Inspiring Minds toasts its past, present, future
Trending
LOWELLVILLE ---- Celebrating its past and present while working toward an even brighter future, Inspiring Minds Youngstown hosted its annual fundraiser, Black & White Ball, on Saturday at the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center.
Since 2015, IM Youngstown has provided after-school and summer enrichment programming to nearly 1,000 Youngstown grade school and high school students. Its "scholars" (aka students) have achieved a 100% graduation rate among those who continued their education at college, joined the armed forces or entered the workforce.
Its stated mission at imyouth.org aims "to engage, inspire and empower youth to reach their full potential through education and exposure to life-changing experiences."
IM Youngstown scholars have visited more than 30 cities in 15 states and four countries, toured more than 50 colleges and universities and have been exposed to more than 40 companies and industries.
A freshman at Ursuline High School, Mya Young, excitedly spoke of the IMY trip to Baltimore last summer that included stops at nearby colleges.
She has spent two years with IM Youngstown and, with IMY guiding her, has read her poetry in public and co-hosts a radio show. The experience and influence has made her work towards her goal of graduating high school and attending a university on the path to become a doctor.
The evening featured the usual elements such events ---- dinner, basket and 50/50 raffle and deejay — but, more importantly, it included speeches and testimonials from those involved with the involved with non-profit organization.
Referring to the event's theme of "Future Impact Stars Here," Mahoning Valley Board Member Angela Moss said, "As we look forward to the future, my hope is that we continue building something that doesn’t just serve scholars today, but it creates a lasting impact for generations to come because when we invest in our children, we’re not just changing the future, we’re helping change the future of our entire community.”
She reminded those in attendance, who later were encouraged to donate in the envelopes provided on each table, what it takes to help the next generation be successful.
“I also believe it takes a village to build the kind of community where every child has the opportunity to succeed. That Village includes parents. It includes teachers and mentors. It includes businesses and community leaders and supporters, just like you who are sitting here tonight.
"Each of us has something that we can contribute and when it comes together, we can create opportunities that none of us could create alone.”
Speaking on the importance of having IMY for the community, Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell spoke of his background and that "inspiration was not to be found for me." He then stated several times that he was not seeking sympathy, just presenting the facts of his upbringing.
He then pointed out, "Right here, right now is the acknowledgment that what you have goes well beyond what many in this room probably would have got. So, what we give to you is a responsibility that to whom much is given, much is required of you, and you are already meeting that expectation.
"I want to tell you that you are our future. You are our present as well. We are relying on you. We expect a wonderful gift that which you go on and give away what you have been graciously given."
Superintendent of the Youngstown City Schools Jeremy J. Batchelor provided a filmed speech to the gathering. Another video offered a brief history of IM Youngstown and gave a tour of its new, larger facility at 2110 South Ave., Youngstown. Provided there are classrooms and tutoring rooms, study lofts, a training kitchen with a dining cafe and recreation and multipurpose areas.
Besides raising funds for IM Youngstown, its scholars worked together to donate money to an area non-profit. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this year's recipient went to Surviving Sisters United.
IMY Program Coordinator Tammy Hardin explained how this came about. "We are trying to teach our kids how to be leaders, but not only be leaders in the community, but also be able to give back in the community. So, their first order of business as a youth board was to find an organization in the area.
"Surviving Sisters were chosen because we are doing the award in honor of our board member, Trinette Simon, who is also a breast cancer survivor and been with Inspiring Minds for over 10 years. Surviving Sisters United is founded by Cherie Eldridge, who is also a breast cancer survivor. She’s been connected with Inspiring Minds as well. So, the kids chose her as a nonprofit organization to do a community investment."