South Side Teens Find Their Voices, Unleash Potential
Christian Bibbs, 14, has discovered his passion for music and transformed into a skilled drummer and solo singer. With the help of Impact Youth Chicago, Bibbs now aims to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston to pursue his dreams.
Bibbs' transformation began with the state grant-funded program that offered out-of-school activities such as outings to historic sites, cooking classes, and lessons on budgeting. The impact program also helped him build lifelong friendships and overcome self-doubt when he forgot steps while assembling care packages.
Tyana Wilson, 16, has leveraged her church's teen-focused agenda to volunteer at homeless shelters, learn about the stock market, and empower her peers through an After School Matters program. Wilson credits the programs with helping her grow in knowledge, courage, and emotional intelligence.
Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon is evolving his youth ministry initiatives by focusing on community-driven programming that meets young people's needs without relying on grants or taxpayer money. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and faith over fatigue to drive positive change in Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.
Gordon's programs include World Citizen Camp, which offers Afro-centric learning experiences, and Carter Temple CME's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Camp and Youth Impact programs. These initiatives offer young people opportunities for growth, mentorship, and community engagement.
As Gordon notes, "Change does not come from the sidelines." He believes that even small programs with a dedicated team can make a significant impact on lives, one person at a time. With faith in action, he is driving positive change through collaboration and dedication to empowering young people in Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.
Christian Bibbs, 14, has discovered his passion for music and transformed into a skilled drummer and solo singer. With the help of Impact Youth Chicago, Bibbs now aims to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston to pursue his dreams.
Bibbs' transformation began with the state grant-funded program that offered out-of-school activities such as outings to historic sites, cooking classes, and lessons on budgeting. The impact program also helped him build lifelong friendships and overcome self-doubt when he forgot steps while assembling care packages.
Tyana Wilson, 16, has leveraged her church's teen-focused agenda to volunteer at homeless shelters, learn about the stock market, and empower her peers through an After School Matters program. Wilson credits the programs with helping her grow in knowledge, courage, and emotional intelligence.
Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon is evolving his youth ministry initiatives by focusing on community-driven programming that meets young people's needs without relying on grants or taxpayer money. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and faith over fatigue to drive positive change in Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.
Gordon's programs include World Citizen Camp, which offers Afro-centric learning experiences, and Carter Temple CME's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Camp and Youth Impact programs. These initiatives offer young people opportunities for growth, mentorship, and community engagement.
As Gordon notes, "Change does not come from the sidelines." He believes that even small programs with a dedicated team can make a significant impact on lives, one person at a time. With faith in action, he is driving positive change through collaboration and dedication to empowering young people in Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.
! I'm literally feeling all the feels reading about these amazing teens who are taking control of their futures! Christian and Tyana's stories are giving me LIFE 
- it's so cool that they found their passions through programs like Impact Youth Chicago and After School Matters. And Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon's initiatives are totally on point 
! His focus on community-driven programming is exactly what we need more of in our world. I'm all about supporting these young leaders who are making a difference, one beat at a time 
Tyana Wilson is killing it w/ her volunteer work & After School Matters program, I'm low-key inspired by her already 
Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon's community-driven programs r on point, u can feel the passion & dedication he's got for empowering these youngins 
change does come from the sidelines & we gotta support ppl like him 
The way Impact Youth Chicago helped him find his groove is truly inspiring. And Tyana Wilson's community-driven initiatives are giving me all the feels - empowering her peers and volunteering at homeless shelters is no joke! 
I'm not sure about these youth programs being the real deal... I mean, a state grant-funded program that helped Christian Bibbs become a drummer? 
I need some concrete evidence before I start singing their praises...
with the right support & resources! Christian's passion for music is a huge win 
. what I love about Rev. Dr. Gordon's approach is that he's not relying on external funding, but instead focusing on community-driven initiatives that meet young people's needs 
. it's all about empowerment, growth, & collaboration 
I mean, think about it, these programs aren't just about academic stuff or extracurriculars, they're really about helping young ppl develop as individuals, build relationships & gain life skills 
It's dope to see Christian Bibbs rockin' his music & Tyana Wilson takin' action in her community 
I'm genuinely heartened by the stories of these young individuals, Christian Bibbs and Tyana Wilson, who have found their voices and are now poised for greatness 
. By empowering them to take ownership of their lives and interests, we're seeing a shift towards more inclusive and participatory models of community development 
.
! He went from not knowing his passion to becoming a talented drummer and solo singer with the help of Impact Youth Chicago 
. The fact that they offer out-of-school activities like outings to historic sites and cooking classes is genius 
. Not necessarily in a bad way, though! A little bit of guidance can go a long way, especially when it comes to empowering young people. 
. Just because some teens are getting involved in programs doesn't mean we should be relying on grants and taxpayer money 
. What's wrong with these churches and community centers already doing for years? Why can't they just keep doing what they're doing instead of trying to reinvent the wheel? I'm also skeptical about all this "empowerment" talk 
! And Tyana Wilson is volunteering at homeless shelters & teaching her peers about the stock market 
? That's dedication, fam! Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon's community-driven programs are giving young people so much more than just a safety net - he's empowering them to be change-makers 
Impact Youth Chicago seems like they're really investing in these teens' futures, providing more than just basic stuff like outings and cooking classes. It's about building relationships, boosting confidence, and giving them a sense of purpose. And Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon's approach to community-driven programs is on point - collaboration over grants, that makes more sense. These young people are starting to find their voices, which is beautiful