Part of nurturing a healthy mind and maintaining mental wellness is having someone that you can talk to, someone you feel safe with, and someone who will see your fear and be there to help. It may be a family member or a friend, but it’s always someone who has your back and knows your worth. This program encourages people to find their “Clarence” — a trusted friend, mentor, or confidant who can help support them in challenging times. At the same time, it encourages people to be a Clarence to others — a shining light, helping hand, or real-life guardian angel.

Clarence is the fictional character who plays the guardian angel of George Bailey, a despaired banker in the classic Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Bailey sacrifices his dreams to help his community to the point where he feels life has passed him by. Eventually, due to significant difficulties with his work, Bailey falls into despair and contemplates suicide. His guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, gives him a valuable perspective by showing him what life would be like if he didn’t have his wife, Mary, and his children and friends. Clarence also shows him what their lives would be like without George. Ultimately, George chooses to live — for himself and for those he loves — thanks to the kindness, friendship, and perspective offered by Clarence.

Since kindergarten  in Shawnee, Okla, Brett Bowers was the ‘Clarence’ to Tim Jones, and Tim was the ‘Clarence’ to Brett. Brett died suddenly and  unexpectedly from Covid-19 complications in Feb. 2021.

The Clarence Program will serve as the first  major fund-raising event  for The Mom & Mitchell Foundation.