PROUD for Youth

 Hello,

     My name is Nikohl Ray and I am the founder of PROUD for Youth. The organization which has been a goal of mine to establish for years was founded in 2014. I've volunteered and worked with at risk youth for several years. I've worked with youth that had addictions, were in gangs, and others who were in the juvenile system. After seeing many horrific things involving children and youth in low income areas I knew that I had to do something to make a difference.

     The organizations goal is to educate youth and to introduce them to lifestyles they may have never been accustomed to. Our organization also wants to help prepare our youth to be successful adults in society. Minorities are more succeptable to drop out of school or be arrested. PROUD for Youth identifies areas where an individual is struggling and partners them with a mentor who can provide tutoring and also help motivate them. PROUD also introduces new ideas and expands the horizons of our youth members. Some of our youth members have never been outside of their community. When children are introduced to new ideas and a different way of life, they are able to dream bigger and explore occuaptions that they may have never known existed.

     PROUD for Youth is currently trying to raise money for company vans so that the youth members can be taken on field trips. We also wan to raise money for books and other educational material. The organization is also looking to take out of town trips to historical monuments. Our ultimate goal is to take a trip to Africa where our youth members can learn about their heritage. We welcome any amount of donations that can be given and we appreciate the support of the community and everyone who feels compelled to improve the lives of young people.