2022 JWAS Annual Report

2022
From the Love of One
to the Heart of Many.
A JWAS ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Friends,
It has been nineteen years since we
lost our beautiful baby boy, Jaxson
William Augustus Swank. Not a day
goes by when we do not think of him.
We continuously wonder what kind of
young man he would be if he were still
with us today. And we wonder how
the world would be different if we had
not lost him and if we had not created
the foundation. We firmly believe God
had a plan for Jaxson and our family.
And we believe JWAS was a big part
of that plan.
2022 was an incredible year. We had eighteen Jaxson Scholars attending seven partnering
schools in the Michiana area. While a team of professionals assist in selecting the Jaxson
Scholarship recipients each December, this was the most challenging year. We had more
deserving families apply than ever. We are delighted to announce we will serve twenty Jaxson
Scholars and their families for the upcoming school year. While each family personally selects
the school their child attends, we fully commit to providing the best academic experience
possible, starting in preschool and continuing through college. 2022 was the fourth year of
offering customized leadership programming to our JWAS families. Seeing its lasting impact
on the Jaxson Scholars and their families is truly incredible.
We can’t accomplish any of this without you. We were honored by those celebrating our
mission during the 8th annual Wine Dinner in June. It was another record-breaking year and
the first time in history we received a $1 million pledge of support at the night’s end. We were
and continue to be humbled beyond measure by your love and care for what we do.
Thank you for being a part of our JWAS family. We appreciate you believing in our mission
and those we serve. We are eternally grateful.
Love,
Sherry & Larry Swank
“You must read to your children, and you must hug your children and you must
love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not
on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”
– Barbara Bush
2

Jaxson Scholars
Jolie
Senior
Age: 18 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Cookies n’ Cream
Favorite Color: Cornflower Blue
Leadership Camp Award:
Awesome Work Ethic
Dream Job: Psychologist/Therapist
Jaxson Scholar since 2008
Marilynn
Junior
Age: 16 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla
Favorite Color: Yellow
Leadership Camp Award: Best Baker Ever
Dream Job: Veterinarian
Jaxson Scholar since 2008
Rihanna
Freshman
Age: 15 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate
Favorite Color: Red
Leadership Camp Award: Most Patient
Dream Job: Social Worker
Jaxson Scholar since 2016
Freddy
6th Grade
Age: 12 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Neapolitan
Favorite Color: LA Royal Blue
Leadership Camp Award:
Most Competitive
Dream Job: Major League Baseball Player
Jaxson Scholar since 2019
Aline
5th Grade
Age: 11 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Color: Blue
Leadership Camp Award: Most Caring
Dream Job: Teacher
Jaxson Scholar since 2017
Kiara Nikol
6th Grade
Age: 11 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Oreo
Favorite Colors: White, purple, teal,
& light blue
Leadership Camp Award: Most Creative
Dream Job: Scientist
Jaxson Scholar since 2017
Savino
4th Grade
Age: 10 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla
Favorite Color: Blue
Leadership Camp Award: Best Attitude
Dream Job: Astronaut
Jaxson Scholar since 2018
Santiago
3rd Grade
Age: 9 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry
Favorite Color: Red
Leadership Camp Award: Hardest Worker
Dream Job: Architect
Jaxson Scholar since 2018
3

Jaxson Scholars
Savannah
3rd Grade
Age: 9 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Superman &
Cookie Monster
Favorite Colors: Purple & Pink
Leadership Camp Award: Best Fisher
Dream Job: Veterinarian or Scientist
Jaxson Scholar since 2016
Alani
2nd Grade
Age: 9 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Cookie Dough
Favorite Color: Aqua
Leadership Camp Award:
Most Thoughtful
Dream Job: Chef
Jaxson Scholar since 2017
Layla
3rd Grade
Age: 8 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry or Vanilla
Favorite Color: Baby Blue
Leadership Camp Award: Best Gymnast
Dream Job: Artist or Master Chef
Jaxson Scholar since 2019
Branton
2nd Grade
Age: 8 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chip
Favorite Color: Red
Leadership Camp Award: Best
Lego Builder
Dream Job: Play in the NFL or NBA
Jaxson Scholar since 2018
Masai
2nd Grade
Age: 7 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla & Superman
Favorite Color: Red
Leadership Camp Award: Most Energetic
Dream Job: Superhero
Jaxson Scholar since 2020
Finleigh
2nd Grade
Age: 7 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food
Favorite Color: Pink, gold, & purple
Leadership Camp Award: Fearless Leader
Dream Job: Doctor
Jaxson Scholar since 2020
We Appreciate
Our School
Partners!
4

Jaxson Scholars
Autumn
1st Grade
Age: 7 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Moose Tracks
Favorite Colors: Pink & Green
Leadership Camp Award: Most Outgoing
Dream Job: Pastor/Preacher
Jaxson Scholar since 2021
Ember
PreK
Age: 5 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Color: Purple & Blue
Leadership Camp Award: Best Smile
Dream Job: Author/Illustrator
Jaxson Scholar since 2021
Melani
Kindergarten
Age: 6 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry:
Favorite Colors: Pink & Purple
Leadership Camp Award: Best Hair Bows
and Hair Style
Dream Job: Doctor, Police Officer, or Artist
Jaxson Scholar since 2022
Brooklyn
PreK
Age: 3 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate
Favorite Colors: Pink & Purple
Leadership Camp Award:
Sassiest 3-Year-Old
Dream Job: Ballerina
Jaxson Scholar since 2022
Lorelei
PreK
Age: 4 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry
Favorite Color: The colors of the
rainbow & Pink!
Dream Job: A Nurse Firefighter
Jaxson Scholar starting in 2023
Mia
PreK
Age: 2.5 years old
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry
Favorite Color: Pink
Dream Job: Cook
Jaxson Scholar starting in 2023
5

A JWAS Year in Review
It’s been a productive year full of growth and deeper levels of connection within our JWAS family. With our new Director
of Leadership Programming, Olivia Critchlow, at the wheel, we are thrilled to share the following program success stories!
GOALS & INTENTIONS FOR JWAS FOUNDATION’S
ANNUAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING
• To build confidence, connection, and leadership skills in our Jaxson Scholars and JWAS families
January with Jaxson Family Retreat
• To be intentional in hosting an annual event
celebrating Jaxson’s birthday
• To offer the JWAS families an opportunity
to express gratitude to the foundation
and co-founders
• To annually review the JWAS mission
• To foster and build relationships amongst
the Jaxson Scholars, their parents, and the
Board of Trustees
• To offer an opportunity for the JWAS families
to reflect on the past year and set annual goals/
intentions for the upcoming year
Recap:
The overarching theme of our January Retreat is to
celebrate Jaxson’s birthday and his incredible legacy.
Our day was filled with laughter, words of appreciation
and intentionality as the families gathered to officially
welcome the 2022 Jaxson Scholars, Brooklyn and
Melani and their families. We worked to continue building meaningful connections and community amongst the Jaxson
Scholars, their families, and our Board of Trustee members. The themes of family, education, support, and love were
prominent throughout the day through song, personal testimonials, and sharing how Jaxson continues to positively impact
our lives. The retreat concluded with the creation and presentation of family vision boards. This process gave our families
intentional time to set goals and share common aspirations. We cannot think of a better way to start the year together!
It is rare to meet people who want to authentically help one another without wanting something
in return. Not Sherry and Larry. They reached out and embraced Savino as their own. Despite
experiencing unfathomable loss, they continue to spread their love for their son to every one of
the Jaxon Scholars and their families. To this day, I wake up every morning thanking God for
this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
– JWAS Parent Savino Rivera Jr.
6

Family Self-Defense Class & Financial Literacy 101
• To empower our Jaxson Scholars and their
families to be strong and resilient
• To learn valuable skills to protect us and others
physically and mentally during challenging times
• To learn vital financial skills that our families can
continue to build upon
Recap:
Self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment shone
brightly throughout our February Program Day
activities. Our Jaxson Scholars spent time learning
from Bremen Family Martial Arts instructors as they
practiced ways to engage in self-defense. While
our Jaxson Scholars were busy with their blackbelt
instructors, JWAS parents were able to dive
into Finance 101 concepts taught by our gracious
volunteers, John and Rita Reust. Everyone left feeling
mentally stronger and more prepared to take on
the challenges life can bring. It was a rewarding and
productive day. It was time well spent learning and
growing together.
Parent’s Night Out Etiquette Dinner
• To develop and enhance the social relationships
amongst our JWAS parents
• To build self-confidence in our JWAS parents
in social and professional situations
Recap:
Connection, communication, and building selfconfidence
were the foundational elements for our
Parent’s Night Out Etiquette Dinner hosted by Ruth’s
Chris Steakhouse in Mishawaka, IN. All attendees had
the opportunity to learn and refresh their knowledge
of dining etiquette basics and leadership skills.
Parents and Board of Trustee members engaged in
meaningful conversations that enhanced the sense
of family felt throughout the room. The surprise
of the evening was the red, white, and blue theme
celebrating JWAS parent Mauricio Jimenez’s recent
US Citizenship ceremony. This evening program,
which focuses on parents and parental figures, is
integral in strengthening our sense of the JWAS
community. It allows parents to connect and learn life
skills immediately transferable to their family while
enhancing their self-confidence at the same time.
7

Manners I & II Etiquette Classes
• To learn how to properly set a dining table for any meal
• To instill the importance of excellent manners during dining and
social experiences
• To understand and practice healthy conversational skills
• To develop and cultivate leadership skills in our Jaxson Scholars
Manners I
Recap:
It can be easiest to start learning a new life skill when you’re young. This is precisely the focus for Manners I. Designed for
our youngest Jaxson Scholars, this leadership program teaches the importance of “Magic Words,” conversation skills,
and basic table etiquette that will help build confidence. The youngest Jaxson Scholars also had an opportunity to learn
from our oldest Jaxson Scholars. Jolie and Marilynn volunteered to assist in program facilitation, allowing for a beautiful
leadership and mentoring opportunity for all!
Manners II
Recap:
Our Jaxson Scholars, ages ten and up, enjoyed an educational
dining experience at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Mishawaka, IN, as
they participated in the Manners II program. This dinner program
focused on conversational skills, table decor, place settings, and
dining etiquette. By the end of the evening, our Jaxson Scholars were
more comfortable engaging in conversation together. They practiced
conversational inclusion, ensuring that all were participating in the
topics. Seeing the growth and comfort the Jaxson Scholars achieved
in a formal setting is a true testament to the self-confidence and
overall life skills our manners and etiquette programs aim to instill.
High School Leadership Retreat
• To build healthy and authentic relationships amongst the
Jaxson Scholars
• To empower our Jaxson Scholars to own their leadership
skills and talents
• To build self-confidence and a sense of community
Recap:
We were thrilled to offer our first annual summer retreat for our Jaxson
Scholars in high school. Part of our JWAS Leadership Development
curriculum is to have our eldest Jaxson Scholars facilitate and lead
our youngest in activities. It was exceptional to have programming
purely dedicated to those who are stepping into leadership roles at
the foundation and in the community, but also have unique needs for
personal development. The day was spent sharing life experiences,
learning from one another, baking together, visioning the future, and charting the course to become the leaders they want
to be in five years. The laughs, smiles, and positive energy that filled our shared space were all the proof we needed to
know that our connection, self-confidence, and community goals were met and exceeded!
8

Summer Reading Challenge
• To incentivize Jaxson Scholars to
engage with reading and literacy
over the summer
Recap:
This year was the first year we
partnered with the St. Joseph County
Public Library for their Summer
Reading Challenge. We encouraged
our Jaxson Scholars to read, even
while traveling on the bus to and
from Leadership Camp. Our Jaxson
Scholars read 166 books and read
for 2,372 minutes! We cannot wait to
see how this reading initiative grows
while instilling a love for books in
those we serve.
Jaxson Scholars Leadership Day Camp
• To offer an outdoor, experiential, multi-day
leadership program
• To cultivate and develop leadership skills in the
Jaxson Scholars
• To enhance the leadership and mentoring skills of our
oldest Jaxson Scholars
• To expand the relationships and friendships amongst
the Jaxson Scholars through team-building activities.
Recap:
The JWAS Leadership Day Camp is a program favorite
for many of our Jaxson Scholars. This year, the Jaxson
Scholars spent their time together targeting the following
areas for leadership development: growth mindset,
communication, resilience, conflict resolution, and family.
Junior Leaders were on hand to help lead daily activities,
including but not limited to hikes, fishing, feeding horses,
and team building. When a Jaxson Scholar turns sixteen,
they join the Junior Leader team. Marilynn and Jolie joined
the program this year in this new and profound way. Camp
days are full of adventurous learning, interactive games,
curious exploration, and good old-fashioned outdoor
fun! Family Friday included a lunch celebration with our
JWAS parents and Board Members. It allowed everyone
to participate in family activities and our memorable
closing circle. We have much to be thankful for, as it truly
takes a village to make camp come to life. We have the
best team of Junior Leaders, Jaxson Scholars, families, and
team members to make everything fun and engaging. It
imparts knowledge and life skills applicable today and for
years to come.
9

Men’s Leadership Retreat
• To offer a nurturing experience that fosters
trust, communication, connection, and support
amongst our JWAS fathers and guardians
Recap:
In early November our JWAS fathers and father
figures gathered at Firefly Farm in Laporte, Indiana
for our first annual Men's Leadership Retreat. Jeff
Shuck, Principal at Plenty, and husband of Executive
Director Jeanie Shuck, facilitated a day focused
connecting these wonderful men to each other
and to their families, community, and God. The chilly fall weather was a perfect backdrop for warm conversations, hot
chili, and stronger friendships. This fantastic weekend, powered by the spirit of Jaxson, was another reminder that we’re
stronger together.
JWAS Commitment to Service
• To instill the values of service and gratitude in our
JWAS families
Recap:
Being a Jaxson Scholar involves much more than
academic support for our families. The JWAS families
commit to community service as a part of their
partnership with the foundation. This year our JWAS
families collectively volunteered 774 hours in 2022!
We partnered with several organizations: offering
coaching, program support, classroom/school support,
community assistance, and blood donations. The
JWAS Foundation provided three coordinated service
opportunities in which many participated. Most hours
came from activities independent from JWAS. JWAS
families' commitment to service is just one way Jaxson's
legacy continues to positively impact our community.
We feel extremely blessed to be a part of the JWAS family. It is safe to say that our lives have
been changed by the opportunities that have been set before us. We have peace of mind
knowing that Kiara has been given a unique chance for success and this has allowed us to
focus on growing in our relationship together as a strong family unit. The concern and passion
shown to us are beyond anything we could have ever imagined.
Our hope for Kiara is that with this opportunity she has been blessed with, she can be a
productive member of society. JWAS wants their Jaxson Scholars to be successful and they
have created an environment that makes sure they have the necessary tools for this to happen.
10
- JWAS Parents Evelin & Dulier Nunez

Holiday Gathering
• To celebrate the holiday season
with our JWAS families, Board of
Trustees, and JWAS team members
Recap:
We gathered at one of our favorite
spots for end-of-year holiday fun, Strikes
and Spares, Mishawaka, IN. Our JWAS
families and Board of Trustees spent
their time racing go-karts, traversing
through a ninja course, playing arcade
games, and jumping in bounce houses.
The laughter and smiles that filled the
building were contagious, and the joy
was palpable. After Jolie's inspiring
speech about how anything is possible in
life if you put your mind to it and sharing
her college application updates, Santa
graced us with his presence! Everyone
left the event with hearts filled with joy
and gratitude for each other and Jaxson.
What I love most about JWAS is the community and family that our family has become a
part of. What we thought was going to be a great opportunity for Masai became such a great
opportunity for the whole family. Everyone cares so much about each other.
Knowing that our kids will have the opportunity to go to schools that focus on their educational
success and to be good and caring people has been the biggest blessing in this. I am so thankful
to be a part of an organization that truly cares about what they are doing and the people they
are doing it for.
11
- JWAS Parent Malisa White

Donor Support
260 donors from 22 states invested in JWAS in 2022!
Financial Overview
All foundation administrative expenses are underwritten by the Swank family.
100% of donations are utilized for the education of our current and future Jaxson Scholars.
100%
Educational
Services
5.0
Fundraising
Endowment
Educational Need
4.0
in millions
3.0
2.0
1.0
0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
12

Sterling Group’s
Charity of Choice
Sterling Group continues to support our Jaxson Scholars and their
families in meaningful and beautiful ways. They always include JWAS
in their holiday plans and welcome our team members in their office
space. It is a gift for the JWAS offices to be in the same building!
This year our Jaxson Scholars partook in the Sterling Halloween party
that included haunted hallways, sweet treats, and friendly fun with
the Sterling families. The older Jaxson Scholars patiently guided the
younger ones down the spooky hallways while helping them trick or
treat in the participating offices. The evening concluded with pizza
and drinks for all.
We were also blessed by Sterling’s “Jaxsi Gifts” holiday program
for the fourth year in a row. Each Jaxson Scholar was sponsored by
a Sterling department or family where they purchased four itemssomething
they want, something they need, something they wear,
and something they read. They delivered the wrapped presents
with Santa and his adorable elves during our holiday gathering
at Strikes and Spares in Mishawaka, IN. Our Jaxson Scholars look
forward to this event every year as it brings in so much holiday cheer
before the new year!
“I support the JWAS Foundation because of my love for the founders and for the families JWAS
serves. It is rare to find a charitable giving opportunity where I can see the direct impact
that my donations make to improve the lives of the Jaxson Scholars. To have 100% of the
administrative expenses underwritten by the co-founders is an amazing gift to the children.
I enjoy the updates I receive throughout the year, the opportunity to attend the Annual Wine
Dinner, and most of all, buying presents for the children at Christmas!”
– Andrea, Sterling Team Colleague
13

Fundraising Efforts
8th Annual Wine Dinner with Fisher Vineyards
On June 10, we hosted our 8th
Annual Wine Dinner at The History
Museum of South Bend. While
tasting the exquisite wines with CEO
Rob Fisher, of Fisher Vineyards, we
had an unprecedented number
of supporters join us to celebrate
Jaxson’s legacy, our Jaxson Scholars,
and their families.
Through their generosity, we raised
over $2.2 million for the educational
Lydia’s Gift
When one of our long-term
supporters and friends arrived at
the 8th Annual Wine Dinner and
saw the Jaxson Scholars’ smiling
faces, they were overwhelmed by
scholarships, services, and programs
we provide to those we serve. This
record-breaking amount includes
Lydia’s Gift, an anonymous $1 million
donation made at the end of the
night. The success of the memorable
evening will help us strategically plan
for the long-term sustainability of our
mission. The generosity bestowed on
the foundation that night propels us
to continue to dream big for JWAS!
God’s presence. Throughout the
evening, they were in awe as they
learned about JWAS’ profound
impact on our Jaxson Scholars and
their families. When JWAS parent,
Savino Rivera, shared his family’s
story, it confirmed our supporter’s
desire and calling to make the first
$1 million donation to JWAS in the
foundation’s history. “Lydia’s Gift”
honors the daughter they lost hours
after birth nineteen years ago. If both
were alive today, Jaxson and Lydia
would be the same age. We have
The Swank’s dedication
to their Jaxson Scholars
knows no bounds and
is felt nationwide. We
saw firsthand what this
organization provides to not
only the selected children
but to their family members
as well. Hearing the impact
from families was one of
the most humbling and
touching moments we have
experienced. Thank you for
allowing Fisher Vineyards to
be a part of this inspirational
and life-changing event that
will last a lifetime.
– Rob Fisher, Fisher Vineyards
CEO & Morgan Rasmussen,
Director of Operations
no doubt the two of them will shine
their forever-expanding light on our
Jaxson Scholars and their families for
years to come.
We are Grateful for Our Vintner Partnerships in Napa Valley!
2011 - John Caldwell, Caldwell Vineyard & Winery 2019 - Steve Reynolds, Reynolds Family Winery
2013 - Juelle Fisher, Fisher Vineyards
2020 - Todd Newman, Dakota Shy (virtual)
2016 - Nicole & Ryan Hill, Hill Family Estate
2021 - Terry & Nancy Klein, Allora Vineyards (virtual)
2017 - Laura Long & David Long, David Arthur Vineyards 2021 - Samantha & Patrice Breton, Vice Versa Wines
2018 - Dr. Madaiah, Revana Estate Vineyard
2022 - Rob Fisher, Fisher Vineyards
14

JWAS Board of Trustees
Back row left to right: Lance Swank, Josh Swank, Co-Founder Larry Swank, Larry Swank II
Front row left to right: Brenda Swank, Danette Swank, Co-Founder Sherry Swank, Kristin Swank
Not pictured: Tiffani Swank
Letter from our Executive Director
Dear JWAS Family,
There is a defining feeling in my heart when I reflect on
2022. It was the third year I served JWAS in this capacity and
the fourth year since I began my journey working with the
Swank family. When I think about how much I have learned
and grown through their mentorship and friendship, I
realize a more significant power has been at play in bringing
us together.
I am grateful to the Swanks, our incredible team members
who tirelessly give their time and talents, and you. You have
brought more love and light to the foundation than we
thought possible. As you continue to believe in our mission
and those we serve, you propel us to dream bigger for the
future of JWAS. Because of you, we can provide unmatched
love and support to our Jaxson Scholars and their families. Thank you for believing in us and participating in this magnificent
journey. I hope you always feel the blessing of Jaxson’s light surrounding you. He is a part of all of us!
Gratefully,
Jeanie Shuck
Executive Director
15

Strategic Vision:
The JWAS Foundation provides financial support, customized
programming, and services to ensure the success of our Jaxson Scholars
and their families from preschool through four years of university. We
inspire others by sharing Jaxson’s story, we treat our Jaxson Scholars like
our very own, and we bring Jaxson’s love and light with us and all that we
do as a foundation. By investing in our Jaxson Scholars’ education and
their social and emotional development, we motivate them to reach their
full potential and become forces of good in the community.
Mission:
The mission of the Jaxson William Augustus Swank Foundation is to
perpetuate Jaxson’s loving memory in providing financial assistance to
deserving individuals from preschool through college and to support
each recipient in achieving their potential to obtain scholastic distinction
while developing good moral character as future leaders.
Character
Values:
We cultivate honest and deep relationships. We lead with integrity.
Education
We continually create opportunities for growth, transformation, and
positive change.
Leadership
We practice authentic leadership which is embedded in what we teach
and who we are.
Faith
Our faith guides us. A greater power opens doors and opportunities for
us beyond our abilities.
For a child lost, a gift is given.
JWAS Foundation, 3900 Edison Lakes Parkway, Suite 201
Mishawaka, IN 46545
www.jwas.org