"I AM VICTORIOUS"

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

We aim to give them a chance to ensure their future is bright and help them reach their full potentials. The classes will allow them to "hold" their own regardless of who they are or where they are from. Many of our youth are perceived in negative view and lacking self-discipline, self-control, little or no self-worth. Basic life skills are no longer available in our school systems nor taught in the homes. We want to help eliminate a generational obstruction. We strongly believe if you know better, you do better! The knowledge and skills learned would assist our participants on their life journey. Our goal is to prepare our youth with knowledge and skills for their future when living on the own, instilling confidence, self-worth, social skills, and knowledge. Having self-confidence, self-worth and lucrative mindsets would not only benefit the students but, their guardians, their households, schools, and the community.

The project." I Am Victorious" is a 10-week program which enables our students to obtain social and life skills, and knowledge as they navigate through their journey of life for their future. Our 10-week program includes but is not limited to social and table etiquette, basic sewing, and basic cooking. Basic car maintenance and car detailing, financial and time management classes are taught as well. Our goal is to prepare our youth while instilling confidence, self-worth, social skills, and knowledge. Our success is determined by the responses received from participants, parents, and school employees through surveys provided. Encouragement and congratulatory words are given after the youth's demonstration of the skills learned. Their demonstration of several classes is proudly displayed at their Family and Friends Day which is hosted and prepared by the students. The social growth of the youth and their positive disposition as the program progressed is amazing. A Gala is hosted for our youth at the completion of the program honoring them for their success. There is great pride among all attending when the students walk down the "purple" carpet escorted by Military Veterans. The Gala allowed those in attendance to witness the graduates' skills in social and table etiquette skilled learned.

The social and life skills are no longer taught in our schools and our youth are in desperate need of them on their life journey. The first impression made is crucial, especially in the workforce. Our youth should be able to "hold" their own regardless of who they are or where they are from, their background, upbringing, and financial situation. Good social and etiquette skills are essential for job and educational interviews. Your first impression happens only once. Many will continue life on their own and should be successful. The age range of the youth was selected because social and life skills are crucial for the older group entering the workforce and/or higher educational institutions. The youngest age of 7 was determined due to the fact this is the age which I was taught and have retained and performed these skills. The earlier the youth are taught allows the youth to apply and cultivate the lessons. Our alumni youth are required to volunteer for this and other programs.

Throughout the program, we are in constant communications with the participants' schools, and parent/guardians. Our success is determined by the responses received from participants, parents, and school employees through surveys provided. The program received outstanding reviews from the parents, students, and the community following our first program in 2022. It is heartwarming to see the growth of the youth and their positive disposition as the program progressed. There were many parents and grandparents signing up their children for the Spring 2023 program and the waiting list continues to grow for our Summer/Fall program. It is our resolution to offer the program twice annually to empower as many of our youth as possible. Although our organization is within the 90062-zip code, all youth are invited to participate regardless of where they live.