Each year, as part of the Community Foundation Legacy of Giving Event, we present a portion of the event proceeds to a South Jersey organization. This year, the $2500 grant will be presented to LUCY (Lifting Up Camden’s Youth) Outreach.
LUCY offers multi-lingual, culturally sensitive services to low-income teens and young adults ages 12-25, and their families. LUCY was established to address the particular challenges and setbacks including teen delinquency, gang and drug recruitment, substance abuse in the home, teen pregnancy and a struggling public school system; all challenges of growing up in America’s poorest and most dangerous city. LUCY seeks to enhance their quality of life by filling the void with positive programming, by encouraging community involvement, and by providing services, resources, and support. LUCY accepts and welcomes all youth to take part in educational, service-oriented, spiritual, and cultural and social programming including:
- Educational: College prep, graduate mentor program, tutoring, life skills, leadership and job training
- Service-oriented: Civic responsibility classes, local service days, annual immersion trip to the Mexican Border, community panels and more
- Spiritual/Cultural:Inclusivity and social justice workshops, retreats, support groups, cultural festivals and outings and museums
- Social: Developing a healthy mind, body and spirit through sports, fitness, clubs and an eight-week summer camp program, which provides a safe, productive and fun alternative for urban youth. Local trips to the shore, sporting events and amusement parks also provide urban youth with experiences otherwise not available to them
LUCY was selected to receive the Impact Partners grant at our annual event because it is an organization that is near and dear to 2016 honoree Ann Baiada. According to LUCY Board member Cynthia Eisen, “Ann’s steady encouragement and support have allowed LUCY to grow and thrive as it transitions into being a stand-alone 501c3 non-profit organization.”
The Baiada’s philanthropy will permit the expansion of the LUCY College Academy, which provides college and career preparation, support including scholarships, and counseling, to over 350 upcoming and existing LUCY college-bound students.
LUCY Outreach’s Impact Highlights:
- 100% high school graduation rate since 2008
- 195 of 204 college enrolled since 2008 with 9 in active military in a city with a 60% high school graduation rate and 5% on to college
- LUCY serves students from 34 Camden, public, charter, technical and suburban schools
- LUCY’s mentor program serves over 140 LUCY graduates, ages 18-25, and receive job training and placement, college support, life skills and counseling at monthly events
- Over 2,000 youth have participated in the program since 1985. Since then, the program has grown dramatically – serving more than 350 annually
- 75% of the students are from households where one or both parents are absent
- Over 175 high school and college students, young professionals, and adults volunteer annually
CFSJ’s Impact Partners grant will be presented as part of Legacy of Giving Award honoring Ann and Mark Baiada on Thursday, October 27th at 6:30 PM at the Moorestown Community House (16 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ).
Celebrate the Generosity & Impact of Mark & Ann Baiada
Thursday, October 27 | 6:30 PM
Moorestown Community House
16 East Main Street, Moorestown, NJ
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