Expanding Horizons:

Initial Reaction and Encouragement

When Mrs. Howard first learned that Jadelyn had the chance to participate in the Global Passport Program, she was overwhelmed with awe. “Jadelyn was so excited when she told me about the program,” she recalls. “She worked hard to be a part of it—writing an essay and attending meetings.” Jadelyn’s first trip was to Atlanta, where she deepened her understanding of history, especially learning about the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mrs. Howard encouraged Jadelyn to take part in the program, knowing how powerful such experiences could be. “I didn’t have these opportunities growing up, but Martha’s Table offers young people a chance to see the world beyond Southeast DC,” she says. It’s a chance she knew her daughter would treasure, one that would expand her worldview and provide new opportunities.

A Moment to Remember

One of the most powerful moments for Mrs. Howard came during Jadelyn’s first international trip to Panama. Nervous about her first plane ride, Jadelyn found comfort in the support and guidance of the Martha’s Table team. “They made her feel like family,” says Mrs. Howard. “The team held her hand through the whole experience, offering calming exercises and making her feel supported.”

The trip not only helped Jadelyn overcome her fears but also allowed her to see the world’s differences and similarities. She came home with a new sense of appreciation for the everyday blessings they often take for granted. “Mom, they didn’t have what we have,” Jadelyn shared after returning. “This is what we have every day.” It was an eye-opening experience that left her dreaming of exploring the world further.

Inspiring Goals and Dreams

The Global Passport Program has inspired Jadelyn to continue to aim high in life. Mrs. Howard proudly shares that her daughter was recently accepted into a college nine hours away from home—a distance that would have seemed unimaginable before these trips. “When she heard the news about her college acceptance, she said, ‘That’s nothing, Mom, I went to Panama,’” Mrs. Howard laughs. “It shows how much these trips have opened her eyes to what’s possible.”

Through these experiences, Jadelyn has grown more confident, outgoing, and ready to take on the challenges life presents. The program has opened her mind to new possibilities, shaping her dreams for the future.

Advice for Other Parents

Mrs. Howard’s advice to parents considering the Global Passport Program is simple: “Don’t let your fears hold your child back. Let them explore and learn from the world.” She has seen how the Martha’s Table team treats each child with care and love, providing the kind of support that helps them grow. “These experiences teach kids responsibility, community, and the importance of giving back,” she adds.

Transformative Change

Mrs. Howard has witnessed incredible growth in Jadelyn since she began participating in the Global Passport Program. ‘She was shy at first, but now she’s more vocal, confident, and outgoing,’ says Mrs. Howard. In fact, Jadelyn recently stood in front of hundreds of people at Martha’s Table’s Annual Benefit to introduce Joe Houston Jr., Mr. WeFitDC, and the 2024 Community Champion Award honoree and Global Passport Ambassador—something she would have never imagined doing before. 

Jadelyn knows Joe through the Global Passport Program, which brings in inspiring community leaders from Ward 8 to mentor and engage with participants. Through the program, she has seen firsthand how Joe has transformed his own journey from overcoming challenges to becoming a leader and his commitment to positive change.

A Broader Perspective on the World

The program has also broadened Jadelyn’s perspective on the world. “The experiences she’s having at her age are nothing compared to what I had,” Mrs. Howard shares. Through the program, Jadelyn has learned that the world is full of challenges, but she’s not afraid to face them head-on. Trips like the one to Atlanta to explore the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have given her a deeper understanding of the world’s diversity.

Mrs. Howard is passionate about supporting the Global Passport Program and encourages others to do the same. “Giving isn’t just a one-time act—it creates a ripple effect,” she explains. “These kids grow, give back to their communities, and inspire others.”

She knows firsthand how important these opportunities are. “Programs like this benefit young people in ways that can’t be matched,” she says. “They provide access to experiences that would otherwise be out of reach, and they open doors to futures these kids never thought possible.

Supporting the Global Passport Program

This Giving Tuesday, consider supporting the Global Passport Program to help provide more young people like Jadelyn with transformative opportunities. Your donation helps expand horizons and create limitless possibilities for the next generation.

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