Roads to Success

When we talk about changing lives, we're not just speaking in platitudes. We're talking about real moments of transformation, about bridges built between potential and opportunity. Our November Worksite Appreciation Event was a powerful reminder of how community partnerships can reshape futures.

The evening wasn't just an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of hope, resilience, and the extraordinary power of collective support. As our CEO, Sheila Duke shared,

"This is about more than just providing jobs. It's about shaping the skills, confidence, and dreams of young people who are ready to make their mark on the world."

Our honored partners each tell a remarkable story of community impact:

Baked Cravings: More Than Just a Bakery

‍Nestled in the heart of Harlem, Baked Cravings has become a beacon of opportunity. Led by Craig Watson, this isn't just a business—it's a launching pad for young professionals. They've gone beyond traditional workplace training, offering mentorship that transforms entry-level positions into career pathways. For many of our participants, Baked Cravings has been the first place where they truly believed in their potential.

The Bronx is Blooming: Growing Futures, Preserving Nature

‍From a single partnership location to nine vibrant sites, The Bronx is Blooming has redefined youth engagement. Under Henry Jorden's leadership, over 100 participants have become environmental stewards, learning the delicate art of urban conservation. They're not just maintaining parks—they're creating living classrooms where young people learn about ecology, community responsibility, and the power of collective action.

Teaching a Generation (T.A.G.): Cultivating Community Leaders

‍Al and Janet Cohen have done more than create a program—they've built a movement. T.A.G. has been instrumental in transforming young participants into confident community activists. Their approach goes beyond skill-building; they're nurturing the next generation of changemakers who understand the true meaning of social responsibility.

We Can't Breathe: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change

‍Led by Emerald Snipes-Garner, this organization has taken youth empowerment to new heights. Their recent trip to the National Museum of African American History wasn't just a field trip—it was a profound educational journey that connected young people with their historical roots and current potential for social change.

These partnerships represent something far greater than individual success stories. They are the infrastructure of hope, the scaffolding that supports young people as they build their dreams. Each worksite brings a unique perspective, a different set of skills, and an unwavering commitment to youth potential.

Our programs aren't about creating temporary opportunities—they're about building lasting pathways to success. When a young person steps into a worksite, they're not just getting a job. They're gaining a mentor, discovering their strengths, and learning to see themselves as capable, valuable members of our community.

As we reflect on this incredible evening, we're reminded that change happens through connection. It happens when businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations link arms and say: "We believe in you. We're here to support you."

To our honorees, to every worksite partner, to every mentor who takes the time to guide a young person—thank you.

You are the architects of possibility, the builders of futures we can only imagine.