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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-25-0006 Exhibit CEXHIBIT "C" Breath Of Life Ministry of the Arts, Inc. 3339 NW 48th Terrace Miami, FL 33142 Gloria Cohen Executive Director Ladygcohen64gmail.corn Shelia P. Cohen Assistant Director sheliafp@bellsouth.net November 8, 2024 James McQueen Executive Director Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency 819 NW 2"d Avenue, 3rd Floor Miami, FL 33136 Dear Mr. McQueen, The Breath Of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program seeks $82,155 in funding from the Southeast OvertownIPark West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to empower youth through the transformative power of the arts. This comprehensive program will provide underserved youth in the community with access to professional academic education, mentorship, leadership skills, performance opportunities, fostering their personal and professional development while addressing community challenges such as economic disparities and lack of creative outlets. The requested funding will be allocated toward operational costs, instructor salaries, equipment, program materials, and program marketing. Our vision aligns with the CRA's mission to promote community redevelopment and economic empowerment by investing in our youth and fostering cultural enrichment. Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program is dedicated to building character and moral standards in our youth. We have been dedicated to the nurturing of our youth for over twenty-five (25) years. The Program nurtures and guides the gifts and talents that are hidden within each youth to enhance their full potential. We provide assistance with school projects for all grade levels and tutoring in various subjects including Math, science, writing, histoty, and ACT/SAT prep for high school students, Our Mission is to encourage, educate and empower inner city youth from ages four (4) though eighteen (18) by fostering hope through the form of training, education, tutoring, field trips, mentoring and the Arts in the form of dance, music, singing, and drama to help build their self-esteem and expose them to new and greater opportunities. 1 EXHIBIT "C" Our Vision continues to be an integral and vital part of the community by delivering excellent training services that builds hope to promote lifelong learning and success for our youth. Most of our graduates have succeeded in life and have become productive leaders of our community and abroad. Youth will be recruited from the Overtown communities, The Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program will be offered at A.M. Cohen Temple located in Overtown. Youth attending Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program will be equipped with the skills needed to navigate pursue and complete their education, Lessons will be taught and equip them to select career paths which will provide them with long term sustainable success. This is the quality we want to ensure that is modeled and instilled in each youth. We are providing a safe haven for children three (2-3) days a week to assist parents that are not able to afford childcare, having to leave children at home alone without supervision, and keeping them safe off the streets, educating them to become productive citizens in their community. The Breath Of Life Ministry of the Arts plays a critical role in fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural enrichment in the community. Our program is important and the deserve funding will support: 1 Fostering Creativity and Innovation: The arts encourage youth to think creatively and approach problems in new ways. By participating in music, visual arts, dance, theater, and other forms of creative expression, individuals develop critical thinking and problem - solving skills that are valuable in all areas of life. 2, Providing Positive Youth Engagement: Involvement in the arts gives youth a constructive outlet for self-expression, reducing the risk of negative influences. Arts programs can serve as safe havens, offering rnentorship, structure, and support to guide young people away from harmful paths and toward productive, life -affirming pursuits. . Educational Enrichment: Studies show that youth (students) who participate in the arts perform better academically, demonstrate higher rates of graduation, and show improved literacy and numeracy skills. Arts programs help students develop discipline, focus, and perseverance —qualities that are valuable both in school and in life. Investing in the Breath Of Life Ministiy of the Arts Youth Program is an investment in the community's cultural, social, and economic well-being. With the funding requested, it can continue to enrich lives, inspire future generations, and bring people together through the universal language of creativity. 2 EXHIBIT "C" History: The Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts has a rich history spanning over 30 years, dedicated to enriching lives through creative expression and cultural engagement. Since its inception, the ministry has offered programs in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and more, impacting generations of community members. Over the decades, it has grown into a cornerstone of the community, known for its commitment to nurturing talent, fostering personal growth, and promoting a deep appreciation for the arts. The Youth program quickly gained a reputation for nurturing talent and instilling confidence, discipline, and teamwork in our youth. Each year, the youth would have the chance to participate in seasonal performances, which became beloved traditions in the community. The ministry also partnered with local schools and organizations, broadening its reach and allowing even more youth to take part in these enriching experiences. The Ministry has not only preserved artistic traditions but also encouraged innovation, providing a platform for emerging and established artists to share their talents. With consistent support, the Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts can continue its legacy of transforming lives through the power of the arts. EXHIBIT "C" Success Story: Lundi Bush — A Young Leader in Media Lundi Bush, a passionate junior in high school with a love for media, has transformed her interests into impactful service by leading the media ministry at her church. From a young age, Lundi displayed a keen interest in all things media -related, from videography and photography to managing social media platforms. When an opportunity arose to join her church's media ministry, she eagerly accepted the chance to apply her skills in a meaningful way. Over thne, Lundi's dedication, creativity, and growing technical expertise did not go unnoticed, Her commitment to delivering high -quality content and her knack for visual storytelling led to her new role as head of the media ministry. Now, she oversees a team, coordinating live -streams, managing digital content, and ensuring smooth technical operations during church services and events. Under her leadership, the ministry has seen a noticeable increase in engagement from church members and the wider community. Lundi's success highlights not only her talents but also the power of youth involvement in meaningful roles. She continues to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the ministry, and her journey serves as an inspiration to her peers and mentors alike. Success Story: Jasmine Moore - Path to Business Success" Jasmine Moore had always been drawn to the arts. She joined the Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts youth program at a young age, captivated by how the performances connected her with others and strengthened her faith. Over the years, Jasmine grew from a shy participant to a confident leader, working behind the scenes in the ministry's productions and learning valuable skills like teamwork, organization, and communication. As Jasmine entered high school, she began to realize the power of combining her love for the arts with a growing interest in business. Inspired by the ministry's long-standing legacy and her own ambition to make an impact, Jasmine decided that she wanted to pursue business studies in college with the ultimate dream of supporting nonprofit arts programs for youth. The Breath of Life Ministry provided her with a platform to practice her leadership skills, as she learned about managing budgets, and assisting with coordinating special events. This experience fueled her passion, and by graduation, she had gained the skills, confidence, and vision to make her dream a reality. Jasmine's journey from the Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts to a business degree is a testament to how community support, mentorship, and a commitment to purpose can help youth achieve their dreams. Her story is just beginning, but her foundation is strong a blend of faith, passion for the arts, and a solid business education. 4 EXHIBIT "C" Goals: The Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program is committed to nurturing young people's growth while positively impacting the community. Its goals emphasize both personal development and service, focusing on how youth can use their artistic talents and leadership skills to enrich those around them. Key goals include: 1, Artistic Skill -Building and Expression: Equip youth with skills in various art forms, such as music, dance, drama, and visual arts, to allow them to express their passions, and values in impactful ways that engage and inspire the community. 2. Leadership and Community Responsibility: Foster leadership qualities and community - mindedness, empowering youth to take initiative in planning, organizing, and leading community -based performances and events. 3. Community Engagement and Service: Encourage youth to use their artistic gifts to serve and uplift the community through performances, workshops, and outreach events that promote unity, healing, and social awareness, 4. Positive Peer Support and Mentorship: Build a supportive environment where youth can mentor one another, creating bonds of friendship, trust, and accountability that extend beyond the program to their everyday lives. 5. Pathways to Personal and Professional Growth: Help youth explore future careers or educational paths in the arts, ministry, or community service, showing them how their talents and passions can lead to meaningful, impactful careers. By focusing on these goals, the Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program empowers young people to grow as individuals while actively contributing to the well-being and enrichment of the community, fostering a generation of compassionate, skilled, and purpose -driven leaders. Breath of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program is serving youth 2 days a week (Tuesday, and Thursday), and 3 hours a day. The sessions are held during the school calendar year (08/15/2024 06/09/2025) and summer (06/19/2024-07/31/2025). The Youth Program would especially be enhanced with the support of additional funding is needed to enhance the tutorial programs (STEAM, Reading and Writing), Financial Literacy Workshop, Entrepreneurship, and preparing for Workforce Readiness. Youth will attend interactive workshops focused on topics that bring life to the subjects covered. Curriculum of weekly activities Weekdays: Tuesday, and Thursday Time: 6:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. (Summer) Weekdays: 8:30am -- 2:30pm Homework Assistance Days per week: 2 Offered: 30 minutes Youth receives a snack and prepare for homework assistances. Combining well -designed homework assistance with other academic enrichment activities can provide a well-rounded package of expanded learning opportunities that contribute to school success and positive youth development. Homework assistance also eases the pressure off families. Youth are not the only ones whose stress levels rise with homework. Many of our youth come from single family backgrounds and from families where educational achievement may have been limited. We provide each youth with quality homework assistance. 5 EXHIBIT "C" Group Literacy Days per week: 2 Offered: 30 minutes Youth receive group literacy programming that utilizes evidence -based programs and/or strategies that promote and improve oral reading fluency in grades (K-3), reading comprehension in later grades (4-5), and vocabulary -building across all levels. Group Literacy may be integrated into various activities that incorporate active reading and comprehension strategies. Physical Activity (Arts: dance, sing, drawing/painting, music) Days per week: 2 Offered: 60 minutes Youth receive structured physical fitness programming to keep children moving throughout the entire activity, while performing fitness, fun, building friendship, bonding, and teamwork. Program offers a variety of activities that encourage youth for all skill levels and abilities, and that meet the youth's needs and interest. Social -Emotional Learning (SEL) Days per week: 1 Offered: 30 minutes The program focuses on positive skill -building through challenging activities, leadership development, and opportunities for youth to have hands-on practice applying skills to real -world scenarios. Program ensure a nurturing, socially positive environment, and intentionally foster this environment by coaching and mentoring our youth. Job Readiness (High school youth) Days per week: 1 Offered: 30 minutes Career Professionals are invited to sessions to educate youth on the following topics: • Resume writing • Business etiquette (what to wear) • Completing Application Process (CAP) • Creating Your 60 Seconds Elevator Speech • Career Day (shadow mentor for a day in the field youth are interested in) • Selecting your career field o Salary compensation to match your lifestyle o Timeline reaching your career level, i.e. CEO, President, etc. Financial Literacy Days per week: 1 Offered: 30 minutes Career Professionals are invited to sessions to educate youth on the following topics: • Banking (interest rates) • Investing (saving for the future) • Budget (how to manage your finances) o Basic Household expenses o Auto/Insurance expenses o Higher Education expenses 6 EXHIBIT "C" • Benefits • Entrepreneurship o Owning your own business o Type of business ' Field Trips Field trips increase engagement in the program and give participants the opportunity to experience new educational, cultural, and environmental experience. The selected field trip sites and experience are aligned to the curricula, activities, and may include museums, galleries, businesses, parks, college campus visits, and theater. Budget: Program Director (After School and Summer) $13,000 Responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of program development, from designing workshops and performances to coordinating partnerships with schools, local organizations, and community leaders. Also responsible for fundraising initiatives, securing grants, and managing resources to support an expanding array of arts - based programs such as music, drama, dance, visual arts, and digital media. Assistant Program Director (After School and Summer) $11,295 Responsibilities includes day to day operations, supports community outreach efforts, helping to promote the program and build relationships with local schools and organizations. Works with the Program Director on administrative tasks, including tracking program attendance, assisting with budgeting, and supporting grant applications and reporting. Facilitator Instructors (After School) $5,760 Art instructors (2) teach dance, theater, music, and arts. Certified Teacher (Summer) $5,250 Certified Teacher works during the summer. Oversee the academic curriculum, plans and coordinate the field trips. Teachers (Summer) $6,000 Teachers (3) scheduled for the summer sessions. Lead Counselor(Summer) $1,200 Responsible for creating and leading group activities, foster team -building, and ensure that each young person feels valued and motivated. Counselors (Summer) $1,000 Responsible for setting and working toward personal and artistic goals, providing feedback and support to enhance their confidence and skills. Also facilitate group discussions, team - building exercises, and creative projects, 7 EXHIBIT "C" Crpticr fostering collaboration and mutual respect among participants. Facilitator Instructors $2,520 Art Instructors (2) teach dance, theater, music, and arts. Transportation $1,500 Transportation for Field Trips Facility Rental and utility usage. The BOL of Life Space and Utilities $24,000 office and facility space for the year Office Supplies $500 Office supplies for the year Program Supplies $1,000 Materials for the program (workbooks, arts/craft, game boards, equipment, etc.) Background Screening $130 Background screening for new staff Field Trips $9,000 Field trips (5) @ $95 average per youth (25-30) Total $82,155 Conclusion The funding to support Breath Of Life Ministry of the Arts Youth Program is an investment in the Overtown area as we continue to model a program that will not only benefit our youth but positively impact the entire community, We appreciate the opportunity to bring this important youth program to your attention. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (305) 310-8565. Sincerely, I < Gloria Cohen, President Ladygcohen6@gmail.cona (786) 344-8778 `Shelia P. Cohen, Interim Executive sheliafp a bellsouth.net Director (305) 310-8565 8 EXHIBIT "C" Youth learning environment and nature Youth learning a stem project Game world field trip EXHIBIT "C" Youth in Arts j girls learning drumtine 10 EXHIBIT "C" Community support day of coot I provided free ice cream Youth in Arts learning to play the keyboard EXHIBIT "C" STEM Project I Youth participating in a STEM project: Helium Balloon effect • 12 EXHIBIT "C" Youth creating and designing a kite 1 3 EXHIBIT "C" Copy of Youth program I Field trips, Arts, Media, College Tour