The Lioness Group partners with Kiley Middle School

Date: 12/7/2009

SPRINGFIELD On Nov. 20, the Lioness Group became a School Partner with M. Marcus Kiley Middle School. As a new partner, founder Natasha Clark hopes to offer the resources of her company as a way to support and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.

After becoming familiar with the Partners in Education program offered by Springfield School Volunteers (SSV), Clark decided working with Kiley would give her an opportunity to officially recognize the importance and value of an education.

"You can tell a child how important school is until you're blue in the face. But unless you take an active role in helping them see the value in it, what is your true contribution?" Clark said. "Being a partner gives me the advantage of working with students hands-on. I can say, 'Here I am. If I did it, you can, too.'"

Clark initially became involved with SSV when she became a mentor to a Central High School student more than a year ago. She fell in love with the organization and, ultimately, became a program manager overseeing the Partners in Education program. As a small business owner, she realized she could only lead by example.

"It would be superficial for me to encourage other business owners to get involved, to explain to them the benefits of becoming a partner, and not practice what I preach," she said. "It is my absolute pleasure to help in any way I can and this partnership is a reflection of that.

"I thank the staff and administration for their warm welcome," Clark added. "I am very excited to build a strong partnership between the Lioness Group and the Kiley family."

The Lioness Group is a small firm based in Springfield that was founded for the entrepreneur and small business owner. They offer affordable quality writing, editing and media services. For more information log on to www.thelionessgroup.com.