Youth Empowerment

It takes place several times each year, but it seems the celebration is even greater as students head into the holidays. They have had time to settle in to classes, get used to their teachers and figure out what the year is about. 

This report period at Youth Empowerment shows their students have experienced a jump of 52% for those with a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher and an increase of 15% for those with a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher. Taking top honors in today’s festivities are Jonisha Logan with a GPA of 3.83 up from 2.83 last report and Dalicia Bost with a GPA of 3.75 from 3.25 and also with all A’s and B’s are Oneisa Makerson with a 3.25 GPA and Julia Owens, with a 3.2 GPA. Many additional students had great gains and were celebrated with recognition and rewards. 

Many students, like adults, carry a heavy personal load often fraught with concern over the well being of a parent or family member or for their own living situation.  Youth Empowerment offers a break from family care and a chance to focus on the things that make a difference to them. 

The mission of Youth Empowerment is to provide support, guidance and life skills to youth ages 10 to 17 years old, and their families. Students arrive by bus, are dropped off by a parent or guardian or they may be picked up by Youth Empowerment. A typical afternoon for a student at Youth Empowerment begins when they arrive from school and start their homework with help if needed, then dinner is served and followed by time for play with a purpose. Depending upon the day of the week it may be a music class, art instruction, civic involvement through volunteering or a day when they choose to use the new computers and monitors provided by a grant from Facebook or even a game of billiards.  One of their recent activities is the assembling of play kitchens, a small bicycle, a picnic table and a slide for small children that will be donated as gifts for the holidays. Learning about the gift of service to others has and is a big part of what the students gain.

Youth Empowerment exists through grants, like the recent ones from Facebook and Belk’s of Forest City, and donations from individuals. Tracy Williams, Executive Director, stated, “ We really exist from the individuals who support our work, we need funds and we need volunteers.” Williams continued, “We are currently seeking people to serve on our Board of Directors who have a passion to serve children and want to work to see they have the tools to gain a vision for their future. We still have some student openings for this year. ” If you have questions or want more information, contact Williams at Youth Empowerment, 888-320-1290.