Our Little Jewels, Inc. is an IRS approved 501 (c) (3) non-profit, charitable organization. Having no paid employees allows us to distribute over 90% of the donations we collect, directly to the programs and organizations that we have chosen to help fund.
We will be providing financial support to the following programs, while continuing to support the research efforts of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Cure SMA.
Read the President's Open Letter from Jim Lewis on why he started OLJ and learn how you can help.
Read >Founder, President and Treasurer
Vice President
Secretary and Director
Director
Director
Former Secretary and Director
Jim is currently the owner and President of his own remodeling business. Prior to founding Our Little Jewels, Jim volunteered with The Muscular Dystrophy Association of MD as a captain of the annual Stride and Ride and Muscle Walk Fundraisers. During that time, his teams have raised over $60,000 which was designated to be given to the MDA for the research efforts of the scientists and doctors searching for treatments, and hopefully, a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. His grandson, Julian, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy-Type 3 in January, 2007.
Derek has been an elementary school teacher in the Prince George's Co. and Howard Co. public school systems in Maryland. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of MD, Baltimore County (UMBC) in English Literature and Creative Writing, a master's degree from UMBC in Instructional Systems Development and a Ph.D at UMBC in Language, Literacy and Culture. Derek is currently Reading Recovery Teacher Leader. He is the father of 2 children, Julian and Siena. Julian was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy-Type 3 in January of 2007.
Tina is currently a reading support teacher in the Howard County Public School System. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of MD in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree from John's Hopkins University in Reading Sciences. She has been employed in the Prince George's County and Howard County Public School Systems for 15 years. She is the wife of Derek Lewis and also the mother of 2 children, Siena and Julian. Julian was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy-Type 3 in January of 2007
Bob is a 37 year employee of the Federal Government. He is currently a Senior Executive with the Social Security Administration. He is a graduate of the University of MD and holds a master's degree in Management Administration. For the past 16 years, he has been a volunteer at the Nightmares from Elmridge-Halloween Haunted House project that donates its proceeds to local programs such as Special Olympics, volunteer fire departments and other charitable organizations. He has also assisted Jim Lewis with his fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Victor has more than 40 years of experience in hospital administration. Before becoming president and CEO of Howard County General Hospital in 1990, he was CEO of Baltimore's Bon Secours Health Corp. Inc., and operator of the city's Bon Secours Hospital, where he began his service as controller in 1972.
A business administration graduate of the University of Baltimore, Mr. Broccolino received his master's degree in business administration from Baltimore's Loyola College. He now serves or has served on nearly two dozen state, county and educational boards and committees, including the United Way Community Partnership Board of Howard County; the Howard County Executive's CEO Group; the Maryland State Emergency Medical Services Board, and the Howard County Public School System's Educational Foundation Board. Victor recently retired after 23 years of service with Howard County General Hospital.
Daria was a practicing attorney in Howard County. She resigned from the board in February, 2014. Daria and her husband are moving to South Carolina in April. She was experienced with the formation and operations of non-profit organizations. Daria was formerly a Director for ASK, a non-profit organization dedicated to raise awareness of child abuse and to assist the survivors of such abuse. She has also volunteered at a women's abuse center in Bethesda and assisted adult victims of abuse at their protective order hearings. Daria was instrumental in filing the necessary paperwork with the IRS in order to get Our Little Jewels its 501 (c) (3) status. We thank her for her 6 years of service as a board member of Our Little Jewels.