When you think of change in the Martindale/Brightwood Community, there is one name that comes to mind, Jamie Scott.
Jamie is currently the Director of the Martindale Brightwood Education Zone (MBEZ). The MBEZ helps children reach their maximum potential by providing resources and critical support for parents and caregivers, and the well-coordinated innovative, high-quality programs help every student advance. The MBEZ is part of the Edna Martin Christian Center.
The Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC) provides over 60 programs and services and has something for everyone 6-weeks old to 99! They have two thriving early childhood education centers, and a number of incredible social and academic enrichment youth programs, Family Success Coaches who engage with heads of households to break down barriers and support families on their journeys their goals, a workforce development and entrepreneurship program helping people in the community to bring their ideas to fruition.
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE! EMCC and our team are dedicated to making positive community change one person at a time. They focus on the assets that community members bring to the table even after identifying barriers they need a hand-up for.
Jamie’s inspiration to engage in non-profit work actually came after getting her first “real job” as a Summer Youth Program Assistant. Jamie fell in love with youth work and working directly with the families in the community that she was serving in. The fact that the organization is also rooted in Christian principles is a huge bonus. This summer job has led to a 13+ year career.
Jamie is no stranger to adversity. Her challenges have been as present as anyone else’s but the biggest route-changing challenge professionally, was losing her parents. When her dad, head of the household, passed away in 2012 and she became an instant “adult”. Jamie says that she bumped her head quite a bit, becoming a mother in 2012, growing into a community leader, continuing my own professional development, all while trying to maintain my home, my education, my volunteer commitments, and time with my family and friends. “Sometimes I feel like my brain is constantly trying to navigate hundreds of to-dos but my planner, my Google calendar and my journal are my best friends.” Personally, she loves people. “I am always interested in knowing other people’s stories and finding creative ways to engage. I truly enjoy serving and using my gifts and talents to leave people and spaces better than I found it. I’m also an advocate for self-care and exploring.”
Her greatest accomplishments to date including raising one very kind, dynamic fourth grader center around her work in three main areas: career, support circle and community service. “I’m proud of where I’ve grown in my career, as well as the development, special invitations and positions that I get to occupy. Secondly, I’m so proud of the life I have been able to build for myself. I have an amazing family, friends and network of people who can pour into me. Lastly, my service: I’m humbled to be the Indiana honoree for the 2023 National Afterschool Association Next Generation of Leaders. I am a youth worker by heart and trade and SO excited to be sharing my experiences and best practices with others looking to impact the littles. I also have the distinct pleasure of serving at Miss National American. I get to spend this entire year serving alongside some of the most incredible women in the State dedicated to changing our communities for the better.”
That’s right, Jamie is not only an amazing mom, community leader, and world changer, she’s a pageant Queen. She actually was recruited into the pageant world while at a community fundraising event with the Edna Martin Christian Center.
Looking ahead, April is going to be a great month! The EMCC/MBEZ is having a Community Baby Shower on Saturday, April 15th and Senior Community Wellness Fair on Saturday, April 29th. The Community Baby Shower will host pregnant moms and new moms for an afternoon brunch, games and resources! The Senior Community Wellness Fair is a community health fair focused on the health and wellbeing of our neighbors 55 and up and their caregivers, but all are welcome. Several providers will be on site doing health checks, providing healthy eating and exercise demonstrations, and more! Looking to volunteer or donate to this event, contact Jamie at jscott@ednamartincc.org for more details!
Keep your eye on this community changer because she’s going places! Jamie’s plans for the future are to continue her education and pursue her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, expanding her platform through Miss National American by growing my own Women’s Empowerment sessions. She also wants to keep creating spaces for women to grow, support each other and serve together. “Service has had a tremendous impact on my self-esteem and confidence, and I want to recreate that experience with as many women as possible.”
One final thought Jamie wishes to share is that she’s filled with gratitude. Lots of gratitude for all of the people who hold me up, who pray for me and those who have my back and front.
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