Woman donates school uniforms for low-income students - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

A Huntsville woman who has experienced her share of grief is giving back to the community through her organization, Empowerment through Change.

Rosemary Jordan said she's doing it by giving back to students in need of school uniforms. 

Jordan and her helpers delivered uniforms at Louis J. Morris Elementary School in Huntsville on Wednesday.

Together, they delivered 23 uniforms for students whose parents could not always afford them.

Jordan's non-profit organization, Empowerment Through Change, helped raise money to buy brand-new white polo T-shirts and khaki pants.

"Our main purpose is to help the children who are in Title I schools. To give them a hand up, not a hand down. But a hand up," Jordan said.

Jordan said many school children could barely afford to buy uniforms that can sometimes cost up to $20 each.

Helen Drake, who serves as a liaison between Jordan and the school, said nearly 90 percent of students at Morris Elementary are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program.

"We have parents who do not have a job at this moment so that is why they cannot afford the uniforms," Drake said.

But Jordan has the children covered.

The loss of her own son five years ago, motivated her to give other children a helping hand.

In 2007, Jordan's son, Terrance Wilson, was found murdered in the truck of a car parked at an apartment complex in Huntsville.

Jordan said helping other children has helped her cope with her loss.

"I believe that this helped me get through it. Every child that I meet that gives me a hug, or every child that I don't meet that we are able to help; it just helps me as a part of my healing process," Jordan said.

But it's the parents and children who are most grateful to her.

"Without this program, a lot of our children would be suffering," said parent Pamela Ford.

Jordan said she feels honored to fulfill that need.

"It's not something that I do. It's something we do as a community. I want it to always reflect the community and not myself," Jordan said.

Jordan said she is looking for more sponsors to help buy uniforms. Checks can be sent to Empowerment Through Change, P.O. Box 7421, Huntsville AL 35807. Or Jordan can be contacted at 256-665-8594.

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