The Idea
The idea for the structure of (H)Ours Count came about through multiple observations.
- An alarming number of perfectly intelligent and capable students were dropping out because they did not receive adequate support. Certainly, there were afterschool programs but those typically replicated the school day with classroom regimens, had no real incentives for young people, and did not address the needs of the whole person. During school hours, special programs serve a limited number of students, leaving the child who doesn’t qualify to fend for his or herself.
- Many students had jobs that kept them fatigued and over busy, unable to perform the strenuous academic tasks required of them.
- Many students did nothing more with their post-school hours than play video games or “hang out” with friends.
- The majority of students had unhealthy diets and struggled with fitness and weight issues.
- Students were woefully unprepared for their “launch” into the real world, lacking the skill set to thrive.
No matter what the story, most felt frustrated and lost. The system had failed them, and they, in many cases, had failed themselves. These students didn’t know the joy of self discipline or the satisfaction of making good choices that lead to a strong body and mind. They left school hoping for a brighter future but often found themselves at a dead end with few positive options.
We at (H)Ours Count knew we could change this pattern. We knew we had a community who cares, one who understands that students usually work after school because they need to, that all students are capable of achieving more than they realize, and that with economic, academic, and skills support, young people could break the cycle of defeat.
That’s our mission.
Save the world, one good choice at a time.
Why
(H)Ours Count
is different?
(H)Ours Count is different because
- We consider the whole child; the physical, academic, and social/emotional wellness of each student are our top priorities.
- We break the mold of “afterschool” programs because (H)Ours Count is a packed with opportunity. When students are accepted into the program, they get a paycheck. We call this unique concept “EARNING TO LEARN” and it is the only program of its kind.
- Our students are educated about job skills, post-secondary education and training, interview skills, social etiquette, health and wellness, and life skills; preparing them for the rigors of the workplace and beyond.
Elizabeth “Mimi” McLeod
president
Born and raised in Brooksville, Mimi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition. She taught English at the secondary and post-secondary levels for over 30 years. Now she is a Realtor with The McLeod Team at Re/Max Marketing Specialists.
Favorite Quote:
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” —Aristotle
Why (H)Ours Count:
Given the proper support and guidance, students can—when they apply themselves—achieve much more than they think they can, and they can learn to be tolerant, critically-thinking adults.
George Foster
Vice President
Favorite Quote:
Favorite Quote: “Carpe Diem: Seize the Day.” —Horace
Why (H)Ours Count:
It is important to foster as many young minds as we can. Let’s start in our own community. Who knows? We may assist the one person who can save the world.
Tammy Lyall
Secretary
Tammy hails from Cleveland, Ohio and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Christian Counseling. She is co-owner and former CFO of PAW Companies and previously used her talents and education to counsel incarcerated women and to lead youth ministries at her church.
Favorite Quote:
“There but for the grace of God go I” —John Bradford
Why (H)Ours Count?
I love that we are going after kids that may fall through the cracks, the underdogs so to speak. My heart wants to minister and to approach education from an understanding of each child’s unique gifts.
Maria Reza
Coming to us from Findlay, Ohio, Maria earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Bowling Green University and is a Certified Workforce Development Professional. She is the Workforce Development Program Lead for BayCare Health System. She is extremely active in community service in Pasco and Hernando Counties, as well.
Favorite Quote:
“God has perfect timing, and it’s highly possible that by not being where you thought you would be, you will end up exactly where you were meant to go” –Rachel Hollis
Why (H)Ours Count?
The future of our country and communities relies on the young adults of today. It is important to offer opportunities for success to all youth who are willing to try.
Pamela Poisson
Favorite Quote:
“Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from doing what you can do.” –John Wooden
Why (H)Ours Count:
Time is a precious commodity. We only have so much it, so it is important to spend it wisely and on valuable things. (H)Ours Count is one of those valuable things. It was born from sincerity, care, compassion, hope, and faith. Its only goal is to touch the lives of young men and women in ways which will positively impact their entire lives, both in the present and future. This organization makes a difference, and that’s why it is an honor to be a part of it.
Jeff Ruggiero
Favorite Quote:
“The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.” –Thomas Paine.
Why (H)Ours Count?
It is vitally important that teach our students how to think, not just what to think. I want to help make that happen.