Bremerton’s Candy Lady Impacting Students One Conversation At A Time

“The Candy Lady” is known to students at Bremerton High School and Mountain View Middle School, but to West Sound YFC she is known as Cassandra Jameson, our Bremerton Area Director. 

As part of our not-for-profit Campus Life program we perform outreach efforts by engaging with youth in local hangouts from coffee shops, to skate parks, to schools. The mission of Youth For Christ is to bring hope to every young person in our community; we work with like-minded partners to create a positive difference in the lives of youth by using holistic and relational methods. 

“When I first stepped into the crowded lunchroom full of students, it was overwhelming. As I walked about the lunch room waving at students I didn’t get many waves back. I began to investigate ways to connect with students in the lunchroom, and I decided to start bringing candy!” Jameson shared,  “Candy became a conversation starter and I paired it with a question of the day. Investing in candy has transformed my experience on campus, revealing the power of consistency in building relationships.” 

Many of the students we work with are facing challenges nobody should have to go through such as poverty, bullying, addictions, mental health, abuse, crimes, dropping out, and even homelessness. Nearly one-third of teens do not have a trusted adult in their life and 69 percent of young people have three or fewer meaningful interactions in a regular day. For these teens hope seems hard to find but we believe we can help them change their story.

“If I missed a Friday at Mountain View, students eagerly asked, ‘Where were you last week? I was looking for you!’ When I'm present, I engage with over 60 students, and many have opened up about their challenges. One student bravely shared his mother's battle with cancer, while another revealed her struggles with low self-esteem.”

Through this small act of sharing candy, I've fostered over 100 meaningful connections with teens. Campus time has blossomed into one of the most rewarding parts of my life, reminding me of the importance of presence and connection.”

Many of these connections have turned into long-term relationships with our Campus Life leaders, some even started attending our free-drop in centers; giving teens a safe place to go and a trusted adult they can come to for guidance and support as they deal with life challenges. 

“Consistency matters to students more than you could imagine!”

As a non-profit we are constantly in need of support, you can help make a difference for the youth of Kitsap and North Mason by becoming a volunteer or providing financial contribution. Are you willing to help? 

For more information please visit our website www.yfcwestsound.org/.