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Pictured from left to right is Leadership for Community Change Project Adult Evaluator Dr. Sharon Anderson, Youth Evaluator Philip Martin, Kellogg Foundation Vice President Bob Long, Adult Coach Eddie Anderson, Youth Coach Anna Maria Fort, Project Lead Gentry Phillips, Jr., Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Judith Stanton.
On Thursday, November 17, 2005 over 150 community members attended the Leadership for Community Change Project(LCCP) Launch held at the Sammy Smith Family Investment Center. “We were thrilled with the turn-out” stated Judith Stanton of the Boys & Girls Club. “We really wanted to recognize the talents of our young people and showcase how this project will change our community and our youth”.
Chief of Benton Harbor police, Al Mingo remarked that there are three things he is excited about in Benton Harbor; the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy, School Resource Officer Program and the Leadership for Community Change Project, because of the young people’s desire to live in a safe, healthy and thriving community, and their willingness to make Benton Harbor such a place to live.
The Leadership for Community Change Project partners youth and adults in leadership training designed to teach them skills for assessing assets and needs, assisting organizations to nurture young leaders , and working with others to make Benton Harbor a more “just” community.
Judge Mabel Mayfield reflected on how critical this initiative is stating “this is our Launch, our celebration…and now we’re gong on the journey”. She encouraged the youth Fellows, who will receive both local and national training, to “take advantage of this great opportunity”.
Two extraordinary youth performance were highlighted during the event; Benton Harbor’s Jazz Ensemble under the direction of James Jones and the Boys & Girls Club Drama Team directed by Deloris Gowens.
The Boys and Girls Club along with the local Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Del-Teens, the Council for World-Class Communities and Lake Michigan College comprise the Project Management Team. This two year project is funded by the Kellogg Foundation.