Partner Voices
Partner reflections on their organization and the children and youth they serve.
Ayize Sabater, CEO and Co-Founder of M.O.M.I.E's TLC
Fair Chance Partner 2011
"Celebration" is an oldie but goodie, by legendary R&B group Kool & the Gang. This song aptly describes the recent M.O.M.I.E's 10th year summer camp wrap-up ceremony. By God's grace we capped off our decade-long journey with a knee slapping jam. We've truly been blessed to positively impact over 8,000 inner city children using our "three pronged” educational change strategy. This includes providing services of the highest quality, offering skill-building opportunities for parents and communities, and using a wide variety of education resources to help those who we serve.
As in life, there have been many ups and downs along this journey. Yet through it all we have truly been fortunate to make a significant difference in the lives of so many children. This year, I was extremely excited to the launch our inaugural "summer job" initiative called the Youth Ambassador program. This effort began because we wanted to provide a safe and highly professional first-time job experience for youth that have been with M.O.M.I.E's for a number of years. Some of these amazing youth have been with M.O.M.I.E's for half their life! I am also proud to say that 100% of our children will be advancing to the next grade level at their schools.
In October, 2010 we were honored to receive the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, presented to us by First Lady Michelle Obama during a White House ceremony. Lastly, we are expanding our Children's Gallery of Black History and building a new "eco-green" Children's Center.
The two things that move me the most are being able to watch as our young children grow and learn as well as the privilege of working alongside such a dedicated team. Not a day goes by that I don't think about all the great accomplishments our students have and will achieve. It just feels good to know that we at M.O.M.I.E's could have a special part in bringing out the natural leaders within each of them. That is an achievement of which to be proud. M.O.M.I.E's TLC is currently in their first year of a Fair Chance partnership.
