Youth V.I.B.E. Nonprofit Serving the Community Free Nutritious Meals Through USDA Food Program
Decatur, Ga. – June 20, 2011. Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. in conjunction with the USDA Summer Food Program will be feeding the community this summer at a dozen different sites throughout DeKalb County. Towers High School, Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, Southwest DeKalb High School, Stephenson High School, Lithonia High School and other High Schools throughout DeKalb County, will be feeding sites for the community and open for service on designated days and times throughout the summer. Youth up to the age of 18 can receive free healthy meals provided by Youth V.I.B.E. and USDA, for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner depending on the site.
Meals will be provided to all eligible children free of charge. Children who are part of households that receive food stamps, or benefits under the Food Distribution Program or Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. For more information on feeding dates/times and sites please log on to www.youthvibe.org.
Youth VIBE is a nonprofit afterschool program which provides free services to over 600 youth per year within several Metro-Atlanta Schools. Our Vision is to Empower Tomorrow’s Leaders. We believe our impact compliments the school day and improves the exposure, academic and enrichment activities resulting in greater individual and community success.
Youth V.I.B.E joins forces with local Radio One Station Hot 107.9FM’s Community Initiative
Who: Youth V.I.B.E, Hot 107.9FM’s What: 11th Annual Hot Cuts and Curls: Back to School Celebration Where: Adamsville Recreation Center - 3201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Atlanta, GA 30311 When: August 8, 2010
Youth VIBE Inc. will host the 11th Annual Hot Cuts and Curls: Back to School Celebration on Sunday August 8, 2010 in partnership with Radio One’s Hot 107.9FM and the Jonathan Bender Foundation. For many families, buying school supplies is a tough expense, especially in this rough economy. The Hot Cuts and Curls: Back to School Celebration provides school supplies, free hair- cuts and hair care supplies for metro Atlanta Students in need of help. The school supply giveaway will take place at Adamsville Recreation Center, 3201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Atlanta, Georgia.
This annual event provides students in Elementary, Middle and High School the essential school supplies needed to become successful students. It is our goal to provide over 3,000 students with the necessities to start the school year of with confidence and in style. The Hot Cuts and Curls: Back to School Celebration targets registered Elementary, Middle and High School students in Metro Atlanta.
“This is an opportunity for Youth VIBE to connect with the children in our community to show them that we support and appreciate them”, said Waleed Shamsid-Deen, Executive Director of Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. Youth V.I.B.E. is charged with providing over 3,000 book bags full of school supplies for attendees of Hot Cuts and Curls.
“It is our goal to make sure every child who attends Hot Cuts and Curls has the necessary tools needed to start off a successful school year” stated, Dee Murray, Program Director of Youth V.I.B.E. Inc.
For Hot Cuts and Curls sponsor or volunteer opportunities contact Adeidra Washington at (757) 329-8903, or via e-mail at info@youthvibe.org
Youth VIBE Radio Spot #1:
Youth VIBE Radio Spot #2 - Thank you!:
Youth VIBE: Highlighting 15 Years of Service to The Community
Youth V.I.B.E was recently profiled on TBS Storyline. Click here to watch the video.
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. DJ's for a Day at V103!
V103's Greg Street is one of the hottest vee-jay's on Atlanta radio and this year, four students were selected to tour the studio and be a guest on Greg Street's "Top 8 at 8" radio show! Our students had the opportunity to watch as Greg Street recorded his number one talk show and learn the technical side of playing their favorite music on the air. Youth V.I.B.E. gives a special thanks to Greg Street and the V103 staff for opening its doors to our students to vee-jay for a day and talk on the air about their experiences with Youth V.I.B.E. and its impact on their lives.
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. and Precision Inc. Summer Camp 2008
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. and Precision Inc. partnered for our 2nd Annual Summer Camp collaboration, sponsored in part by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, to provide the most outstanding summer program in the country from June 26th-July 4th at Morris Brown College.
Date: June 26th until July 31th 2008
Summer camp continues weekly through July 31st. Transportation is provided, along with daily lunch. We include an academic component in the mornings and the afternoon is spent on music and the arts: jazz music, symphonic music, and dancing.
Sponsored in part by the Georgia Department of Human Resources
Droppin' Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods
This year, Youth V.I.B.E., sponsored the Droppin' Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods luncheon at Avondale & Cedar Grove High School. The event was hosted by Turner South's Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods! This day provided entrepreneurship, enrichment and finance education for students and staff. For more information on learning how you can incorporate healthy eating into your busy lifestyle visit www.marvinwoods.net.
Female Empowerment Retreat 2008
Youth V.I.B.E. hosted its 1st Annual Female Empowerment Retreat April 25th-26th 2008. 10 students were selected from Avondale & Cedar Grove High School to spend two days on a trip designed to motivate young girls academically, professionally, and emotionally. The retreat included: a tour of Spelman College & Clark Atlanta University during the day, an afternoon etiquette class sponsored by Miss Wiley's Etiquette Solutions; dinner at a four star restaurant, and later that evening, enjoyed the Tony Award winning play "Doubt"; followed by the ultimate sleepover at a premier hotel in downtown Atlanta. The Female Empowerment Retreat provided a bonding experience that many young girls today have never experienced. Each student left with revitalized sense of confidence, new ideas for their future, and friends to encourage them along the way.
Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference
As we continue in our mission to "Teach Youth the Art of Business", Youth V.I.B.E. is proud to have 15 students represented at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurship Conference 2008. The top Youth V.I.B.E. participants from each site were selected to attend the conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 14th-16th, and had the opportunity to collaborate with students from around the country to develop skills as a group and learn the techniques essential to owning a successful business.
Vibin' with a Vision Fundraiser
Our summer fundraiser was a huge success! Youth V.I.B.E. hosted the "Vibin' with a Vision Fundraiser 2008" where our board, partners, friends & colleagues gathered to share the successes of our organization over the past year and enlist the support of the community to help keep Youth V.I.B.E. going strong and empowering the lives of today's youth for a better tomorrow. Thank you to all of our partners & friends for your generous donations, we could not be here without your support! A special thanks to Chicago's Nancy's Pizza for all of your continued support!
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. and Precision Inc. Summer Camp 2008
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. and Precision Inc. partnered for our 2nd Annual Summer Camp collaboration, sponsored in part by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, to provide the most outstanding summer program in the country from June 26th-July 4th at Morris Brown College. For more information on registration please visit www.showtimemag.com.
Youth Empowerment Day 2008"The Truth about Crimes"
Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. hosted its annual Youth Empowerment Day at Miller Grove High School on February 22, 2008. 300 of Miller Grove's Wolverines focused their attention to understanding "The Truth about Crimes". Special guest for this year included: Hannah Cane, GM of Grand Hustle Entertainment, Alpha Mega, Beyonce Radio Personality 107.9, and Roderick Wilkerson, Crime Block. Youth V.I.B.E., Inc. thanks Dr. S. Carol Thedford and Ms. Meshium Horton for welcoming this powerful event into Miller Grove High School.
Youth Empowerment Day Receives Funding from Primerica through the Citigroup Foundation
Youth V.I.B.E. is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Primerica through the Citigroup Foundation. The Citigroup Foundation is fully funded by Citigroup businesses that include Primerica, Citibank, CitiFinancial, Smith Barney and Banamex. The grant will be used to support Youth V.I.B.E.'s annual Youth Empowerment Day, scheduled for February 24, 2007.
Youth V.I.B.E. Announces Board Expansion
Georgia Power and Geographics, Inc. are now a part of the Youth V.I.B.E. family, thanks to new board members Sadie Dennard and Gary Carter.
Sadie Dennard
Sadie Dennard joined Georgia Power in 1980 and has held various positions in Communications and Corporate Relations. She currently serves as an Assistant Region Manager for Georgia Power's Metro East Region. In this role, Sadie ensures that customers receive quality customer service. She works with local leadership to build community capacity that will support and stimulate quality economic growth and development in DeKalb, Rockdale and portions of Newton County.
Sadie earned her BA degree in Public Communications from American University in Washington, D.C. She is passionate about improving our public schools and committed to helping parents advocates for their children. Sadie served three terms as a member of the Atlanta Board of Education and formerly served as Board President. She has been recognized and awarded for her educational leadership and community commitment at both the local and state levels.
Gary is an Account Executive with Geographics one of the largest independent printing companies in the Southeast. Gary's youth involvement began in his home city of Rochester, NY mentoring local high school students. He continued his involvement after moving to Atlanta participating in the Hands-on-Atlanta Discovery Program at Whiteford Elementary for 6 years. Gary has a BS degree in Economics and a Masters of Science in Technology Management from Mercer University.
Youth V.I.B.E. Gives Thanks!
Thank you to Primerica through the Citigroup Foundation for sponsoring the 2007 Youth Empowerment Day on March 29, 2007. We also thank Stone Mountain Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep for being a co-sponsor of the event.
Youth V.I.B.E.'s 10th Annual Gala Sets Records!
2006 Media Moguls Honorees:(L to R) Actor/Comedian Robert Townsend, "Being
Bobby Brown" Executive Producer Wanda Shelley, Theater Actor/Director Kenny
Leon & "Being Bobby Brown" Executive Producer Tracey Baker-Simmons
Youth V.I.B.E.’s 10th annual awards banquet, A Salute to Media Moguls, was destined to be a huge success, with a host of celebrity honorees and guests confirmed to participate. The event raised an unprecedented $30,000 from ticket sales and sponsors, solidifying the event as the MOST successful Youth V.I.B.E. fundraiser to date!
Update: Brian Reynolds Takes Youth V.I.B.E. Mission to China
Brian Reynolds is Youth V.I.B.E.'s first graduate to leave the country in search of business opportunities. Currently, Brian is studying Mandarin and Cantonese at the University with plans to obtain a degree in Chinese language and culture. When asked to explain why Youth V.I.B.E. is significant, Brian responded with: "Youth V.I.B.E. is very important because it helps to broaden young people's views. I've always believed in myself but because of my experience with Youth V.I.B.E. I saw my potential past Lithonia, past Georgia, past the Southeast and past the United States. Youth V.I.B.E. allows young entrepreneurs like myself to be global business players!
Board Expansion
Youth V.I.B.E. is pleased to announce that five respected professionals from the Atlanta business community are now members of the Youth V.I.B.E. family.
Andrew Schutt
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP
Angela Lewis
UPS
Rochelle Jones
Kellen Company
Tonya R. Echols,
MD
Greater Atlanta Radiation Oncology Consultants,
LLC
Dr. Tonya Echols is a board certified radiation oncologist with her own practice, Greater Atlanta Radiation Oncology Consultants, LLC. Dr. Echols proved her commitment to the Youth V.I.B.E. board by giving the Board’s first donation during Youth V.I.B.E.’s 9th annual fundraising event. Dr. Echols is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and received degrees from The John Hopkins University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Andrew Schutt is a Senior Partner in the Corporate Department of Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, an Atlanta law firm with over 135 attorneys that serves the business transaction needs of growing public and private companies. He primarily represents individuals and companies in the sports and entertainment fields, and represents growing private and public companies in mergers and acquisitions, financing and general corporate matters, with a focus on businesses in the life science, telecommunications and technology fields.
Angela Lewis, a native of Washington, D.C., is currently an Account Executive for UPS. As a former top Sales & Marketing Representative for Pitney Bowes, Pepsi Cola and a few other Fortune 500 companies, she has received local and state sales awards and recognition for her consistent demonstration of a positive attitude and a high level of professionalism and integrity. Angela has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from the University of South Carolina. She is also a graduate of Leadership Clayton.
Rochelle Jones, of Kellen Company, is Youth V.I.B.E.’s immediate-past Program Director. Before relocating to the Atlanta area, Rochelle was Program Manager for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in Alexandria, VA. While there she promoted and enhanced resources from constituent groups/supporters and developed practical tools to help facilitate efforts of the program including periodic newsletters, handbooks and directories. Rochelle also previously served as Membership Manager for the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) in Washington, DC. Rochelle received a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and completed graduate coursework at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.
In addition, Christopher Goode of Goode-Van Slyke Architecture joined the Youth V.I.B.E. Board of Directors. Thank you all for accepting our invitation to be a part of the Youth V.I.B.E. team!
Youth V.I.B.E. Selects Interim Program Director
Shaakira Shamsid-Deen has been selected as the new program director for Youth V.I.B.E. on a 7 month-interim basis.
Shaakira is a graduate of Morris Brown College with a B.A. in Humanities and Public Relations. Her involvement with youth includes, but is not limited to substitute teaching; and volunteering her time to at risk youth and troubled teens. More recently, Shaakira received local media attention for offering free shelter in several of her rental properties to Hurricane Katrina victims.
”I am very excited to have a hands-on role in the development of Youth V.I.B.E.,” says Shaakira. “Even though it’s for an interim basis, I know I can help strengthen the foundation for the next program director, a foundation that is already quite strong because of the awesome work done by the immediate past program director, Rochelle Jones.
“The goals I will pursue in 2006 will help to continue giving Youth V.I.B.E.’s teen participants a fresh, interactive spin on business mentoring. These goals include: 1) seeking new collaborations with school systems and businesses; 2) assisting with revising the program curriculum, and; 3) securing grant opportunities that will allow Youth V.I.B.E. to remain the program of choice for teens dedicated to changing their lives with entrepreneurship and strong business skills.”
Youth V.I.B.E. Sponsors 2005 Legislative Black Caucus Youth
50 students from Avondale High School’s Youth V.I.B.E. program joined nearly 500 Atlanta area students for the 2005 Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
Youth V.I.B.E. sponsored the event’s youth summit that included a meet and greet session with legislators, a legislative simulation, a college expo and lunch. The simulation portion of the program provided youth with a working knowledge of the democratic process, and enhanced their skills in the area of parliamentary procedure.
Nearly 250 elected officials, business leaders and community activists were on hand on August 21 to help Youth V.I.B.E. celebrate its ninth year of mentoring teens interested in succeeding in business and as entrepreneurs.
This year’s celebration, entitled “Leading Ladies: A Salute to Women in Business,” paid tribute to women who are making a difference in their respected industries as well as the community.
Leading Lady honorees on the Callanwolde grand stair case.
Leading Lady honorees included Rashan Ali of HOT 107.9; Juanita Baranco of the Baranco Automotive Group; Grammy winner Regina Belle-Battle; TBS’s Kisha Cameron; Sadie Dennard of Georgia Power; Brenda Jackson, special events guru; teen entrepreneur and publisher Kenya Jordana James; Primerica Financial Services’ Barbara King; Debra Lee Tillman of First Service Mortgage; and Judy Turner, president of Decatur First Bank.
Primerica was the event’s title sponsor while CrossRoads News and Rolling Out served as media sponsors. Ticket sales, sponsorships, program booklet ads and silent auction bids all helped to make this fundraiser the organization’s most successful to date!
American Idol Diana DeGarmo (L) and WCLK-FM's Reggie Gay (R) present Grammy winner Regine Belle-Battle with her 2005 Youth V.I.B.E. Leading Lady award.
The event was hosted by gospel radio/tv personality Reggie Gay. Presenters included Georgia State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Miss Georgia USA 2005 Tanisha Brito; Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce President James Maran; and American Idol Diana DeGarmo, who presented the award to Belle-Battle.
Youth V.I.B.E. is a United Way community partner. Proceeds generated from the event will be used for 2006 programming and scholarships for high school seniors entering college as business majors.
Youth V.I.B.E. 9th Annual
Awards Banquet and Birthday Celebration
On August 21, 2005 Youth V.I.B.E. will pay
tribute to women who are making a difference
in their communities and in corporate America,
in an event entitled “Leading Ladies:
A Salute to Women in Business”, presented
by Primerica Financial Services.
Our Honorees
Barbara
King
Executive Vice President, Primerica Financial
Services
Brenda
Jackson President, Brenda Jackson and Associates
Special Events Service
Debra
Lee President, First Service Mortgage
Juanita
Baranco Executive Vice President, Baranco
Automotive Group
Judy
Turner President, Decatur First Bank
Kenya
Jordana James Founder, Blackgirl Magazine
Kisha
Cameron Producer, Turner Broadcasting System
Rashan
Ali
Radio Personality - HOT 107.9
Regina
Belle-Battle Grammy Award Winner & Community
Activist
Sadie
Dennard Assistant Regional Manager, Georgia
Power
“Leading Ladies” will be hosted
by legendary gospel radio/tv personality Reggie
Gay. Confirmed presenters include Georgia
State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield,
Miss Georgia USA 2005 Tanisha Brito;
and Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce
President James Maran.
By purchasing a $50 ticket, you will receive
dinner and the great feeling of knowing you
are making a difference in young people's lives.
A $75 VIP ticket will grant you admittance into
the pre-banquet VIP reception that will feature
elected officials, celebrity guests, music and
a silent auction.
Or you might consider being a sponsor at the
Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000)
or Bronze ($500) levels. You can also help support
Youth V.I.B.E. by purchasing a commemorative
booklet ad (full page: $200; half page: $150;
quarter page: $125; business card ad: $100)
The choice is yours…and it's easy!
Day at the Capitol 2005
Georgia State Capitol
Building
Youth V.I.B.E. participants
gather outside of the State Capitol
State Representative
Billy Mitchell led discussions with Youth V.I.B.E.
Youth V.I.B.E. participants from Avondale High
School participated in the annual “Day
at the Capitol” outing to the Georgia
State Capitol. Supreme Fish Delight sponsored
“Day at the Capitol” where students
toured the Capitol and participated in various
discussions on the lawmaking process. State
Representative Billy Mitchell (District 61)
greeted the students and gave them an overview
of what takes place inside the Capitol. After
the tour and discussions students were treated
to lunch at the Supreme Fish Delight located
in the Camp Creek Marketplace.
4th Annual Youth Empowerment Day at Avondale High School
Speakers from various sectors of the business community participated in the 4th Annual Youth Empowerment Day on Thursday, February 24 at Avondale High School in Avondale Estates, Ga.
Approximately 250 students from Avondale High’s various business classes took part in the symposium which included speakers representing such companies as Nextel, American Technologies and B2 Entertainment, developers and producers of the reality show for R&B singer Bobby Brown. In addition, a crew from Turner Broadcasting’s new show “Storyline” was present to tape an upcoming show spotlighting Youth V.I.B.E. and its students.
In addition to the symposium where students were allowed to ask questions, there were tons of giveaways and refreshments.
Some of the feedback from the event includes:
"My mom found out about Youth V.I.B.E. when she was picking up an application for my sister. I ended up going myself and I fell in love with it. I come back to events like 'Youth Empowerment Day' to let teens know that when you make the right choices, you see amazing results. Youth V.I.B.E. is the right choice!"
Vaughn Gay
21 year old senior at Georgia State University
Youth V.I.B.E. Participant 1998-2001
