East Ridge High School senior Ja'Keena Dillard is already accomplishing big things at a young age.
She spends her weekends feeding and ministering to the homeless of downtown Chattanooga. Weekdays she can be found in the library serving as a mentor to younger students in the afternoons.
East Ridge High School senior Ja'Keena Dillard stands beside her calculus project on display in the school library. She will be one of three local young ladies honored with the American Lung Association Young Woman of Distinction Award April 27.So it's no surprise that Dillard will be one of three recipients of the American Lung Association Young Woman of Distinction Award April 27 at a luncheon honoring her and two other local students. This annual event benefits the American Lung Association in Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The criteria for the award includes honor, integrity, enthusiasm, generosity, compassion, a willingness to take risks and a personal dedication to goal achievement.
Dillard plans to continue her homeless ministry work even after graduation. She volunteers with Crossing Church Hope Ministry every Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. to feed, minister and pray with the homeless in Miller Park.
"Once I started the ministry I wanted to do this as much as I can," said Dillard, who began working with the homeless in January 2010. "It's rewarding to help them."
She said rain or shine, hot or cold, she and 14 other youth show up to help the homeless.
"We have a good number of Vietnam veterans on the streets," said Dillard. "They are torn up about memories of combat. A lot of times people are on the streets for situations beyond their control. They get sick and can't work anymore."
She said many of the people want to find jobs, but can't get hired on at local companies.
"I know them by name," said Dillard. "We like to see what the Lord is doing in their lives"
She said some of those being ministered to have reduced their medications or quit bad habits as a result of prayer.
Dillard said she also enjoys volunteering with Hope Ministry at Whiteside Manor on East 10th Street. She met "Momma Booza," age 70, while visiting there. Every time she sees her, she receives a big hug and Momma B's typical greeting: "The Lord is good."
"She knows the Lord and prays in circles with us," said Dillard, adding that Momma B. was stabbed, survived and is fine because of the power of prayer.
While her homeless work is active, she will be hanging up her hat soon in the realm of serving as a mentor to younger students through Goodwill's Young Advantage program. She has been overseeing other mentors this year as a senior in the ERHS library.
"I've learned leadership skills through mentoring," said Dillard, adding that freshmen receive help from seniors in various subjects. "I liked the whole idea of imparting knowledge to freshmen. I give them advice to help them with schoolwork."