As spring and summer breaks approach, several organizations around town are spreading the word about free programs that support students and boost achievement.

I Am Greatness, a nonprofit that provides children across Birmingham with groceries, school supplies, transportation, and opportunities to give back to their communities, will host a free spring break program, starting March 25 at Titusville Library.

Jamareé Collins, co-founder and executive director, said that when school is out of session, it’s important for local students to have safe and fun places to spend time.

“I Am Greatness has an open door policy. No fees to attend and no sign up required. We will never turn youth away because of financial reasons or limited space,” Collins said.

“I want I Am Greatest to feel like a reality that’s different from the world these kids live in.”

Growing up, Collins was bullied and could not wait to escape Birmingham. However, when he was given the option to pursue a job opportunity away from the city or return home to help his brother, who had fallen prey to gang culture, he chose the latter.

Collins, along with his friends and family, created I Am Greatness in 2012 as part of an effort to shift the culture of the city.

Justin Heard joined I Am Greatness as a teen in 2016 and said his mentor in the program, Collins became his family.

Today, Heard and Collins behave like brothers, laughing easily and liberally, sharing fond memories and building each other up at every opportunity.

“Coming from the western side of Birmingham and seeing the different crimes and different negativity, I had never seen a man that would take time out of his day to show young children, and young teenagers, like myself, that they care and be an example to follow. He’s like an older brother figure where I can literally call, and I can get good advice and he’ll steer me in the right direction,” Heard said.

Heard comes from a family of singers and grew up singing in his church choir. As a teenager, he expressed himself through music and poetry, writing songs about social justice and the prominence of violent deaths and drug use in his neighborhood.

“For a young teenager, it was a lot to see and I just used it as an outlet,” Heard said. “One big thing that I struggled with when I was a teenager was confidence and I Am Greatness was a big part of how I overcame that.

Upon learning about his mentee’s love for music, Collins booked Heard’s first studio session and encouraged him to pursue his passion.

Smiling widely, Collins proudly showed off a 2017 photo on his phone of Heard in the booth going over his lyrics. Collins said memories of that day always make him emotional.

“He provided so many different resources and he never complained,” Heard said. “Jamareé does things from the heart, not wanting anything in return because he just has the heart for the children of Birmingham and for the people of Birmingham.”

The spring break program begins on Monday, March 25 with a sports day from 12-4 p.m. I Am Greatness mentors will also talk to the participants about preparing for high school and college.

On Tuesday from 12-4 p.m., participants will work on resume building, interview skills, public speaking and financial literacy.

On Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants will learn basic cooking and fire safety skills with community volunteers. Speaker will attend to discuss the importance of basic life skills and mental health.

On Thursday from 12-4 p.m., I Am Greatness will be participating in the Magic City Art Connection festival.

On Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., members are hosting a community Easter egg hunt including free food and games.

“I remember doing similar activities with I Am Greatness, and it’s not just about keeping children preoccupied. It’s about teaching them about doing what’s right, learning new skills, being a part of a family,” Heard said.

Collins said he hopes those who participate in I Am Greatness take what they learn from the program and implement the lessons in their everyday lives.

“To some of these kids, I’m like a father. To some of these kids, I’m like a big brother,” Collins said. “I get calls at 11 o’clock at night from kids saying they’re hungry. I got kids that don’t own belts and I provide simple things like that. I provide school supplies. I do it all because I care. This is my family.”

Titusville won’t be the only library hosting spring break activities. See some other local options below:

Homewood Public Library will host spring break activities including a student art contest on March 25, a science workshop on March 26, a farm animal petting event and a game night on March 28.

Vestavia Hills Library will host a water bottle decorating activity on March 25, an animal show on March 26, basket weaving on March 27 and a science show for youth on March 29.

The Birmingham Public Library website has also put together a calendar of free library events across the city.