2011 Christmas Toy Drive

Through Youth Matter Inc.’s “One Family at a Time” program, Youth Matter set up a Christmas toy drive for families in need. Youth Matter was the recipient of toys collected through various toy drives in December that the Palace in Portsmouth Salon assisted with.  Youth Matter partnered with Portsmouth Social Services and Christian Antioch Church in getting names of families to assist. We provided clothes, coats, and toys to over 100 youth. Youth Matter Incorporated and its volunteers are always willing to give back to the community.

Sentara Nursing Home Christmas Visit

In 2011, Youth Matter Inc's Youth Ambassadors organized a Christmas visit to Sentara Nursing Home in Portsmouth, VA. GPU teamed in providing donated items for the Christmas gift bags and Christmas cards that we provided to 50 residents. Mrs. Medina and her daughter, Andolyn Medina (currently Miss Virginia Outstanding Teen), assisted us with the Christmas visits also. We visited all 118 residents sharing holiday cheer.

Partnership with Portsmouth Public Schools

In December 2011, Youth Matter Incorporated obtained a new partnership with Portsmouth Public Schools. Portsmouth Public Schools, is located in the heart of the beautiful Hampton Roads region of Virginia, and has an enrollment of about 15,000 students. The division includes three high schools, three middle schools, 13 elementary schools, four Pre-K Centers, an alternative school, an adult learning center, and a Career and Technical Education Office at the Portsmouth Campus of TCC. Some of Youth Matter Inc.’s after-school programs will be conducted at several schools in Portsmouth, along with our TROOPS TO YOUTH Lunch Buddies Program. In 1999, Youth Matter Inc. was founded in Portsmouth, and the organization has blossomed so much that it can now share its inspiring message with students in schools throughout Portsmouth.

YMI 2011 Black and White Gala

Once again, the Black and White Gala was a great success. The YMI 3^rd Annual Black and White Gala Fundraiser was held on Saturday, October 29 2011 at the Marriot Hotel in Chesapeake, Virginia.  Guest enjoyed entertainment from musicians, poets, dance groups, and even more. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, participated in silent auctions and danced the night away. Youth Matter Incorporated had support from many businesses, non-profit organizations, and friends and family. Guests cheered on their loved ones as they were recognized and rewarded for hard work and dedication to our community. Great prizes, awards, scholarships, and even crowns and sashes were awarded on that uplifting evening. The night was indeed a night of loyalty. All proceeds from the gala support Youth Matter Inc. after-school programs and TROOPS TO YOUTH. Don’t miss out on the inspirational evening next year! All are welcome to attend YMI 4^th Annual Black and White Gala Fundraiser, be sure to get your tickets!

FOR AGES 5 TO 14.

After the Summer Boot Camp & Tryouts, regular practices for the SAPPHIRES are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at Lakeview Elementary School in Portsmouth, VA.

Girls currently in the program are from all Hampton Roads cities. All are welcome!

The TROOPS TO YOUTH initiative needs your support. Also ask your friends to "Like" the TROOPS TO YOUTH Facebook page.

TROOPS TO YOUTH

The TROOPS TO YOUTH program in the Hampton Roads VA area is looking for military and civilian for the following projects:

If you know of any military or concerned civilians about the welfare of young people, please pass the word as this is a list of what we are trying to get going.

Life Sports:

Golf Camp

> once or twice a month conduct golf instructing

> Looking/needing at least two military members to do the instruction/mentoring

Tennis Camp

> once or twice a month conduct tennis instructing

> Looking/needing at least two military members to do the instruction/mentoring

Cycling

> Once or twice a month conduct cycling training

> Looking/needing at least two military members to do the instruction/mentoring

Dance Team

> Looking/needing military members to assist with the cheer squad

Aerobic/Cross Training

> once a week month conduct cross training

> Looking/needing at least two military members to do the instruction

Youth Matter Inc. MVP Rewards Program

Youth Matter Inc is now a part of the MVP rewards program and it helps us to raise money for Youth Matter Inc.

When you can, can you enter your Food Lion MVP card information to support Youth Matter Inc at the following website.

www.foodlionmvprewards.com

Youth Matter Inc Code is: 252510

If you know other family, friends, or co-workers that also have a Food Lion MVP card, ask them to support us. It doesn’t cost them anything. Let them know that every time they shop at Food Lion and use their MVP card, a portion of their purchase, Food Lion will donate back to support Youth Matter, Inc., but they have to have their card associated with Youth Matter Inc. to help us.

Thanks in advance.

Youth Matter, Inc. Bicycle Club

ATTENTION: Do you own a bicycle? Do you enjoy riding bikes? Do you like exercising? If so, we have a place for you! If you're interested in joining the Youth Matter, Inc. Bicycle Club, please feel free to let us know. It's open to all ages.

Sapphire Cheerleading Program Volunteers

Youth Matter Incorporated would like to send a warm thank you to the young women that volunteer their time and effort into assisting the Sapphire Cheerleading Program. The Sapphire cheerleaders Project Manager is Emma Williams. Emma has been a part of the Youth Matter Inc family for years, as Emma and her younger sister Tiffany participated in our programs since they were in middle school.  Emma has been a long-term volunteer and supporter of Youth Matter Inc. It is exciting to now have Emma being in a volunteer management role where she is now running programs for other youth. The head coach is Britny Barfield, along with assistant coaches, Raffinae Ricks and Crystal Jones. These four have great chemistry together, and understand one another. They all attended I. C. Norcom high school together in Portsmouth, VA, and upon graduation, Emma and Britny attended Virginia Union University to cheer alongside one another. The four young ladies are great role models for the cheerleaders and have the best interest at heart for our young girls.