Dear YouthServe Family,

After nearly thirteen years, I am retiring from my position as Executive Director with YouthServe. It has been an incredible experience, a challenging experience, and rewarding beyond all measure.

When I arrived in 2013, the organization was still reeling from the aftermath of the Great Recession. I am in awe of the small band of amazing people who kept the dream alive through the worst of it and got to work immediately following their lead to rebuild a sustainable infrastructure in support of the mission.

It took time, but we built a strong board and staff, established a reserve fund, and were ready to expand programming at the same moment the world shut down for the COVID 19 Pandemic and all the challenges that came with it. Together with our Board, parents and community partners, we innovated and shifted as only a small organization can do. Astonishingly, youth participation exploded and never stopped! The last four years have been dedicated entirely to increasing organizational capacity to accommodate that growth.

At the center of all of it, the most incredible part of the whole experience is the privilege of getting to know the youth. Helping them to find their voices in a complicated world and watching them succeed again and again was an indescribable joy for me. On my most challenging days, I could count on being inspired by their empathy and compassion for one another as they dreamed and planned for a better world. Lucky for me, I have been around long enough to see many of them grow up and work toward that future in the careers they choose and within their careers, the roles they play.

To all current YouthServe participants and Alumni, I am so proud of you. I am so proud to know you and will always be interested to see how you continue to use your voices for positive change.

To the staff of YouthServe, thank you for being such a wonderful team and for the hard work you do every day to ensure youth have these opportunities.

To the Board of Directors at YouthServe, thank you for this opportunity and experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I look forward to seeing what the next generation of leadership will accomplish!

With so many thanks and highest regards,
Jennifer Hatchett

1. Volunteer your time
One of the best ways to spread love is through action! Volunteering not only helps those in need, but it also strengthens the bond within your community. Whether it’s tutoring a younger student, helping out at a food pantry, or supporting environmental initiatives, your time and energy can make a huge difference.

At YouthServe, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities where youth can engage with their community and make a lasting impact. Check out our events page to see how you can serve.

2. Write a Valentine’s card
Taking a moment to express gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to show love. Think about someone who has positively impacted your life—a teacher, a mentor, a friend—and send them a Valentine’s card or a thoughtful note. Let them know how much they’ve inspired or helped you. A kind word can brighten someone’s day and let them know their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

3. Get educated on issues in your community
Love for your community also means understanding the challenges it faces. At YouthServe, we believe in empowering youth to learn about and engage with local issues, from affordable housing to education to environmental concerns. By becoming informed, we can all advocate for positive change and help make a real difference.

There are many ways to get educated, whether it's through local events, community meetings, or YouthServe's programs that help youth explore and address the needs of their communities. Knowledge is power, and when young people understand the issues around them, they’re inspired to take action and drive meaningful change.
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4. Spend time with others
In today’s world, many people face loneliness, especially during the winter months and holiday seasons. Whether it’s a neighbor, an elderly relative, or a friend who could use some company, take time to visit with those who may be feeling isolated. A phone call, a cup of coffee, or just sitting and chatting can go a long way in showing someone they are loved and cared for.

5. Donate items & funds
Donating doesn’t always mean writing a check—it can also mean giving food or gently used items to those in need. There are lots of local organizations accepting these items, and your donations can help fill important gaps in your community.

If you’re able, consider donating funds to support youth programs and other community outreach initiatives. Donate today to YouthServe or choose another cause that resonates with you. Every act of giving, no matter how small, helps spread love and positivity!

In honor of Black History Month, we rounded up a few of the ways youth can celebrate the richness of Black culture in Birmingham this year.

First, we always encourage youth and their families to learn about Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement by visiting these historic landmarks:

• 16th Street Baptist Church
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Historic Bethel Baptist Church
• Kelly Ingram Park
• Negro Southern League Museum
• Southern Museum of Flight
• Vulcan Park and Museum

(Source: Bham Now)

There are also many amazing local opportunities this month for youth to explore and celebrate Black history. Below are a just a few: