Lowcountry Nonprofit Empowers Youth Through Mentorship Programs
In North Charleston, South Carolina, the Lowcountry Youth Services, a prominent nonprofit organization, celebrated their outstanding members at their annual awards and induction event. The gala held at the Royal Banquet and Event Center was attended by approximately 120 of the organization’s members, their families, and friends.
About Lowcountry Youth Services
Lowcountry Youth Services, founded in 2008, endeavors to enrich the lives of young people in the local region through comprehensive mentorship programs. These initiatives focus on teaching valuable life skills and providing support to equip each child for future success.
Every Child Wins
“They are seen, they are heard, they are valued, for just being who they are. Lowcountry Youth Services is for every child. That’s our motto – ‘every child wins,'” said Danielle Hardee, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the Lowcountry Youth Services. The organization creates a nurturing environment where children are celebrated for being themselves and contributes to their growth and maturity.
Mentorship Programs
The organization currently operates five mentorship programs:
- Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club: This program aims to prepare young men from 3rd to 12th grade for future responsibilities by addressing topics like financial management and vehicle upkeep.
- Queens’ Being: Focused on empowering young women aged between 11 and 18, this program covers diverse areas – from character building, career planning to sexual reproductive health.
- Young Men Rise and Girls on the Rise: These programs equip young men and women with similar skills to those taught in the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and Queens’ Being. The difference? They’re school-based initiatives.
- Young Leader’s Institute: This summer mentorship program for boys and girls in 6th to 8th grade includes college preparation and career path plans, supplemented with social-emotional learning.
Awards and Recognitions
The evening recognized volunteers and community service contributors, alongside the mentee and mentor of the year from both the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and Queens’ Being. The organization also welcomed new members and celebrated the ones who graduated from the program.
Raphael James, from Live 5, received the Mentor of the Year award for the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club. Three-year member of Queens’ Being, Isis Lewis, was acknowledged with the attitude award for her relentless positivity. Speaking about her experience in the program, Lewis said, “What it means to me to be involved in a program like this? It means a lot, like, first of all were in a community full of black people, and it just makes me feel very special that I have another family that I can come to and talk about personal things.”
Looking Forward
North Charleston City Council Member, Michael Brown who attended the ceremony expressed his intentions to sign up as a mentor for the next year. He noted, “So, if we invest in our kids now, we will have an amazing future we won’t have to worry about.”
If you are interested in engaging your child with Lowcountry Youth Services’ mentorship programs, you can apply through their official website.
