Honestly the presentation was a 5 to me, it was well said and really stuck to me, any time I have a friend, or brother going somewhere I always make sure they are goibg to be okay. I am really emotional about this type of stuff and I really liked it. They are doing great on what she is doing
I can't see that they need any improvement. This organization is needed by the public because a lot of bad things happen in the community without people knowing. This is a good thing cause a lot of people don't wanna speak up
This profit is doing a very great job of coming to school and talk to students , caring and talking to students. Well, this profit can go out visit church and homeless kids and reach out to them \uD83D\uDE0A
Very well in the getting the message out. Shows great way in which bad choices affect consequences greatly. Opinion changed on wether to say something or not when one knows something. They're great as is.
She talked about what we should be doing. But was repetitive. She repeated things more often than she should have
Well I believe that the nonprofit is doing amazing and shouldn't really change anything in my opinion. I believe everyone should help and participate in thus organization to the word.
They are so nice and want to look out for teenagers, to make sure they make smart choices. As far as I can tell they don't need any improvements. :)
Well, from the information I remember, it is doing well achieving its goal. Also, I do think the cause is a pretty good one.
This nonprofit is helping kids realize how dangerous it really is to go out and drink and go out and not think before you do because it can cause you your whole life in just a second by a stupid situation that you have made and by telling her sons story makes you realize you really are not supposed to be where you may think you can be because people do not want you to be there
It was a very well put together speech, it was touching, and made an impact on my thoughts throuought life. Keep it up!
This is a great non profit organization because she really touched my heart throughout this presentation , not only that but her non profit applies to all teenagers , not only hers. She is very good and I would watch her again! No improvement is needed! I loved it!
This organization is changing lives, especially the lives of our youth. It's a wonderful program that should go national.
My whole entire life and outlook on safety, decision making, & peer pressure changed after Mrs. McWilliams spoke to my class my junior year of high school. Whether she realizes it or not, by her strength and willingness to speak about her tragedy she has probably saved so many lives directly and indirectly.
This is an amazing non-profit organization and if I could put more stars, I would.
Today Mrs. Jamie came out and spoke to us and it was just spectacular. The story was so touching, and to see her as strong as she is, it's truly amazing! I really appreciated her coming out and speaking to us today.
I love her spirit and how she takes the time out of her everyday life to speak to others. She's inspiring ❤️
Jamie Mcwilliams came to Apopka high school today and shared a presentation with the hope classes! Jamie is a strong women and even stronger mother!!❤️❤️❤️❤️She and I took pictures after the presentation
Jamie has been speaking to our students for years and her story is inspiring, moving, and motivational. We hope she will return to WPHS9 every year.
what they are doing well is informing parents and children of how to make smart choices. what they could do better is make there company more well known.
The speech was very motivational and I totally want them to come back and teach younger kids and inspire them to do well and not do drugs or drink under age
I though the speech was very helpful in making the right choice because now I know what not to do and what to do in the future for me to succeed.
I thought Justin's story was very sad and I thought that Justin's mom was very brave and strong for coming to our school to tell us his story because I k ow it's probably hard.
The speaker is quiet good the story were sad.it reminds us make right choice,it's all good don't need much improve
They did an amazing speech, it was very inspirational and sad. It makes people start to think before they act. And to make the right decision. And to have a parent to be there for them
The story that she gave is really inspiring and made almost Everyone cry , it made me think that if something like that ever happened to me that I would put my mother in that situation
Ms. McWilliams presented to students in my classroom in May 2013 during each of the six class periods of combined 6th/7th grade social studies classes. I was blown away by her presentation. It was very impactful and meaningful for my students. My students were engaged throughout the entire presentation. There were gasps upon hearing what happened to her son. I had students asking important questions to her during and after the presentation. Her presentation started off with her background and the story of what happened to her son. Her presentation then evolved into encouraging students to make the right choices in regards to such everyday dilemmas faced by students these days like bullying, social media usage, drugs and alcohol. The presentation is relevant and appropriate for all secondary students. At the end of her presentation she had a banner for all the students to sign. Some of the messages on the banner showed how much of an impact her message had on my students. I had students coming up to me days after to talk with me and share the stories of what they were going through in their life. I had one student come up and share with me how she had lost her sister. I had had no idea she had suffered though such a tragedy. Having Ms. McWilliams come and speak with my students is one of the best things I have ever done for my students. I plan on having her come out this year again and speak to my new group of students. Her message is something all students should hear. It really is all about making positive choices in life and my students really connected with her message and story.
I have known Jamie for several years and have always had such respect for her. I couldn't imagine that my respect and love for her could grow any bigger than what it already was. Then this past school year I had the opportunity to hear Jamie speak at Apopka High, in that moment my love and respect grew even more for her. To watch this women impact and hopefully change young peoples lives was amazing. Her presentation was absolutely remarkable. Jamie had almost the entire room in tears along with smiles and laughter. She knew exactly how to pull at every emotion to make them listen and think. She even had me think about the choices I make at 29 years old let alone these young adults who's decisions can impact their lives along with others in such positive and negative ways. I am proud to say that I know such a remarkable & generous women. Jamie has done outstanding job with her message to our youth.
We went to see Jamie McWilliams speak to a group of students a few months ago. From the very beginning of the presentation the kids were intrigued and captivated by Jamie's story about the terrible decisions young adults made which caused her to loose her son. The fact that they could relate to a mother in pain made the story real and had many of them thinking about choices they have been making. I think Jamie's efforts to help even one child make better decisions happens every time she speaks to a young group of individuals. The volunteers of her group and Jamie deserve a gold star in my book for trying to make a difference in the decisions are kids make.
Jamie visited the school where I am an assistant principal to encourage our students to make good choices during prom season. She was able to reach students and help them understand how important each and every choice they make is. The students at my school were engaged during her presentation and made a connection with what she was sharing. She was "real" and students appreciated her honesty. I know because of her presentation that our students will weigh carefully decisions that they will make in years to come.
Honestly one of the best speakers I've ever heard. Her story made a huge impact on my school. It really opens eyes. So inspiring and emotional!!
There isn't much to say that has not been said before my post. Jamie leaves me inspired and in awe of her passion and strength. I have known Jamie and her family since I was a little girl watching my brother play baseball with her son Justin. Although we were not extremely close, the loss of his life hit me and my family hard. Watching Jamie successfully fight for new laws and safety of our young community is beyond inspiring. Selfless and determined- Jamie McWilliams is undeniably saving children's lives and touching many hearts young and old. She is leading a path many should follow.. I dream of being half the person!
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This group shows strength and courage in young adults to stand up for what is right instead of what everyone else is doing. It is the going back to the basics of morality and can really change people- from adults with children to the teens themselves. Jamie McWilliams has a powerful story and message that needs to be spread and heard throughout our country!
This is a great non profit helping not only teach and instruct our youth but also our community. Thank you jamie for sharing justin's story and allowing it to help and even heal others in similar situations. You words are encouraging and touching to many out there, i just wish more people had the oppurtunity to hear it.
This is an amazing organization that reaches out to our youth in a very loving, candid and personal level. Jamie has taken the pain, agony, brokeness and struggles of losing her only son and has made a concious effort to turn that experience into a positive, informative, tangible, educational and emotional message to bring the message of responsibility, thinking things through, and ownership of your choices to our upcoming young adults. On a personal level, when I met Jamie years ago I could not believe the strength and composure she had while she was telling me all the things that her organization does. The excitement in her voice and of her efforts to reach as many lives as possible. I cannot imagine having to stand before anyone and time and time again relive the pain and agony of losing my child, but Jamie seems to find in her inner self the strength and ability to overcome her pain and emotion and reach out to make a difference in the lives of others.
Jamie McWilliams and all of the volunteers associated with PECC have made such an impact in the State of Florida. I am always so moved by the stories of students and parents and how they've turned lives around and helped young adults focus on making positive choices; most importantly breaking the cycle of poor judgment, abuse and violence. I hope PECC continues to grow and become more of a National NP institution. Jamie is an amazing person, friend and business professional, I love the work PECC does in my community and so many others.
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Where do I begin, I can't simple say enough about Jamie McWilliams President of PECC. Jamie has such energy, spirt and wonderful dedicated soul . She is an inspiration to young adults everywhere, encouraging and coaching on positive decision making skills. Her organization is such a gift to the great state Florida and beyond; giving parents and young ones the hope they need to move on after tragedies. The message of PECC is so strong and needs to be shared across this nation, every young person needs to realize actions make such an impact and affect others in so many ways. Thank you Jamie!
Jamie McWilliams is a caring, compassionate, energetic dynamo! She always goes above and beyond to bring an incredibly important message to young people. Her personal experience with tragedy more that 10 years ago galvanized her into action and she has worked tirelessly ever since. I have personally donated to her cause and I urge others to do the same. It would prove to be the best investment in the future of our young people and therefore our future as a country you could ever make. Her message of concern for the teens of today provides crucial guidance at a time when they are most in need of experienced mentors providing worthwhile advice and support.
Jamie and her Volunteers of PECC volunteered to come teach a class during my regular program at the homeless Shelter in Orlando WRCC! She had an amazing testimony and presentation and far exceeded our expectations. It was so refreshing to see someone so passionate about helping others. We definitely hope to have her and her team back. She definitely made an impact on our children.
I met Jamie McWilliams in my junior year of high school. I learned about her sons tragic accident and her struggle to find justice. Jamie has an important message that we need in this day and age. Parents Encouraging Confident Choices is important. She has a message that I believe can change the world. But that can't happen unless we come together. Jamie McWilliams I would personally like to thank you for inspiring wonder and hope. You have reached out to us and we are here to support you. In Memory of Justin McWilliams. Thank you for your time.
I met Mrs. Jamie my freshman year when she came to speak at my school and hearing her story showed me that people can go through so much and come out a stronger person when i heard about justin's story my heart was broken i lost my neice when she was 4 years old and having mrs. jamie there to help me and guide me through it was the best ting god could have given me she has showed us that we need to talk about our feelings so they don't stay bottled up and to know that no matter what those people may not be here anymore but they still love us and i am so thankful for her she has made such a big impact in my life i love you mrs. jamie
Jamie McWilliams 10/28/2012
Thank-you so much Haley. You and Ana were the first of my High School Ambassadors. It warms my heart to know that I have had a positive impact in your life and the lives of others; but just as importantly, you have been a blessing in my life as well. Haley Braswell is a Junior at Apopka High School in Apopka, Fl. She is one of 4- High School Ambassadors in our schools representing PECC and encouraging confident and responsible choices in her friends everyday!
Jamie McWilliams is not only my sister but my hero. On April 7, 2002 she received a phone call that would change her life. My nephew had been killed in a tragic accident that morning. There was no justice for my nephew in the criminal courts because of a loophole, so my sister decided to get the loophole changed. She spent years in Tallahassee fighting for change and was rewarded when the Justin McWilliams Act was passed. My sister doesn't just talk, she does. She also did not let the tragedy make her bitter. Rather, she started her own nonprofit company so that she could go speak to local high school students and encourage them to make better choices in their lives. She has worked tirelessly educating them on the domino effect of just one bad choice. I have no doubt that she has saved some lives with her exceptional ability to reach the younger generation. This is precisely the reason I think she should run for office. She is honest, hard-working, fair, and driven. She has always been able to remain level-headed in tense situations. There are very few people that possess all of these qualities but Jamie McWilliams does, and that makes her a true humanitarian of the people. I am so proud of you Jamie!!! I love and respect you more than you will ever know.
Jamie McWilliams 10/28/2012
Your love and support means everything to me.
Jamie, my old high school friend. Keep doing what you are doing, it is a great thing and we notice. You have helped so many children that probably would have gone bad if not for the outreach work that you do, you have made a difference. Keep being you.
Jamie McWilliams 10/29/2012
Thank-you for your ongoing support in all that I do.
I have known Jamie for 25 years now. She is not only one of the nicest people I have ever met but one of the most professional, sincere and dedicated people I know. As a mom I can't imagine the heartbreak she has suffered over the loss of her beloved son but I admire her for the courage it took and has taken to relive her loss over and over in an effort to educate young adults about the impact their choices have on others, as well as themselves.
I have known Jamie and her family for about 15 years now. My brother use to be on Justin's baseball team. From the moment this tragedy happened, she has worked non stop to ensure this does not happen again. She doesn't do anything half way. Besides coming up with and making this organization what it is today...she has even pushed our State to change a law that had a major loophole in it. For anyone that knew Justin and has gone to her website or watched her presentation; it's very emotional. For anyone who has never met Justin but just listens to Jamie; You'll feel like you knew him his entire life and you will be touched as well.
I've known Jamie since junior high and have always known her to be driven, passionate and committed to making the world a better place. Through her family's tragedy she has created this organization to affect change in our children while they are still impressionable. She works tirelessly and never says no when asked to speak and share her message. Her dedication allows her son, Justin, to live on in our hearts. There is no more deserving a person or organziation than Parents Encouraging Confident Choices and Jamie McWilliams. God bless her and the passion that she has for encouraging us to keep going...
It has been five years since I have known Jamie, as both, a close friend and a fine colleague at work. Jamie is one of the most caring and dedicated people I've ever known. Her passion and drive for what she believes in speaks volumes about her. Her love for her son and the great loss she experienced is her driving force to speak to children, teenagers and parents so no one will ever have to experience the heartache and pain Jamie and her family experienced with the loss of Justin. Jamie is a compassionate and hardworking human being with perseverance and ambition. It is people like Jamie who make a difference.
My mom has turned my brother's tragedy into something positive. She continues to take the extra mile with reaching out to our youth on making confident and responsible choices. I am very proud to call Jamie McWilliams my mother.
I have known Jamie for 8 years. We became quick friends as we shared stories about our Son's that had both been tragically killed at an early age. I have two other Son's that attended West Orange High School. They shared with me the wonderful presentation she did at their school. I know she puts her heart and soul into her organization in order that other parents don't have to go through the grief that we have had to endure.
If only the person who killed my daughter could have heard Jamie, I'd still be holding her today instead of laying flowers at her gravesite. The most important work we can ever do is between those walls of our homes, equipping our children with confidence to do the right thing. I've known the founder of PECC since 2005. Jamie has embraced life instead of bitterness, advocated for change instead of giving up, created an atmosphere of fairness & awareness instead of allowing ignorance to prevail. She brings awareness to the frontlines where it's needed most. I'm honored to have crossed paths with this special lady, friend, & advocate.
Ive known ms jamie since last year over summer. I wrote her on facebook about bcomming one of her high school ambassitors. and she told me what she did and how i could become one. She told me her story and what happend and it broke my heart. I say shes a strong women and has made a wonderful thing happen with kids an there choices. She has changed the way i think about things and what not. Ever since i became a high school ammbasitor i can help kids make the best decision there life. I would not want to see anyone go thru what ms jamie or i did. Ms jamie has made me think positive things about my daddy. ms jamie is a wonderful lady and she makes changes happen.
I've known Jamie for 15 years and in short, she is one of the most compassionate, inspirational and committed people I know. I was a friend of her son, Justin, who inspired Parents Encouraging Confident Choices and she hasn't stopped pushing for him and for this since the day he passed away. I think the organization is a necessity and an incredible way to reach out to our youth in the scary world that kids and teenagers live in these days. It only takes a second for someone to make a bad decision that could effect the rest of their life, or even end their life, so the mission of Parents Encouraging Confident Choices is something we, as a community, should welcome with open arms.
I've attended Jamie's school presentation. I believe she has something that all of us as parents want for our children-the power to persuade and point them in the right direction. There is no shortage of good advice or good will for our children, but, in this noisy world, it is rare to find someone that can connect with kids in a way that they will listen to good advice. The Parents Encouraging Confident Choices school presentation is captivating, and it causes kids to think about the very thing that Jamie wants them to think about-the choices that they make.
I met Jamie online several years ago...we were both attending the Women's Conference in Long Beach. We were going there to heard Patrick Swayze's wife give a talk about grielf. She never made it, but Jamie was just such a positive influence during my time of grief. She's an amazing inspiration to so many people.
Children often listen to others more than they listen to their own parents. Jamie McWilliams' compelling personal story captures the minds and understanding of young adults and shows them them the deadly consequences of poor decisions. Jamie has turned a very tragic event in her life into a positive lesson for young adults, and these young adults listen. It is amazing!
Jamie, your dedication to make a difference and save our children is amazing. We make a difference one step at a time. Thanks for ALLyour steps.
The real reason the message is so well receive by young people is because it comes from Jaime MacWilliam's honesty and realism and her heart.
I have watched one mother's grief turn into a life saving mission. To stand against so many odds and accomplish what she has, is just nothing short of monumental. The lives she's touched, perhaps saved, just by telling her story. She's become a one woman institution, and to know her story and how she has spread the word about kids making the right choices and parents backing it up, is nothing short of a Godsend. Jamie McWilliams is one huge inspiration to young and old, and never seems to tire of helping others. God bless Jamie and her fight for "Parents Encouraging Confident Choices".
Jamie has turned an unimaginable tragedy into a program that is saving lives! I was fortunate enough to sit in on one of her recent visits to a local high school. Before PECC, there wasn't an organization that focused on speaking to teenagers in their schools and presenting the harsh reality of making poor decisions. These kids listen to her, she is able to reach out to them! She is able to create a running dialogue with them that lasts longer than their four years in high school. More schools need a program like this, all year long!
Jamie McWilliam have truly inspired me to know what i make my choice in the future her figure of speach was amazing!
This organization is a very well organized and thought out group. The founder is a wonderful individual who has helped the lives of many in her and out of her community. Jamie the founder does great presentations at the local schools to help students understand that the choices they make in a second can change their lives and the lives of others forever. I have personaly worked with this organization and love the impact and relationships that are built. The story of her son is truly heart fet and I will never forget the call when I received mine and only hope she continues to educate others on how one brief chice can truely change the lives of so many. Jamie is an amazing woman who has helped numerous many students with the healing process as well for those who can relate to her story of a lost loved one. She has also had a new law pass in honor of her son which countless time and efforts to have processed and become law.
PECC is a worthy and wonderful cause. Jamie McWilliams goes into schools and speaks to kids BEFORE they get into trouble about making the right choices. She lost her son because of a poor choice and is now trying to encourage our youth to STOP and THINK BEFORE they make the wrong choice as this could cost them their life.
I asked PECC to come to our school and speak to the Juniors and Seniors just before prom 2012 and tell them her story, Justin's Story. I don't think anything can compare to the loss of a child and for her to have turned this tragedy into such a positive message for kids today is just incredible. She not only talked about making "bad" choices, but also encouraged making good choices and "being" in your childs life. Know where they are, who they are with, what they are doing, at all times. I am 57 and growing up today is so different from my teenage years. We still got in trouble, got caught by our parents, and suffered punishment; however, the dangers of today are so much greater than just drinking or drugs. With bullying, sexting, and all the social media outlets and gadgets available to kids today, they are at risk even when they are at home in their own bedroom. I watched the students file into the gym that day, thinking they were just going to be told about prom rules and what to expect, but they got so much more. I watched their faces change from bordom, to shock, sympathy, sadness, all kinds of emotions. That is how powerful her presentation was. And by the end of the progam, I watched tears roll down the faces of the students, males and females, teachers, faculty members and visiting guests like me. I watched as students came up to her and told her how in just that hour of their life, she changed them. She made them think. About the two students we had lost the previous summer in a tragic auto accident; some talked about losing parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends to tragic accidents or drug overdoses and even a few that talked about losing people to suicide due to being bullied. She changed the whole atmosphere of the gym that day. She made them think. To think about the choices they make and the impact their choices can have on other people.
parents encouraging confident choices came to my school and Jamie McWilliams was the speaker. she told us the story of her son who was killed at a party. as she told us her story i could see the impact it was having on every one in the room. teachers and students alike were all so focused and intent on listing to her. as a senior at my high school i have never seen all the students so quiet. i saw some start to cry and others at a loss for words. that day every party was cancled; and i believe it was just the raw impact of it all. she made a true conection with us that day. i would gladly help her and her program in any way shape or form that i could. Jamie McWilliams made friends that day that will change peoples lives forever.