By Vanessa Cabezas, edited by Jim Luce
Camden, N.J. Urban Promise is exactly what it stands for. Founded by Dr. Bruce Main back in 1988, Urban Promise has grown significantly over the years and has become a resource or “go to place” for children to get off the streets starting with Camden, New Jersey where it all began.
Urban Promise is a Camden based non-profit that currently mentors and schools over 400 children. It has also become the largest employer of teens in the city of Camden, with approximately 100 teens on its payroll. It has become a sense of hope and is a place where dreams really do come true.
Urban Promise kids having fun at Lucky Strikes bowling alley. Photo: Jerritt Clark.
This year attending the Third Annual Urban Promise Fundraiser hosted and started by Jerritt Clark, A New York based known photographer along with A Fabolous Way – Rapper & multi-platinum recording artist Fabolous’s organization held a packed house at Lucky Strikes-NYC on Wednesday evening, April 4th,, filled with kids from Urban Promise, supporters, celebrities, and many who came to support Jerritt and Urban Promise’s mission. Some of the supporters in attendance were: Silver Medallion, HOT 97, Music by DJ Cassidy, Smile Design Manhattan, Reebok, Pat Tully, Alex McCord, Stefi Nova, Lauren Rae Levy, Rachel Heller, and many more.
The fundraiser‘s primary goal was to gather funding to specifically send the children on a spring break trip to Maryland. They will enjoy a week worth of camping, boating, fishing, zip lining and rock climbing; while ending it off with a tour to the nation’s capital to meet U.S. congressmen and senators.
Jerritt has organized this event on his birthday for three consecutive years and does so to help Urban Promise whole heartedly. “This event to me is something we started three years ago. The economy has been rough on charities and people’s willingness to donate. Due to some programs taking hits, I felt putting money together for the kids Spring Break trip was on the chopping block.
From left to right: Jerritt Clark with Urban Promise kids. Photo: Jerritt Clark.
I know what this trip means to the kids every year — 52% of Camden’s youth live now below the poverty line and never get the opportunity to venture outside Camden’s city limits much less go anywhere on a cool vacation and see the things they learn about in school. I think the best way to teach someone about anything is to get it into their hands and put it in front of them to see. Last year we took the kids to Disney and seeing their faces on a plane for the first time was in itself more than worth anything. Making events like this happen is worth the time for their happiness.
Rapper/Multi-platinum Recording Artist Fabolous with Urban Promise kids.
Photo: Jerritt Clark.
Alberto Vega, North Camden Site Director, and Michael Lovaglio, a Language Arts teacher, of the Urban Promise Academy who day in and day out work with the youth of Urban Promise both explained how they actively work to create a safe and supportive environment for the kids through experiential fun learning adventures. Statistics confirm that the graduation rate in Camden is approximately 47% and the dropout rate is 22%, yet in 2011 the UPA graduated 100% of its senior class, with 70% currently attending four-year universities. An accomplishment and inspiration for the younger ones entering Urban Promise is strictly promoted by word of mouth by the children themselves.
Urban Promise girls, myself, NY Reality Housewife Alex McCord & Vendula Zavadilova. Photo: Jerritt Clark.
During the event I met and had the opportunity to speak with some of the kids – Talik (7), Josh (12), Ashley (12), Kelly (11), and Mabaya (10) – who have been a part of Urban Promise for most of their childhood. It has changed their lives and as some put it, it’s a place where they can go to do something with themselves, to learn and play safely. They also spoke highly about a training program they can participate in to become street leaders.
Being a street leader consists of them tutoring and mentoring the younger ones to change their mindset about the future. Feeling their excitement firsthand and how proud they are of each other can only show that this program really works. Activities such as basketball, outdoor trips, dance, Saturday bible school, music and art are all part of it. It is their sanctuary and outlet to get away from the street life. Spreading academic achievement and paying it forward to each other is one of the most remarkable ways to connect goodness.
For more on Urban Promise please visit: http://www.urbanpromiseusa.org/
Thanks to Daniel Santana and Rafael Burgos for technical assistance.
Vanessa Cabezas is president of Majestic Relations Inc., a public relations firm in New York City. She is an advisor to The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation and active with projects in Haiti and India. She may be reached here.
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