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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
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Valentine’s Day is often a time to celebrate those we love—our partners, families, and friends—but it’s also the perfect opportunity to spread kindness and show love to the broader community. At YouthServe, we believe that serving others is one of the most impactful ways to give back to the world around us. Here are five meaningful ways you can show love to your community this Valentine’s Day!  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. 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:
There are also many amazing local opportunities this month for youth to explore and celebrate Black history. Below are a just a few: One of YouthServe's greatest goals is that youth who enter our programs would become civically engaged, compassionate, and community-minded leaders, and that they would take these skills with them into their adult lives. Our alumni are proof that it works. The following conversation took place at our 2024 Youth Leadership Council retreat, when we invited four YouthServe alumni to share their experiences and advice with the newest group of youth leaders. Content has been edited and condensed for clarity. First, an introduction... Brooklyn Graham is a 2020 graduate of Clay-Chalkville High School, and is now working as a Pharmacy Technician and nursing student at UAB. Brooklyn was a member of Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) for three years, and helped to organize the inaugural Alabama Youth Alliance Summit. Marques McKinney also graduated from Clay-Chalkville High School in 2020, before going on to Mercer University. Marques is now a Financial Analyst at Microsoft. He served with YPC and Youth Action Council (YAC) for a total of four years. Abigail Shepherd is a 2019 graduate of Indian Springs School. She went on to attend Dartmouth College, and is now working as a Scientist at Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. Abigail participated in YouthServe's Urban Service Camp starting in 7th grade, and served with both YAC and YPC. James Thornton graduated from Holy Family Cristo Rey High School in 2017. He attended Tennessee State University and is now working as Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at BuildUP Community School. James was a member of YAC for three years.  From left to right: Marques, Abigail, Brooklyn, and James. Now for their conversation...
Today, we’re chatting with Laila Sibley, a long-time YouthServe leader who has spent two years in Youth Action Council (YAC) and is in her second year of Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). She was also one of our new Summer Service Ambassadors this past summer, and frequently volunteers at our Service Days. Let’s see what Laila has to say about her time with YouthServe, and why it has been such an important—and hopeful—experience for her.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe? Laila: The most impactful part of serving with YouthServe is all the different people that I have met. Over the years, I have met so many people passionate about some of the same things that attend schools just across the mountain from me. I have made some really good friends that I may have never met without YouthServe. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Laila: YouthServe has allowed me to make the people around me more conscious of our community and its needs. Learning about different nonprofits and being able to serve them by volunteering has shown me the communities outside of my own, and has allowed me to talk to people within my community about how we can help others. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Laila: A favorite organization that I have had the chance to serve with is the Community Care Development Network. They focus on families by providing different programs like food, clothing, educational, and financial guidance. I was able to first work with them in 2022 at YouthServe’s Urban Service Camp. We went to their building and were able to help them package things and unload and stock their food storage. It was interesting to talk with the director about some of the things she sees and how impactful something like food assistance can be on a family. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Laila: Yes, it has opened my eyes to so many topics and perspectives that I have never thought of before and I plan to take that into my future. With philanthropic efforts and the importance of giving back to the community, whether it be money, time, or talent. I think YouthServe is such a cool opportunity and I think that it will grow to be so much more with even more students who want to help Birmingham in the future. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Laila: I would tell them to try it, there are so many different opportunities to get involved with, and you can make a real difference in your community, even if you can’t commit a lot of time to it. It’s a very cool place where you are able to have control and have conversations on topics that you and your fellow peers are passionate about. Plus, Ms. Jennifer makes really good hot chocolate! We are so excited to be chatting with youth leader, Sophia Green! Sophia is currently in her third year on our Youth Action Council, and she is also a frequent participant in our Service Days. Read today's blog to see how Sophia has grown through her time with YouthServe, and why the organization is a source of hope and inspiration for her!  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe?
Sophia: YouthServe has had such a positive impact on my ability to communicate with my peers. I have really grown through connecting with such a diverse group of people who share common goals. We’re all united under the same goal: to build and serve our community. When I came to my first YAC meeting in 8th grade, the thought of starting a conversation seemed daunting. However, as my time in YouthServe continued, I became better at communicating with my peers. I’m now less anxious when talking, more confident, and better at leading a group. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Sophia: In my first year of YAC, I turned down a leadership role because I lacked the confidence to lead my peers. With two years of experience in YouthServe, I now feel confident about contributing ideas and taking charge. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Sophia: My favorite organization that I’ve partnered with is Cahaba Riverkeeper. They help to maintain the environment of the Cahaba River and combat pollution. I love their mission, and they are amazing to work with! Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Sophia: After working with YouthServe and volunteering within the community, my hope for the future has grown. When you look at the news today, you tend to get an overwhelmingly negative view of the world, and groups like this help remind us that the simplest of actions can make a massive difference. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Sophia: I highly recommend it, because it is such an amazing organization. In my opinion, everyone can benefit from an organization like this and if someone is considering supporting or joining us, go for it! This week, we are talking to youth leader, Rahul Karthik! Rahul is in our Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), and previously served on our Youth Action Council (YAC) for two years. He is also the founder of Spain Park High School's environmental club, Green Earth Society. Keep reading to see Rahul explain why his time with YouthServe has been such an impactful experience that gives him hope for himself and his generation.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe?
Rahul: The opportunity to create meaningful change at a young age. Witnessing the transformative impact of grants on nonprofits has deepened my understanding of non-profit grant allocations, advocacy, and the importance of helping others, and by organizing service events, I’ve developed a strong sense of leadership in service. These values will allow me to continue making a positive impact in any community I am part of. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Rahul: It has deepened my understanding of the issues communities face and how to address them effectively through compassion, innovative thinking, and a focus on lasting impact. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to start a service-based club, Green Earth Society, at my high school, which shares YouthServe’s commitment to youth engagement in service. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Rahul: My favorite organization to work with has been Workshops Empowerment, Inc., a nonprofit that provides vocational and educational opportunities to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment. During my YPC site visit, I was inspired by not only the passion and commitment of the leaders to help others, but also the long-lasting and specialized impact they’ve made on individuals. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Rahul: Yes, definitely! I have been opened to a community of individuals that are willing to work hard and strive for the betterment of others. The many other youth I have worked with show that same passion, and I know we will continue making a positive impact on our community in many ways throughout the future! What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Rahul: Don't wait! YouthServe is a brilliant organization that takes a unique approach in community service. By teaching the next generation the importance of service, they are impacting the whole service ecosystem of a community. YouthServe teaches essential values that are not being taught through school, allowing youth to grow into well-rounded leaders who will continuously strive to make a positive impact. Welcome to YouthServe’s first ever blog post! If you don’t know already, YouthServe is a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, AL. Our mission is to empower communities by offering leadership, service, and civic engagement opportunities to youth. We reach over 1,000 youth from across the state every year, and the demand for our programs just keeps growing. Today, we’ll be talking to long-time YouthServe participant, Angel Nguyen! Angel is a 12th grader who has spent a year in our Youth Action Council (YAC) and two years in our Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). Let’s hear what she has to say about her time with YouthServe, and why it has been such an important—and hopeful—experience for her.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe? Angel: Knowing that I am making a difference. YouthServe has made me realize that I don’t need to do something big to make a difference in my community. It’s the smaller things that contribute to the bigger things that make such an impact. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Angel: YouthServe has helped me realize that I have a voice. Voicing my concerns on issues in my community allows me to find like-minded individuals, where together we can help lead and grow our community. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Angel: My favorite is BuildUp Community School, one of the many organizations that has applied for YPC’s grant. During my first year with YouthServe, I got the chance to go on a site visit to BuildUp, which provides low-income students in the Birmingham area a chance for education through paid apprenticeships, ultimately preparing students with career-ready skills so that they can jump right into the workforce. My YPC group and I fought for BuildUp to receive funding because we wanted everyone to see that all students deserve a fair chance at a proper education. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Angel: I would 100% say that. There has been no other program like YouthServe that brings such passionate individuals together to work on the issues in our community. Seeing my fellow peers who are educated on the issues in my community gives me so much hope, as many people don’t get to say the same. Seeing the impact YouthServe members have on the community is what gives me hope for the future. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe, as a participant or supporter? Angel: I would tell them that it is absolutely worth it to get involved. You are able to be a part of something greater – an environment where your voice will always be heard and where you can hear the voices of others. No matter your background, YouthServe is a place where everyone belongs. Serving your community is just the beginning of it. |
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February 2025
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