VOICE OF YOUTH INC

Mission Statement

Since its inception in 2008, Voice of the Youth (VOY) has provided training, mentorship, and motivation while fostering an atmosphere of growth wherein at-risk youth can advance towards greatness. VOY has serviced youth in the Meadowview, Oak Park and the Valley Hi areas, primarily working with at risk youth who are from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Their ages range from 10-19 years old. They are predominantly in foster care, emancipated minors, teenage mothers, enrolled in court mandated programs, reside in low income housing, victims of violent crimes, prostitution, rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and parental neglect. We innovatively help our youth gain insight and self-awareness through interactive group discussions and age appropriate activities. They experience the empowering transition from victim to victor and learn how to overcome obstacles on their journey towards success. We offer programs to ensure that our youth receive the tools they need to be successful in life such as, Books and Brunch, Summer Nights of Impact, Inspiring Youth for Change, Black BluePrintz for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Community Change Ambassadors, Motivating Other Brothers, Giving Back Matters (Shoe Giveaway, Backpack Giveaway, Turkey Drive and Christmas Gift Giveaway), Trap The Vote, She Could Be My Daughter, Project IMPACT (Stimulant Use Prevention Program), Manhood Mentorship Program, Youth Financial Literacy 101, Youth Job Development Program, Community Pop-Ups, and Don't Shoot Our Future Down. VOY has partnered with the Sierra Health Foundation, California Endowment, Brother to Brother, Hooked On Fishing, MAT Access Point Project, Advance Peace, Build Black Coalition, Simmons Community Center, Sojourner Truth Museum, Escape Velocity, Crocker Art Museum, LaFamilia Counseling Center, My Brother’s Keeper Network, Roberts Family Development Center, Always Knocking, Simmons Community Center, Black Friday Coalition, Black Child Legacy, Sacramento Urban League, 21 Reasons, and WEAVE. We are currently in partnership with the City of Sacramento as well as other Sacramento organizations, since the 2019 implementation of the citywide Community Youth Pop-Up initiative. VOY created and implemented the Community Change Ambassador's (CCA) program at the Arden Fair Mall to help mitigate youth disturbances and violence. We successfully advocated for policy change to include the signing of Assembly Bill 392. VOY has executed a successful summer program (SNI) for three years, where we have employed over 100 youth; in addition to youth employment during the summer program we also hire an additional 30 youth to work at various events. We are currently in contract negotiations with Sacramento City Councilmembers to help mitigate youth violence and disturbances in Old Sacramento through our CCA program.. Our mission at VOY is to encourage, empower, educate, employ and supply much needed services to our mentees, so they can become community change agents. We are building leaders and innovators that will reach their full potential and lead in their lives, give back and make a positive impact in their communities.