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I love my job!! About two weeks ago I stopped by the summer camp site for one of our clients, Fresh Youth Initiatives, to check out Pajama Day in action during their spirit week. Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc. serves over 1500 students a year in the Washington Heights/Inwood areas of Manhattan, which is a largely immigrant neighborhood. The Benson Agency is providing operational systems building support to the organization. This is why I love my work. Yes, it is always fun to attend a good Pajama Day, but it's more than that. The Benson Agency finds solutions to ensure that events like spirit weeks not only are great for the participants, but also build the capacity of the organization. Our job here is to support the incredible programming and staff that celebrates and uplifts the students, families and community, which is really what Fresh Youth Initiatives does best, but also to look at it all through the lens that asks, “How can we use programming to drive capacity and create stronger capacity to drive programming?” It helps to really understand the programs… and that is why I got to talk to this camper about the hamster cage she built while she showed off her Minnie Mouse pajamas. So, how can we drive capacity with a Spirit Week? What if each day focused on college and career readiness and were sponsored by corporations and foundations committed to this goal? Funding would not only support the short-term program, but the long-term viability of the organization paying for staff time (that was being spent without the funding anyway) to design and implement the week and building interactive relationships that go far beyond simply asking for money and writing a check. Local colleges could send their mascots and athletes for special rec programs for a College Day inspiring kids to start thinking about their own future goals. Pajama Day could be connected to literacy and students could do a read-a-thon sponsored by a foundation committed to elementary education. Career Day could see multiple corporations sending staff to engage with students to talk about future possibilities. Or a Brain Day, where a local hospital funds brain health programming and snacks that could culminate with a multi-generational after school event that happens at pick-up. You get the idea. Oftentimes in nonprofits, programming feels “on the ground,” while development feels “back-office.” It is a special nonprofit that sees the connection and drives the departments to work together not only to fund programs, but to develop and build them.  

I don't typically post about awards/achievements for a few reasons, but I'd like to celebrate a little this week. On Friday, April 19, I will be employed 20 years with Boys & Girls Clubs. It's an organization I deeply love. It has enriched my life in countless ways, and I get to work with people who change the world. The last 6 years, I've been fortunate enough to lead this organization as CEO. The past two decades offer a lot to reflect upon, but this last year has been particularly special as we build a youth development program like no other in Cincinnati. In just the past 6 months: ·  We finished design/development on our first ever Youth Workforce Development Center in Price Hill, a place like none other in Cincinnati. This center focuses on high schoolers, and will allow us to convene businesses, universities, trades, and the military to ensure all students have job experience, a mentor, and a viable plan post-secondary. It'll include financial literacy, homework help, access to mental health professionals, job readiness, driver's ed, e-sports, a snack and dinner every night, and more. It'll be open M-F, five hours a day during the school year and M-F for eight weeks, eight hours per day during the summer. Like all of our other programs, this will be free of charge.    ·  We broke ground on our new K-12 Farmer Family Club at Roll Hill, a community with no options for kids after school. The Farmer Family Club will feature a Youth Workforce Development Center on the second floor.    ·  We continued the $3 million renovation of our Kenton County, KY, Club which will feature a Youth Workforce Development Center on the bottom floor. Renovations will be finished in May.     ·  We increased salaries for staff because when we retain effective leaders, we retain kids. We are doing the things we always dreamed of doing for kids, but we are far from finished--and we still need help bringing it all to fruition. We will be renovating our other facilities, continuing the expansion of our Youth Workforce Development programming. And when that's finished, we have more plans for expansion beyond the thousands of kids we already serve at our 7 sites annually. Boys & Girls Clubs gets results. We're building something special, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to work alongside all the staff, donors, volunteers, board members, and kids throughout this incredible ride. So, I'm gonna have some fun on Friday. We have a lot more to do, and I can't wait to do it. I am excited about the next 20 years!

NONPROFIT SHOUT-OUT: Edition 67: With a rich history spanning over a century, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City have been at the forefront of youth development programming and advocacy efforts for urban youth. The Clubs are not just a place but a lifeline for the young people who need us the most. With nearly 1,000 young people walking through our five Club sites daily and almost 8,000 unduplicated members served annually, the clubs' impact is felt in every corner of our community. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City is to promote the development of self-esteem, values, and skills for boys and girls ages 5-18, with special emphasis on youth from disadvantaged circumstances. The organization's vision is to be the leader in providing developmental opportunities for significant numbers of youth. Their strategic vision is to assist Kansas City's children and youth in living out their most fantastic dreams through developing skills and competencies and keeping 100% of active Club members on track for high school graduation with post-secondary plans. To achieve this vision, they have established a comprehensive, year-round educational focus for our programming. Their blueprint allows all of our programmatic endeavors to build off one another in a specific, intentional manner. This Whole Child organizational approach enables us to support and supplement educational enrichment activities while also building life skills in more traditional youth development frameworks. The youth development programming offered by the Clubs significantly impacts four core areas: Healthy lifestyles, education and careers, technology, and public speaking and leadership. Are you curious to learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City? Click the link in the comments and join their mission to empower the city's youth. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a real difference in the lives of our young people. Next Up: Wounded Warrior Project

On Friday I rounded the corner of St. Paul Street to head to the Center. I was stopped by a KSC mom who lives in the apartments next door. She told me she wants to move her and her three young children out of Burlington because she does not feel safe any longer. She then proceeded to tell me there was a man at the end of program on Thursday who was punching and kicking cars after throwing his drug pipe by the Center. He then smeared his blood on the cars on our block. He walked back and forth very aggressively in front of our doors. We had to hold back our young staff until the police arrived with the EMT to patch his arm and he left the block. I tried to make her feel better and then I went into the Center, put on gloves, and went back out to pick up the pipe with drug residue in it so that our kids wouldn’t touch it. This young mom cares deeply about her kids and knows the value of KSC for them. She does not have transportation. She is looking to move out because she’s scared in her own home. This means her kids will lose access to our programming and there is no other program like ours nearby. I wish this was the first story like this in front of KSC. I wish it was the first time I’ve heard from a parent that their fear for their children’s safety means they cannot attend programming anymore. Our youth and families are being significantly impacted by our approach in Burlington right now. They deserve to have access to critical programming without fear for their safety. It’s time we take a broader lens to our application of harm reduction. It needs to go beyond one population of people. Where are the investments in harm reduction for our youth? In a few weeks, our print newsletter will hit mailboxes. In it, I expand on this concept and share more about the reality for youth in this environment. It’s a call to action. We must prioritize these kids as we invest in solutions. And right now we are not. If you don’t receive our print newsletter, you can sign up at the bottom of the page here. https://lnkd.in/eXNjX5W4. Some may say it is a risk to share this perspective as an organization, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take. The alternative…to say nothing…is far riskier for our youth. Btw: There are many reasons to still feel safe in Burlington. Not everyone feels unsafe or is unsafe. But there are many KSC families right now who are worried and I nor anyone else can dispute or argue their reality when they are the ones who live in the neighborhood and are sharing their experience with us.

I absolutely love the organizations that I support through my coaching and programs. So this Giving Tuesday, I want to shine a light on them and their important work. 🔥 I know today can feel overwhelming. But don't let the extra noise distract you from the opportunity... Just as birthdays or anniversaries are opportunities to pause and say “I love you” to our loved ones, today is an opportunity to pause and say to the nonprofits in your world: “I see you. Your work is important.” So this Giving Tuesday, I encourage you to find simple ways to center and celebrate generosity ❤️ And if you’d like to support an organization that’s new to your world, definitely check out these incredible organizations: 🔥 >> @Willie Mae Rock Camp: Integrates music, technology & STEM to empower girls and gender-expansive youth to thrive as creative leaders in a tech-driven future. >> Brooklyn Debate League: Equalizes access to the transformative power of speech & debate. >> Nurturely: Promotes infant and maternal health equity through education, research, and community engagement. >> STEM To The Future: Creates educational programs that show how personal liberation can spark broader societal change. >> STEM From Dance: Empowers girls of color to explore STEM through dance-based programs. >> DRIVE CHANGE, INC.: Uses the food truck industry to run a fellowship for young people returning home from jail and prison. >> Avenue Scholars :Ensures careers for students of hope and need through education and supportive relationships. >> San Francisco Beacon Initiative: Helps the people who work at schools work together better and create better schools. >> The RISE Center for Liberation in Early Childhood Education: Makes sure babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can access high-quality, culturally affirming care and education before age five. >>Building Electrification Institute (BEI): Helps cities fight climate change by working with them to create policies and programs to transition buildings off of fossil fuels and onto clean energy. >>Hamilton Partnership for Paterson: Supports the educational, social, and economic benefits of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in NJ >>Cohort Sistas: Creates a pipeline to doctoral education for historically excluded scholars, especially Black women. >> CROP Organization: Reimagines reentry through a holistic, human-centered approach to advocacy, housing, and skill development. >>Nonprofit Quarterly: Provides independent journalism to strengthen the capacity of civil society. >>PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support): Builds and strengthens connection between parents to strengthen families and build community. >> Sauti Yetu Center for African Women, Inc: Mobilizes African immigrant women to improve their lives, strengthen families, and develop communities. >> Empower The Village: Empowers and uplift communities of African descent through education and economic development.

Monahans Kids Zone Secures Transformative Challenge Grant from Mabee Foundation to Expand and Enhance Services for Local Youth Monahans Kids Zone (MKZ) has been a vital resource in the Monahans community since 2007, providing after-school and part-time summer programs to low-income children. Operating under Ward County Greater Works Inc. (WCGW), MKZ is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Recognizing challenges in its current facility and the importance of investing in the future of Monahans’ children, MKZ launched a bold campaign to construct a new, multi-use facility that will significantly expand its ability to serve children and families in Monahans. The new facility will offer modern, dedicated spaces for educational programs, recreational activities, and other critical services. Thanks to the remarkable support of campaign volunteers and donors, MKZ has made substantial progress toward its fundraising goal. Today, MKZ is thrilled to announce a $1,300,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. This grant is a major milestone for the campaign and reflects the importance of MKZ’s mission. To unlock the Mabee Foundation’s grant, MKZ must raise just over $1.2 million within the next 12 months. This challenge underscores the need for strong community support to finish the project and ensure MKZ’s mission to serve Monahans children continues to thrive. WCGW Vice President and Monahans Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Teresa Burnett shared, “We are incredibly grateful to the Mabee Foundation for recognizing the importance of this campaign. Their challenge grant is an extraordinary opportunity to rally our community and secure the funding needed to complete this vital project. With your help, we can meet the challenge and build a brighter future for the children and families we serve.” The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation – with offices in Midland, TX – funds capital projects in six states, including Texas. Since its inception, the Foundation has given over $1.2 billion, including many challenge grants to motivate widespread community support to finish critical projects To learn more about the MKZ campaign and how you can help meet the Mabee Challenge, visit contact Bryan Heflin, Board President, at gbheflin@gmail.com About Monahans Kids Zone: Monahans Kids Zone is a cornerstone of the Monahans community, offering programs that inspire, support, and empower children from low-income families. By providing a safe, nurturing space for children to learn, grow, and succeed, MKZ is shaping a stronger future for the entire Monahans community.

📆 TIME SENSITIVE ⏰ - requests to access the application are due July 5. Applications are due July 15! Act now as this application may be a bit of a 🏋♀️ 'lift'! 🏋♂️ Over 1.3 million dollars are now available to Michigan nonprofits who work with youth. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is requesting proposals from several Michigan nonprofit partners to administer The Empowering You Today program.    Awards up to $145,000 will be available to multiple organizations to facilitate The Empowering Youth Today program to teens between the ages of 10-15. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is open to public and nonprofit entities such as local health departments, community health centers, nonprofit hospitals/health systems, school districts, federally recognized Michigan tribe(s), 501c3 nonprofits and other social service organizations/community-based organizations qualified to implement youth programming, and universities.   ACCESS a recording of the Pre-Application Conference to hear instructions on using the EGrAMS system. Project director requests to access the application are due by 5 p.m., Friday, July 5. Grant applications for the Empowering Youth Today program RFP must be submitted electronically through EGrAMS by 3 p.m., Monday, July 15. For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Public Health Administration” link and selecting the “EYT-2025” grant program.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘅𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 At the heart of the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry (UUUM) is a commitment to empowering the next generation, and nowhere is this more evident than in our 𝗥𝗼𝘅𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 (𝗥𝗬𝗣). RYP serves as a vital resource for high school students, providing a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where youth can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Grounded in principles of equity and opportunity, these programs are designed to meet young people where they are and help them build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to shape their own futures. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗬𝗣 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲? 𝟭. 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: RYP recognizes that success is not just about academics. It’s about fostering resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate the world with confidence. Through mentoring, college prep, life skills workshops, and arts programming, RYP takes a comprehensive approach to youth development. 𝟮. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Located in the historic First Church in Roxbury, RYP is deeply connected to the community it serves. The program not only creates a sense of belonging but also connects students with local history and culture, grounding their growth in a sense of place and identity. 𝟯. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: RYP places a strong emphasis on leadership, offering youth opportunities to take on meaningful roles within the program and their community. From public speaking to organizing events, these experiences prepare students to be active, engaged citizens. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 Through RYP, hundreds of youth have found a supportive space to learn, explore, and dream big. The relationships formed within the program—between peers, mentors, and staff—often last a lifetime, becoming a network of encouragement and opportunity. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 As RYP continues to grow, we are excited to expand its impact and reach even more young people. Whether through new partnerships, enhanced programming, or increased access to resources, RYP remains committed to fostering equity and opportunity for all youth in Roxbury and beyond. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 Programs like RYP thrive on community support. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or simply learning more, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help shape a brighter future for the next generation. For more information about the Roxbury Youth Programs or to get involved, visit UU Urban Ministry’s website at https://lnkd.in/e3eRnmR5 or reach out directly. Let’s build something extraordinary together. #YouthDevelopment #SocialJustice #RoxburyYouthPrograms #UUUrbanMinistry

Why I Decided to Step Up Again as President of my son's community kinder? Last night was a proud moment for me. Over 40 parents gathered for our Annual General Meeting, where we ratified a new constitution, filled all the committee spots, and set a strong foundation for the coming year. I was honoured to be re-elected as President for another term—and this time, I feel ready to take on the challenge with confidence, experience, and a fantastic team by my side. But why did I decide to run again? For me, it all comes back to community and the power of connection. As someone who helps businesses tell their stories and connect with audiences through video, I see the same principles at play here in the hills. Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool is more than a place of learning for my 4-year-old son; it’s a hub for friendships, collaboration, and growth—for both the children and their parents. Being President allows me to contribute to something deeply meaningful: shaping the environment where my son and his peers will grow and thrive. Practicing Leadership and Community Impact This role has been an incredible opportunity to practice and refine my leadership skills. Running a community-based kinder involves a mix of delegation, organisation, and strategic oversight—skills I use every day in my professional life. From planning fundraising initiatives to securing grants and supporting our teachers, I’ve learned to guide a diverse team toward shared goals. I’ve also been able to make a tangible impact. By organising and overseeing projects, from upgrading facilities to creating a stronger IT infrastructure, I’m contributing directly to the future of our local community. And perhaps most importantly, I’m playing a part in shaping my son’s education—an experience that fills me with pride and purpose. Bringing My Passion for Video and Storytelling to the Role One of the ways I’ve brought my professional expertise into this role is through video. This year, I created videos to invite parents to the AGM, explain committee roles, and inspire others to volunteer. These videos were not just functional; they were a reflection of the values I hold dear—engagement, clarity, and connection. They helped demystify the process, encourage participation, and ultimately build momentum. And it worked. With all the committee roles now filled, we have a new team of passionate parents ready to continue the work of making Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool the best it can be. A Call to Action For those of you who’ve followed my journey as a video producer and strategist, this role may seem like a departure from my professional life. But to me, it’s all connected. Whether I’m crafting a brand message for a client or leading a community initiative, it’s about bringing people together, building trust, and making an impact.

#PopOutShowtober In February 2020, before the onset of the pandemic, I was working for a nonprofit that provided resources, training and support to foster youth and adoptive families. After noticing the lack of engaging programming for the teens, I had an idea to help them start businesses. I had successfully started and run a few at this point and helped countless others. I thought I can do this. I soft pitched the idea to my supervisor, he smiled. They let me volunteer with the teen program but I was on transport duty. Picking the kids up from their school and taking them to whatever program they had planned for them elsewhere or back to the office. Never heard another word about piloting my program, but I didn't stop working on it. This is the program's Business Binder. For each student to work on their business and have documentation of their progress. I started trying to think of ways I could make it virtual so more students could participate and I wouldn't have to leave my job (cause leaving my job is crazy right?). I kept developing it. June 2020 hit, and I was still developing the program. No plan for it yet, but I knew I was on to something. THE DAY I completed my last lesson of the program, I was let go from my job. My role no longer needed due to the pandemic, the grant that funded my position was being taken back. So I started a community education company called Parachute Learning. I figured there had to be organizations out there who already served the students this was for, but they didn't have programming for them. Chute Start Up School was my very first program. It later evolved into Teenconomy and the business into Helium Learning- "Education that Uplifts". My program has been used by programs from Miami to DC developing over 30 student businesses from apparel to apps to subscription boxes to beverage mixes and party kits. Completing this was one of my proudest moments. It's easy to get discouraged when things aren't growing or going like you think they should, but sometimes you gotta pop out and show YOURSELF that what was in you then, is still in you now. It's actually better cause that seasoning has had a chance to get in there! 😎