COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS

Right Choices for
Youth Lead Org.

Nehemiah Vison CBO

Vision Centre1

Mount Sinai Church

Portsmouth Coalition
for Youth

Please check out the programs and projects listed below. Let us know if you'd like to team with us in enhancing the lives of today's youth -- the difference starts with the adults and we work on projects that also assist the adults in the lives of the youth. We believe that if we help the parents, we help the children -- it has a domino effect.

• EMERGENCY RELIEF — HURRICANES KATRINA & RITA AFTERMATH

A cooperative effort of Youth Matter, Inc.™ and its Partners ask for your assistance because . . . Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still attempting to recover from the massive storm that disrupted the lives of so many families, young and old, all races and cultures. We need to continue to make a difference in their lives by continuing to raise funds to help them. Families are still separated, homeless, broke, and in mourning. Assist us by making a financial contribution to Youth Matter, Inc. so that we can continue to fill the needs of hurricane families, youth, and individuals. Remember that we were all children at one point in our lives, and ALL YOUTH MATTER, no matter where they live.

• ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION — YOUTH ORATORICAL/SPEECH COMPETITION

The Orator/Speech Competition is held in January of each year in celebration of life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our program will be expanded to highlight the memories of Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Mrs. Rosa Parks -- two outstanding women of the civil rights movement into the 21st century. The program is designed to give students an idea of the value of public speaking and build self-esteem. Students from middle and high schools compete for awards of savings bonds and other gifts. Contestants must prepare a five minute speech with the an influence from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speeches. They are rated on voice, physical manner, speech structure, development, language, value, and effectiveness of the speech. At the event, there is other entertainment from students in the areas of dance, song, poetry, and instrumental music. A gospel performance is given by a local, national choir, or musician.

• "PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEERS SERVICE AWARDS"

Awards are presented in conjunction with the Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday celebration at the "Youth Oratorical Competition." Youth and adults of all ages are awarded for providing volunteer services hours.

• YOUTH MATTER MARCHING JAGUARS

In July 2003 through the "Right Choices for Youth Initiative" Youth Matter, Inc. started its after-school program called the “Youth Matter Marching Jaguars” — comprised of girls and boys, ages 7 to 21 in a music arts program. The program also gets the youth active in community service activities and volunteer projects. There is an-going fundraising effort to raise money general operating to support the program, as well as purchase of band uniforms. The program has been a 150 member band.

• CIRCLE OF LOVE -- GIRLS MENTORING PROGRAM

Girls Mentoring Program for that works with young ladies ages 12 to 19 to enhance their development into successful, productive citizens. “Circle of Love” Mentoring Program began – an Affiliate of Youth Matter, Inc.

• "IT'S A MATTER OF READING" BOOK DRIVE

Books are such an important part of our lives from a very early age. It's where the learning process begins and continues to grow. Youth Matter, Inc. established its first book drive through a mini-grant funded by Best Buy Corporation where we collect books and donate them to the families in homeless and emergency shelters. We found this to be an area of great need and sat out on a mission to make a difference.

• SCHOOL SUPPLIES PROJECT

"School Supplies Project" for the children for grades K thru 12 was started in August 1999. Many children are in need of schools supplies and their parent(s) are unable to provide them. Schools distribute supplies lists that the students are required to bring. From those lists, we determine which items need to be purchased or donated. Supplies are presented to children whose names we received from the Department of Social Services, the Foster Care Program, individuals who know of a need and local churches. The supplies are distributed two weeks prior to the school year opening which is usually in August.

• TOY & COATS DRIVE

Many children may not receive toys or need coats during the holiday and winter season. We donate toys provided from others who will drop off toys in stores lobbies. The Internet and local newspapers are used to announce the Toys & Coats Drive. Toys and clothing is presented to children whose names we received from the Department of Social Services, the Foster Care Program, and local churches. The Toy Drive will be started in November of each year in preparation for December 25th.