Challenge

Because of the transient nature of the neighborhood (83% of the housing units are rental), youth often lack a reliable support network or consistent relationships. They experience high levels of insecurity and hopelessness around their ability to break the cycle of poverty. When faced with questions such as “Do I matter?” or “Do I have what it takes?”, adolescents and teenagers in an insecure environment often have no one to turn to for answers or affirmation of their worth and life goals.

Response

The Kickback:

The Kickback is designed to support our middle & high school female youth academically, socially and culturally through one-on-on tutoring, informational workshops and mentoring. The regular program takes place once a week at the Grier Heights Community Center with the first hour primarily focusing on academics and the second hour focused on an informational and/or life skills workshop.

Volunteers attend one program night each week and help facilitate small groups, oversee group activity, and provide consistent relationships with girls over the course of the three month program term.

PARTNERS

Myers Park Presbyterian Church
Johnson C. Smith University Social Work Club & Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church members
Grier Heights Presbyterian Church members

Stiletto Boss University:

SBU is an entrepreneurship series promoting education and practical application to female high school students culminating in a final showcase with a chance to win internships. The pilot program began at the start of the 2015-16 school year at Harding University High School in partnership with MeckEd’s Career Pathways program. In its second year, the program was implemented within the Grier Heights Community in partnership with CrossRoads. With a goal to teach young ladies how to create a business that will promote sustainability and unity within the community, SBU provides a solution to social capital and community impact.

PARTNERS

Myers Park Presbyterian Church
United Way of Central Carolinas