What Sparked The Idea

Let's rewind to the origins of it all! In the midst of connecting with amazing partners who lent a hand to our fantastic cause, casual conversations became the norm. Springtime banter naturally turned to Spring break plans, with everyone sharing their destinations. One day, our founder, Dr. Ballard, had a moment of insight. "What about our local kids? Where do they go during this time?" The realization struck - our children shouldn't miss out on experiences they can't see. And that's how the spark ignited!

  • President/CEO

  • Founder

It all started with a simple question, a burst of brainstorming, and a heap of faith. NCC’s Spring Jam kicked off with employees going to different community sites, hosting mini outdoor picnics and games. As the idea grew, we brought the children to our center, setting up tents, music, and more games. Before we knew it, the concept transformed from a fun event to break the routine for kids into something more profound – an opportunity to educate, encourage, inspire, and have them share their newfound knowledge with their community.

We wanted to bring the world to them so they could "travel" too! And in doing so, we recreated countries and cities with the unwavering support of countless volunteers, a touch of creativity from scissors, tape, glue, fueled by sheer willpower, and the grace of God! As we reflect on the journey, we're proud to say we've been doing it for nearly 2 decades, going stronger and making a difference in the lives of these wonderful kids.

It Takes a Team

  • Tawana Goolsby

    Youth Engagement Services Director

  • Eric Bradley

    Youth Coordinator - Elementary

  • Linda Webster

    Senior Director of Adult Education & Empowerment Programs

  • Carlos Webster

    Associate Director of Youth Engagement

  • Pamela Cox

    Senior Director of Community & Volunteer Engagement

Behind The Scenes

The Obstacles

2020 threw a curve ball at us that year! We couldn't do our usual in-person events, so we switched things up. Instead of kids coming to us, we made packets and sent them to their schools. We adapted to the changes, making the experience interactive by filming a mini-movie as if they traveled to a new country. Without volunteers that year, our staff handled the on-site challenges, reaching 1,500 kids. Donor support for resources was crucial, and with faith and hard work, we made it happen, proving we can overcome anything!

The Ski Lift

To bring Spring Jam to life, we create a multitude of props to transform our place into a whole country. Crafting these props demands a blend of patience, creativity, innovative thinking and A LOT of helping hands. One standout prop in this endeavor is what we fondly call "The Ski Lift." Making it work was a bit tricky this time. Normally, it goes in the gym, but that was a no-go due to a food program. So, we had to be inventive and put it in a different spot. Keeping the fake people on the ski lift steady was another challenge – their heads just kept falling off!

Yet, why did we persist in facing these challenges? The answer is simple: we wanted our kids to do more than just watch it on TV; we aimed to provide them with an authentic, hands-on experience. We wanted to show them something real and exciting, making them curious about the world beyond their neighborhoods. That's what makes this event so special!

The Future

As we look ahead to the future of "Spring Jam," a tradition that has been thriving for nearly two decades, our aim is clear: we want to ensure that no child misses out on this enriching experience. Despite the slowdown caused by Covid, our determination to keep going remains unwavering. The vision is to expand and reach more kids, transforming the event from a two-day affair into an immersive week-long experience at our center.

We aspire to turn it into a donation fundraiser, involving a broader community to witness and support the event. Drawing similar energies and inspiration from a large event like “Memphis in May" we envision a week where kids from across the city can deeply engage with the culture of another country. The more people involved, the greater the experience!

Our Helpers

A BIG shoutout to all the amazing folks who've volunteered with us and who have generously dedicated their time and effort to support us over the years!

From individuals across the country to those from around the globe, we've been fortunate to welcome a diverse group of volunteers during the creation of Spring Jam and the event itself. We had a fantastic first run with volunteers from Gordon College based out of Massachusetts for five years straight, thanks to their leaders, we made connections that reached all the way to Italy.

The precovid era presented challenges in maintaining this momentum. It was a tough task for NCC workers, juggling daily duties and doubling efforts to bring this event to life. Volunteer support is the backbone of making this event a reality. We've forged valuable partnerships with associations like the Indian Association of Memphis and Japanese Association of Memphis to ensure authenticity and precision in our representation, aligning with the country we're highlighting.

We owe a debt of gratitude to faithful and longstanding helpers, including Choose 901, Paragon Bank, Nike, Middle College, University of Michigan, FACS, Howard U, Loyola, and Creighton. Yet, our journey continues, and we welcome more individuals to join us in realizing our future dreams for the city – to touch the lives of more kids, parents, and students! And you can too!

How You Can Help!

Join NCC’s Spring Jam Journey! Want to be a part of the excitement and make a difference in your community? Whether you're local or from another part of the world, there's a role for you in shaping this incredible event for kids and our community. Here's how you can contribute:

Pray

Your prayers matter! We've seen God's hand at work because of them! We appreciate your support in praying for our staff, volunteers, donors, and the entire community. It is so encouraging to hear and know that you are lifting up this ministry! We cherish the notes, letters, social media responses, and emails coming from our supporters to encourage us and pray over us! Keep at it y’all!!

2 Corinthians 9:8 “...God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…”

Time

Be a vital part of the event by volunteering your time. Whether you're a local 901 resident or from another state or country, there's a place for you. Volunteers are the heart of this event, and you can sign up by clicking this link Heart-for-Spring-Jam to become an essential part of creating this amazing experience.

Funds

Help us bring this unique experience to life by supporting us financially. Your contributions go towards getting materials and manpower to create an unforgettable experience for our neighbors. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant difference. You can give directly to Heart-for-Spring-Jam!

Share

Spread the word! Share our page and social media with your friends and colleagues. Your support in getting the word out about what we're doing here in Memphis makes a real difference. You never know who you might reach or who could help this event thrive. Together, we can make a positive impact in our community! Share our pages now by simply clicking our links for Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!