Youth Development
The Our Light Program, now in its fourth year of operation, provides quality basketball, health and wellness workshops, and career readiness guidance to youth in the community. Local spiritual and community leaders lead the workshops and mentor the 80 boys, aged 17-22, who participated in the 16-week program this year. Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant, precautions were taken by limiting spectators and holding the workshops virtually over Zoom. The workshops focused on career readiness, COVID-19 awareness, and safety to address the immediate needs of the participants. At the end of each season, the youth complete surveys evaluating the program. This year, 98% reported having a positive experience with clear expectations and would participate again. We thank our partners MYR Athletics, the Columbus Department of Development Human Services for the grant, Ismail Law Office, and the 2021 Investment Group for sponsoring this impactful program.