User:GunnyEric/sandbox

In 1993, Stephanie A. Walker, a career communications strategist, developed THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. The primary purpose of the program was to motivate American youth, recognize their achievements, and to raise national awareness on a broad range of issues that negatively impacted American youth. In September 1993, she secured the legal services of Epstein, Becker and Greene, a Washington, DC-based law firm, and incorporated Youth Achievers USA, Inc., a Maryland Corporation.

In 1994, through the partnership efforts of POWERS Coalition, Inc., a 501c3 corporation in Virginia, Ms. Walker joined forces with Spencer Bartley, Dr. Susan H. Wilson, retired U.S. Marine, Eric Stradford, Stellar Award winning Gospel Music Artist, Rev. Donald Vails, the National Association of Urban Bankers, veteran public relations strategist Ofield Dukes, and the Black Public Relations Society of Washington, DC to launch THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS.

= 1996 =

On September 8, 1996 Youth Achievers USA, Inc., a 501c3 private foundation, presented THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Gala event. The event was  held at the historic Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC as a component of the Urban Bankers Summit 2000 event. Ten youth from Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia were honored for a “vision of the future” in one of 20 categories recorded on their entry applications. Each winner had identified a caring adult mentor. Each winner had written their goals in seven areas of human development. Each winner had raised a “whole village” of 20 caring adults. Prizes included a visit with Dr. Maya Angelou, summer internships at OAO Corporation of MD, and complimentary tickets to area attractions.

Motivators Les Brown and Spencer Bartley, Rev. Donald Vails, The Capital City Youth Choir, Largo High School Stage Band, and the Kente character from Thandi’s Place inspired nearly 350 winners and supporters.

Who were the winners? Where are they today? What are they doing? What can “The Corporate Village” do to add value to our community assets where they live, learn, work or worship?

1.     Kristen C. Simpson

2.     Christopher Adams

3.     John Bonds

4.      Michele Webb

5.      Courtney LeGrande

6.      Lia Patterson

7.      Linda Robinson

8.      Thandika Hicks-Harper

9.      Rick Hart, Jr.

10.  Carmela Bolding

= 1997 =

On September 7, 1997, Youth Achievers USA, Inc. expanded its partnership to include The J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation of Philadelphia. THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS marked the 100th birthday of Laurena Puriefoy Walker at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA. Actor Kene Holliday, Motivators Celeste Jonson and Spencer Bartley, and six-year old Ayana Pendergrass added value to the annual gala. Honored guests included members of Mrs. Walker’s family, church leaders and community friends. A partnership with Wall Street financial professionals identified applicants from the Green Chimneys program of West Chester, NY. Corporate sponsorship from Black Opal Cosmetics and Biocosmetic Research Labs added value to the event.

Who were the winners? Where are they today? What are they doing? What can “The Corporate Village” do to add value to our community assets where they live, learn, work or worship?

11.  Patrick Pierre

12.  Matthew Drysdale

13.  Quentin Crocheron

14.  Lauren Sullivan-Larke

15.  Kenneth Walker

16.  Kevin Murray

17.  Brandon Prather

18.  Tenisha Owens

= 1998 =

On September 6, 1998, Youth Achievers USA celebrated the memory of Rev. Dr. Donald Vails in cooperation with The Million Youth Movement (MYM) at Gospel Jam ‘98. THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS took place at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the historic Auburn Avenue District of Atlanta, GA. Youth Achievers introduced its “Money-n-the-Bank” economic development initiative to support one of five key areas of need identified by MYM youth leaders. The MYM event discussed problems and possibilities in the following focus groups: Spiritual, Educational,

Economic, Cultural, and Political. Funding from the J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation and the Vails Gospel Music Fund provided the first college scholarships to qualifying winners.

Who were the winners? Where are they today? What are they doing? What can “The Corporate Village” do to add value to our community assets where they live, learn, work or worship?

19.  Curtis Word

20.  Jamie Hines

21.  Etoy Ridgnal

22.  Carolyn Coe

23.  Amonita E Harmon

24.  Jaronda Primrose

25.  Emmanuel H. Guerriar

= 1999 =

On September 5, 1999, Youth Achievers USA returned to the nation’s capital to  celebrate winners at THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. A 2-day event  began Saturday, September 4 with the first AMERICAN MENTOR SUMMIT at the Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC. The Sunday evening celebration opened the doors of the U. S. Congress to participating youth, members of their Whole Village, community leaders, and elected officials. Our winners occupied the Caucus Room of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Who were the winners? Where are they today? What are they doing? What can “The Corporate Village” do to add value to our community assets where they live, learn, work or worship?

26.  Andrew Fauntleroy

27.  Ayana Pendegrass

28.  Cherilynn Ellis

29.  Harold Carter

30.  LaToya Smith

31.  Octavia Smith

32.  Matthew Drysdale

33.  Truvaughn Ebanks

34.  Anthony Green

35.  Darnell A Kirkland

36.  Calvin J. Puckett

37.  Chelante Mitchell

38.  Michelle Mariani

39.  Kyana A. Moore

40.  Marah Thomas

41.  Patrick Pierre

= 2000 =

On January 25, 2000, a blanket of fresh snow covered the earth along North America’s Atlantic coast. Just about everything stopped, including the federal government forcing  a moment of silent tribute to America’s 102- year- old GrandMentor. YouthUSA joined family members to celebrate the life of Laurena Puriefoy Walker. The leadership recommitted to honoring elders through the development of values-based programs. Partnership with the National Heritage Foundation of Falls Church, VA provided temporary public charity status as the Maryland corporation transitioned to its current legal structure. THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS celebrated six winners at a sponsored event at The Freedom House in Boston, MA

Who were the winners? Where are they today? What are they doing? What will “The Corporate Village” do to add value to these community assets where they live, learn, work or worship?

42.  Pandwe Gibson

43.  Sir Charles Hill

44.  Jeffrey Lambin

45.  Amanda Richardson

46.  Richardson Boston

47.  Bonita Walker

= 2001 =

As partnering programs of the National Heritage Foundation, Youth Achievers Internationale/The J.D. and Laurena Walker Foundation explored the roots of their founding officers. Partnership efforts on behalf of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church promoted the historic FREE AFRICAN SOCIETY. Missions promoted economic thrift and investigated economic advancement programs. Co-sponsorship of the Walker Summit on Family Values and the Free African Society for the 21st Century (FAS2) project offered insight for the development of sustainable multigenerational programs. Our “winners” were showcased in a book about ordinary people on an extraordinary journey under the title, “TheEnterpriZe from slaveship to spaceship.” One winner was qualified. No fellowships were requested.

48.  Lisa M. Stradford

= 2002 = Partners developed partnership with The Richard Allen Foundation (RAF) of Los Angeles to promote opportunities through THE FREE AFRICAN SOCIETY. A $1000 investment in RAF funded opportunities for youth board members. The partnership explored Afrocentric economic development models through associations with MATAH Products, Dudley Beauty Products, Research, Education and Community Hope, Inc. (REACH), Mother Bethel Foundation, church-based credit unions.

49.  Joseph Kitchen

50.  Anthony J. Walker

= 2003 =

Partners affiliated with former Assistant U.S. Labor Secretary, Dr. Arthur A. Fletcher to support organizational development for his FRIENDS FOR AMERICA’s FUTURE initiative and to enhance YouthUSA economic development efforts. As a result, YouthUSA  leaders participated in live and online training on the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) of the U.S. Treasury. YouthUSA sponsored technical assistance missions to equip caring adult members of whole village with access to federal funding for youth development.

51.  Lane Folson-Scott

52.  Patrick J. McKay

53.  Charlisa McRae

54.  Precious Morgan

55.  Chalondra B. Stradford

56.  Jeremy Willet

57.  Nina Williams

= 2004 =

Celebrated college graduation for J.D. and Laurena Walker Scholarship recipient Jameelah T. Broughton (Howard University, Washington, DC) and Youth Achiever Sir Charles Hill (Haverford College).

58.  Jameelah T. Broughton

59.  Omar Jackson

60.  Melissa Jones

61.  Lorraine Lockett

62.  Ebony Long

63.  MAXINE MOFFETT

64.  Christy Odom

65.  Mika Osoro

66.  Lane Michael Scott

67.  Hadiya Walter

= 2005 =

Established a regional mobile operation in Atlanta, GA. Provided support for displaced Youth Achievers displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

68.  Natasha Nalls

69.  Quwaylen Thompkins

70.  Standrick Wiggins

= 2006 =

Celebrated college graduations for J.D. and Laurena Walker Scholarship recipients Bonita Walker (Howard University, Washington, DC) and Lauren Sullivan Larke (Spelman University, Atlanta, GA). A decision by The National Heritage Foundation to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy led to the establishment of Youth Achievers USA Institute, and its incorporation in the state of Delaware. The new corporation, established September 11, 2006, filed an Application for Recognition as a 501c3 Non Profit Corporation. A        Board of Directors approved By-Laws and established authority for operation of the new corporation. A Mobile Technical Assistance operation was deployed in the six-state Atlanta Federal Reserve Region which concentrated on increasing community assets through investment in positive youth development.

= 2007 =

On July, 14, 2007, a meeting of the Board of Directors was conducted aboard the Mobile Technical Assistance Facility. This meeting took place at Lake Lanier Islands Resort near Atlanta, GA. Youth Achievers Etoy Ridgnal (1998), Sir Charles Hill (2000) and Jahmeelah T.Broughton (2004) established youth membership and representation on the board of directors. Mobile missions to Baton Rouge, LA qualified three new winners and  qualified Dr. Marilyn Thornton as a director for Youth Achievers USA Institute. Deployed mobile technical assistance facility to Baton Rouge, LA in support of UNOP. The J.D. and Laurena Walker Family Fund was established as a development program of the corporation. This program raises capital to support J.D. and Laurena Walker scholarships, fellowships and grant development initiatives. YouthUSA established The J.D. and Laurena Walker Family Fund to sustain local circles of support around youth beneficiaries. The founders’ development vision for YouthUSA is to support a community of fellowships collectively valued at $5 million USD, with an annual corporate operating budget of $500 thousand USD. Robert Selders, Carmela Bolding, Lauren Sullivan-Larke, Pandewe Gibson, qualified for the first J.D. and Laurena Walker Fellowships.

71.  Shyvae Brown

72.  Ashleigh Duroncelet

73.  Yvonne Griswold

74.  Robert Selders II

= 2008 =

Developed an alliance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to establish and promote a financial education program for communities of faith throughout the Atlanta Federal Reserve Region. This alliance serves as the foundation for our Money-n-the-Bank economic model. Money-n-the-Bank values a beneficiary in seven deliberate areas of human development. Deployed mobile technical assistance facility to Baton Rouge, LA in support of UNOP

75.  Elana Williams

= 2009 =

Further development of the Money-n-the-Bank economic model integrated TheEnterpriZe Social Enterprise and J.D. and Laurena Development Fund into a Fellowship program for YouthUSA beneficiaries.

= 2010 =

Celebrated the graduation of Carmela Bolding from Trinity University (Master of Communications) YouthUSA established The J.D. and Laurena Walker Family Fund to sustain local circles of support around youth beneficiaries. The value of the fund as of April 15, 2011 was $12,000. The founders’ development vision for YouthUSA is to support a community of fellowships collectively valued at $5 million USD, with an annual corporate operating budget of $500,000. Financial literacy support for a Summer Camp at Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Marietta, GA resulted in the award of one U.S. Savings Bond to Alexis Ezell. Boston Summer program identified 6 candidates for THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS.

An additional grant of $1000 US was awarded to the 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Bishop Sarah Frances Davis reported, “The Government of Haiti estimates that 222,570 people died and 300,572 were injured as a result of the January 12, 2010 earth quake, but the true death toll will never be known. Close to 2.3 million people left their homes, including 302,000 children. 398 families of the 16th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church were displaced. The District's pre-earth quake membership was 1700. We lost four members to the earth quake. In addition, four of our twelve Churches were completely destroyed and six were severely damaged. Two of our AME schools were damaged and one totally destroyed.”

76.  Alexandria Belcher

77.  Shaquiri Manns

78.  Tatyana Nembhard

79.  Jelissa Vega

80.  Shantae White

81.  Behrrisferd Windross

= 2011 =

YouthUSA concentrated its broad, holistic economic vision on the federally-defined program area, Positive Youth Development. The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, a collaboration of twelve federal departments and agencies that support youth, defines positive youth development as an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances youths' strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.

Over the years, YouthUSA learned that furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths requires capital. It takes a whole village to raise a child, and Money-n-the-Bank to meet the needs of a Whole Village.

Partnership development efforts with a local chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) resulted in YouthUSA sponsorship of youth-related Martin Luther King Day events. A YouthUSA fundraising budget of $500 financed the sponsorship. U.S. Savings Bonds and gift cards were presented to four participants in  the Youth Speak Out Oratorical contest. Public promotion on the availability of $12,000 in awards resulted in two beneficiaries of J.D. and Laurena Walker Fellowships.

Fellowship funding supports education and job opportunities (learning and earning) for 84 YouthUSA beneficiaries and 1680 caring adult stakeholders nationwide.

YouthUSA technical assistance events are evolving on-line at THE CONFERENCE CENTER. These events validate participation by 20 caring adult members of THE WHOLE VILLAGE in locally managed, on-going, Positive Youth Development initiatives.

Two new beneficiaries were qualified through measurable, sustainable capacity building.

82.  Mary-Pat Crissanne Hector

83.  Mariasonniah Elizabeth Smith

= 2012 =

YouthUSA achieved transparency in its national operation. We developed communications strategies to ensure equal access by elected directors to corporate assets. In doing so, we engaged a national board of directors, provided leadership opportunities for three of our 84 beneficiaries, and sustained a debt-free American corporation. Three new applicants started the capacity building process.

84.  Desiree LaKenya Moore

= 2013 =

YouthUSA established The Evelyn Walker Armstrong Scholarship as a category of service and achievement in THE ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. The first applicants for this award were Yvonne Griswold, an elected director and beneficiary, Trevon Cryer, was recognized as a 2013 candidate.

YouthUSA developed communications strategies to ensure equal access by elected directors to corporate assets. In doing so, we engaged a national board of directors, provided leadership opportunities for three of our 84 beneficiaries, and sustained a debt-free American corporation. Three new applicants started the capacity building process.

85.  Trevon Cryer (Pending Board Review)

86.  Dorionne Brown (Pending Board Review)

87.  Joi Kamil Butler (Pending Board Review)

= 2014  = In response to the President's My Brother's Keeper Challenge, YouthUSA provided technical assistance to beneficiaries, stakeholders and prospective partners in Baton Rouge, LA, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC to raise awareness and map assets for addressing threats identified by national leadership. Travel and lodging by YouthUSA leadership supported research and development for a 10-year strategic plan. Institutional investment in Howard and Drexel Universities augmented philanthropic investments of our board member, the late Evelyn Walker Armstrong (April 18, 1927 - Jan 10, 2015). In 2014 the program qualified two new beneficiaries, Moet Rose and Mariquel Smith. Technical assistance was provided to existing beneficiaries to include Joi Butler, Mary-Pat Hector, Marasonniah Smith, Linda Robinson, Curtis Word and Kristen Simpson. Technical assistance includes advisement of opportunities as a YouthUSA beneficiary.

88. Mariquel Elizabeth Smith

89. Moet Rose

= 2015 =

On January 10, 2015, Evelyn Walker Armstrong, a national director for Youth Achievers USA, died of multiple myeloma in her home. Throughout her 87 year life, Evelyn studied hard, worked hard and achieve economic security. In her last days, she and fellow YouthUSA board members developed and implemented multiple trusts to address a stagnating distrust in their own families. The capacity building program identified future applicants and through the leadership of YouthUSA Director Kristen Simpson, qualified one new beneficiary, Mylan Morisseau, Land O Lakes, FL. A YouthUSA LIVE MEETING connected Kristen Simpson to the beneficiary. It Involved travel to North Tampa, FL, event planning and facilitation in cooperation with Hilton Hotels. Technical assistance (T/A) grants included access to interactive software and live technical assistance by DeLon Stradford. This T/A was available to existing beneficiaries including board members Rev. Kristen Simpson, Yvonne Griswold McNeil and Curtis Word. Technical assistance also included advisement of opportunities as a YouthUSA beneficiary and participation through on-line Office 365 and Skype for Business, which was provided to YouthUSA as a Microsoft grant.

90. Mylan Javeen Morisseau

= 2016 =

In 2016, the corporation continued to concentrate efforts toward capacity building, particularly identifying the need for corporate succession planning. For the first time in the corporation’s 10-year history, the Executive Committee exercised its authority under Article V, Section 5.1 of the By Laws. Due to a surgical procedure, the Board Chair authorized the Executive Committee to conduct business on behalf of the corporation. This urgent action further justified the need for engagement by all directors in the sustained operation of program task forces. A vetting process based on performance over policy is essential to the corporation’s sustainability. No new beneficiaries qualified during 2016. Program management functions and on-demand information sharing continued without interruption via the virtual meeting facility. Economic Inclusion was demonstrated in federal application for funding. The proposal qualified small 501c3 community-based charities for $500 mini grants and inclusion in the federal proposal budget. Five of eight charities received funding for  their partnership participation in YouthUSA’s NATIONAL LEARN-2-EARN project. The FutureCorps7 proposal presents evidence of this work.

LEARN-2-EARN PARTNERS

HEALING

Rev. Coakley Pendergrass,

Georgia Community Coalition

47-2136315

Connecting community partners and citizens for enhanced quality of life. Guiding solutions for progressive actions with purposed civic engagement.

Elliott Hennington

Powder Springs Community Taskforce

86-1067401,

We would like to join the 501c3 partnership to promote community service programs.

H Benjamin Williams

Cobb SCLC Freedom and Justice Fund Inc,

47-4782848,

I am interested in working collaboratively to build the "Beloved Community"

Albert McRae III

Amateur Advocate Association Inc.

22-3813220

Looking forward to working with you.

LEARNING

Robert Haley

2nd Century Invictus Fund, Inc.

58-2137255

Interested in collaborating with other non-profits.

HOUSING (No Grant Award)

Nana Kwaku Yiadom

Keeprs Of The Village Community Development Inc.

46-5347884 (No Guidestar confirmation)

I want to work to rebuild Community

HOUSING

Nathaniel Thomas

Actors Theatre of Georgia (No Guidestar confirmation),

Transitional Housing for Actors and theatre workers

LIVING

Fred Codes

Montford Point Marines Southern Region (No Guidestar confirmation)


 * 1) -#######, My Brother’s Keeper Original Montford Point Marines,, ,

= 2017 =

The 2016 FEDERAL APPLICATION FOR FUNDING was denied. In 2017, the corporation continued to concentrate efforts toward capacity building, calling on 2016 grantees to engage as LEARN-2-EARN partners. YouthUSA renewed its commitment to the FDIC Money Smart Alliance and established corporate policy to support 100% engagement as a MoneySmart Community.

La'Nyesha M. Stradford-Wiggins

Lauretta Conner  (Pending Board Review)

= 2018 = Is there sufficient TRUST to sustain the charitable work of helping youth in low income American families grow up less poor? Having failed to engage L2E mini grantees in LEARN-2-EARN activities, YouthUSA terminated its support to these organizations and their missions. Forward movement on a 10 year succession plan recognizes that 92 economic beneficiaries (Youth Achievers with all rights and responsibilities) presents sufficient evidence of capacity. A community-wide fundraiser resulted in a grand total of $460. A #GivingTuesday total of $100 from one donor, Arlene Stradford, produced a $1 match gift from Paypal. The YouthUSA Corporate Community of seven elected directors, 92 economic beneficiaries, 1840 caring adult stakeholders and seven faith and/or community partners will need to establish and manage trust to achieve its charitable mission. On December 19, 2018, TheEnterpriZe, a social enterprise incubator program of Youth Achievers USA Institute, established TheEnterpriZe, LLC, a for profit, member-owned contractor business. This accomplishment followed recruitment in three of 12 federal reserve regions to qualify applicants for contract employment as the first of 12 CONTRACT COMMUNITY ASSET MANAGERS.