access essential tools, equipment, and supplies. These contributions directly strengthen our programs at the Jackie, allowing us to focus more resources on what truly matters: creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and win in life.”
Let WIN Warehouse Help You Make A Difference
As a nonprofit member of WIN Warehouse, you can purchase these items and more at up to 90% off the retail price. Then, you can make an even greater impact in your community with the money saved.
Discover the wide range of products at our showroom. We’re open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and walk-ins are welcome! You can also browse our online catalog anytime.
Have direct access to the resources you need by signing up today!