For Good: Temple Terrrace nonprofit offers innovative after-school mentoring program

While many parents are investing in school supplies and preparing to send their children back to school for another year, remember the students who are underserved and often overlooked, says Tia Dixon, President and CEO of Posimoto, a nonprofit organization that helps at-risk youth through an after-school mentoring program.

Dixon, was one of the lucky ones at first, being able to attend after-school programs that enriched her life. Then in high school, family difficulties left Dixon feeling uncertain about her own future. Around that time, a complete stranger came into Dixon’s life and helped her turn it around by taking her under her wing and showing Dixon that she had a bright future.

“I wanted to give back, and that is how Posimoto got started in 2012,” says Dixon. “I really wanted to show kids that they can succeed no matter what is going on in their life at the time, and to not let what is going on in their life get in the way of that success.”

So where does the name Posimoto come from? Dixon says it is a pronoun she came up with to name someone who gives positive motivation to help others be successful in life.

Dixon goes on to explain that Posimoto is not your typical after-school program in which children play all afternoon.

“We have a curriculum that we follow, and every week we have a core value that we focus on,” she says. “We also have trade and career mentors that come throughout the week and work with the kids, a reading program and a sports mentoring program every Saturday.”

The program’s location in Temple Terrace was strategically chosen given the population and surrounding schools.

“Sulpher Springs, which is nearby, the park and surrounding areas we are in are disadvantaged areas,” Dixon says. “The schools in this area are average ‘C’s, and if you look closer into the ratings you will find that the students here are really struggling with reading scores, which is why we offer the reading program.”

Since opening its doors in 2012, Dixon and her team have served 250 children. She expects nearly 60 students to be involved in the program this school year, which is nearly double the number she had last year.

While the after-school program is not free, it is quite reasonable compared to most after-school programs, and some families can get assistance through government funding. Dixon says the Saturday sports program is free, and all children between the ages of five and 12 years old are welcome regardless of whether they attend the after-school program.

With Dixon’s program expanding, donations from the community are needed. Last year it cost $50,000 to run the nonprofit and chances are those costs will increase.

“Our biggest need right now is another van,” Dixon says. “We only have one van right now, however with more students coming in, we need another van to pick them up from school or home and bring them here. We don’t want kids being left out because they didn’t have transportation.”

For those interested in donating to Posimoto, there is a wish list on their website.