Just Dyvine Wishes Eltonette “Elle” Pope Much Success in Her Future Endeavors

On Sunday, July 10, 2011, Just Dyvine dance members wish Elle the best. Eltonette “Elle” Pope was the volunteer program director from September 2010 until July 2011 for “Just Dyvine”, a Youth Matter Inc. dance program. It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with “Elle”.

At their heart-warming presentation to Elle, Tatiana Britt, the team Captain, as well as Miss Youth Matter Teen 2011, made a brief speech, representing all of the young ladies of Just Dyvine, where she said to Elle the following:

“It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with Elle. When Youth Matter Incorporated reached out to you, to assist with its after-school dance program, Just Dyvine, you said yes without a second thought, and for that, Youth Matter, Incorporated and I are grateful. I knew the ladies of Just Dyvine would get along just fine with Elle, because the first time I saw her, she was decked out in a hot pink outfit. She has such a genuine and hard-working character. It was wonderful getting to know Elle not only as a program director, but as a true friend. Elle has taught the ladies of Just Dyvine how to work together as a team, how to cope with day-to-day struggles, and how to be a loyal friend. It’s sad to know that she will not be helping us out anymore, but I am sure I will see her at all of our events, cheering for us in the crowd. Elle, thanks for everything you have done for us. Youth Matter Incorporated is truly grateful.”

Eltonette “Elle” Pope pictured at top (2^nd to last on right) with a few of Just Dyvine girls.

They also presented Elle with a beautiful necklace, in nothing less than a hot pink gift bag – true to the Just Dyvine style.

The entire Youth Matter Inc. organization wishes Elle the very best in her future endeavors and we say THANKS for all that you have done in getting the Just Dyvine program off the ground. Just Dyvine is a TROOPS TO YOUTH® program in our “Fit Life” focus area. To learn more about Just Dyvine, visit our website at http://www.youthmatter.org/ymi_justdyvine.htm.

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Youth Matter Incorporated 1st Annual Cookout

Youth Matter Inc.’s 1^st annual cookout held on Sunday, July 10^th at the Portsmouth City Park in Portsmouth, VA, and it was a complete success. It was a chance for all Youth Matter program members, youth and their families, employees, friends, and volunteers, to all meet one another, and share in on a day of fun.

Everyone had a wonderful time; the food was awesome; and the company was warm and friendly! The children were really enjoying themselves along with the adults that joined in on the fun of the sports activities. Many adults had a wonderful time just relaxing on a beautiful Sunday, while they watched the children interact with one another and get their blood pumping.

There were giveaways for the children that were provided through our TROOPS TO YOUTH® initiative where it donated four bicycles, sports balls and TROOPS TO YOUTH® backpacks. Other giveaways included arts and craft sets, t-shirts, and stickers.

There were different activities for the children to do. They had the option of playing corn hall, badminton, hula-hoop, volleyball, and golf; they also had the option of doing arts and craft, face painting or just running around playing with each other. Children, as well as the adults, had a wonderful time getting their face painted by Miss Kitty. There was a hula-hoop contest that Wilheimina Long, Youth Matter Inc.’s founder, even joined in on – a lot of fun for all; Peighton was the winner.

There were two highlighted moments at the cookout which involved our Just Dyvine dance team. One special moment was when Just Dyvine dancers presented a token of thanks to their former Program Director, Eltonette Pope; it was an emotional moment to see the compassionate they shared for one another. The other special moment was when Te’Ara Powell, a Just Dyvine dancer won one of the bicycles in the giveaway and then she turned and gave it to one of the four year olds who wanted a bicycle – such an unselfish act and we applaud Te’Ara Powell.

The Youth Matter Inc.’s 1^st annual cookout was a day sure to be remembered.