Jerome

In the late 80's Jerome Thomas' family was living in the Prince George Hotel, a run-down homeless shelter known for its drug-dealing. Jerome started attending SCAN's After School Socialization Group and participated in Child Therapy and Family Counseling sessions. Two SCAN Volunteer Parent-Aides were matched with his mother and family (an older brother, younger sister and estranged substance-abusing stepfather). When Jerome's mother contracted the HIV virus and required intermittent hospitalization, a SCAN Aide stepped in and cared for all 3 of her children. Upon Jerome's mother's death in 1993, foster care was considered for Jerome, but rejected in favor of prep school. But which prep school?

Pending the search for a prep school, Jerome lived with his SCAN Aide. Following frenzied applications, exams, letters of reference and interviews, Jerome was accepted to The Holderness School in New Hampshire for the fall of 1993 on the expectation that he would repeat his sophomore year. But Jerome was adamant about not repeating the school year. "I promised my mother I would graduate high school at seventeen. I know I can do it. I just know it."

He did. By the end of the first year, he had earned all As and Bs. And despite never having played football, he was a starting offensive end by game 3. By the time of his graduation, he had been elected Student Body President, chaired numerous student committees, and been an All-Star in two sports – all with a B+ average.

Jerome went on to Columbia University on a full scholarship where he was on the Dean's List. Following his graduation, he worked for Goldman, Sachs & Co. for several years. He went on to earn his M.B.A at Harvard Business School and then joined Bear, Stearns & Co.. He left Bear Stearns to join a large European hedge fund and is currently a Managing Director at Babson Capital.

"I'll never forget everything SCAN has done for me and my family and can only hope that I can do the same for more young people."