N e w s l e t t e r

We l c o m e

Dr. Brandi Pritchett-Johnson, Founder/Executive Director

letter you will learn exactly what we have been up to. You will be invited to celebrate our successes by review-ing program updates and meeting our students through the student spotlight. We will share information on things to come and even key things to know that might empower you to uplift your community. You will also be provided with multiple ways of making a contribution to the Future 4 Teens mission and impacting the lives of our young people forever.

We must always give a shout out to all of you who have made all of this possible. During 2013 we raised nearly $18,000 impacting over 100 students. During 2014 we desire to make Future 4 Teens even stronger, impacting our students in an even more substantial way. Please send your positive energy, prayers, referrals, program ideas, and monetary donations to help us continue to fulfill this awesome mission. See you in 2014!

On behalf of the Future 4 Teen’s family, I would like to thank you for your incredible support, commitment, and participation throughout this past year. Future 4 Teens was created to promote transitions to positive adult-hood by providing, measurable, affordable, accessible, and culturally responsive mental health and education-ally based services to youth and young adult popula-tions. It is with your help that we have been able to make this mission come to life.

For over 7 years we have had the privilege of meeting some amazing young people with incredible promise. We have been able to build strong relationships and help youth and young adults develop essential skills and the self-confidence to persevere beyond any obstacle set before them.

The Future 4 Teens family has discussed a few ways we can stay better connected with others who care about the future of our young people. In your quarterly news-

Administrative Staff: Walter Malone, Cheyla Milo, Brandi Pritchett-Johnson, Joe Johnson

January 2014M e s s a g e f r o m

Future 4 Teens was created to promote transitions to positive adulthood by providing, measurable, affordable, accessible, and culturally respon-sive mental health and educationally based services to youth and young adult populations.

G o a l s :

- Increase college exposure as a critical component to college readiness- Promote development of independent and critical thinking about life decisions- Provide an abundance of experiences outside of participants communities to enhance opportunities for development- Facilitate the development of healthy interpersonal relationship.

Va l u e s :

- Establishment and increase of empowerment, self-confidence, self- awareness and self-esteem.- Treatment of others according to God’s expectation; with kind ness, love, and respect.- Continual pursuit of knowledge, education, personal and profes sional growth of F4T staff and its youth and young adult constitu ency.- Establishment of supportive and healthy interpersonal relation ships.

A L i t t l e B i t A b o u t O u r P r o g r a m M o d e l

For those of you that are new to the Future 4 Teens family, it feels important to share a little about the F4T philoso-phy. First, we strongly believe in nurturing positive relationships and teaching our students how to create the same positive relationships throughout their lives. Second, because the F4T staff are all professionally trained counselors, we value supporting not just our students’ academic goals but their minds and their hearts. When it comes to our programs we are very intuitive about their non-verbal reactions or their presence in the room. We attempt to inten-tionally care for their self-esteem, social, and emotional well-being. In many communities such support is stigma-tized, but it doesn’t have to be!

You may notice that a majority of our programs are fairly small. This too is done very intentionally to allow for the intimacy and attention needed for each student to have a rich experience.

Finally, we believe it takes a village to support everyone. We believe in collaboration and working with other really amazing change agents to create a better experience for the young people of today and leaders of tomorrow.

M i s s i o n : January 2014

A L i t t l e B i t A b o u t O u r P r o g r a m M o d e l

For those of you that are new to the Future 4 Teens family, it feels important to share a little about the F4T philoso-phy. First, we strongly believe in nurturing positive relationships and teaching our students how to create the same positive relationships throughout their lives. Second, because the F4T staff are all professionally trained counselors, we value supporting not just our students’ academic goals but their minds and their hearts. When it comes to our programs we are very intuitive about their non-verbal reactions or their presence in the room. We attempt to inten-tionally care for their self-esteem, social, and emotional well-being. In many communities such support is stigma-tized, but it doesn’t have to be!

You may notice that a majority of our programs are fairly small. This too is done very intentionally to allow for the intimacy and attention needed for each student to have a rich experience.

Finally, we believe it takes a village to support everyone. We believe in collaboration and working with other really amazing change agents to create a better experience for the young people of today and leaders of tomorrow.

BMS is a 2-3 day experience for high school males and it includes atten-dance to the University of Akron’s annual Black Male Summit to engage in conference like seminars and keynote addresses. Additionally, F4T creates strong supplemental programing to include; cultural activities, meals at local “hotspots” (for exposure and etiquette development), and discussions with professionals. The goal is to expose high school men to higher education, nurture self-confidence, strengthen professionalism and networking skills.

LOCE has evolved into a 3-4 day experience designed to expose high school females to higher education. It offers the ladies an opportunity to more intentionally participate in activities that require them not only to learn about the standard process for accessing higher education (e.g. financial aid, application process, etc.) but more importantly to think critically about how to navigate college life. We allow for time to focus on socio-emotional development, identity development, professional devel-opment, and self-esteem. During the LOCE young women get to have con-versations including but not limited to the experience of attending college as the first in their family or as a woman of color and what it will take to succeed, excel, and eventually give back.

4t h Annua l Lad ies On ly Co l lege Exper ience ( LOCE)Eastern Michigan University, University of Detroit-Mercy, Wayne State University,Oakland University - Michigan

4t h Annua l B lac k Male Summi t (BMS) University of Akron – Ohio

Participants9

14 Participants

[Other students] should come because it’s a very vePy good program. It’s like a special program and not like any other college program where you just go and get a bunch of information. I can’t really even put it into words. ~ LOCE Participant

Joe and Walt’s session really made me think. I thought this was a great program and I had a lot of fun. It could help me in the future. ~ BMS participant

I took a lot from every session, even the boring ones. It was really a great experience and never a dull moment. ~ BMS participant

January 2014

I don’t really have a favorite [part of the trip] because I enjoyed every moment. We were given so many opportunities like we met a lot of people with Doctorates and they were Black. You have to go because you will be changed. ~ LOCE participant (14 y.o.)

The sessions were very insightful. It gave me a lot to think about as I am planning my future. ~ BMS participant

I just think it’s a great opportunity because before this I was doing bad but coming here kind of inspires you to do better. ~ LOCE partici-pant (16 y.o.)

January 2014

RTYR is an annual overnight retreat for high school males and females held at a local camp site in or near Kalamazoo, Michigan. Each year is structured according to a specific theme. During 2013 our theme was “identity”. Within the theme of Identity; high school students were challenged to think critically about who they are and who they desire to be. This unique retreat experience has been described as “full”, meaning that it allows for a depth of thinking and feeling beyond most classroom discussions or even other retreats. Growth in communica-tion, self- understanding and worldview contribute to the experience and the learning. Ultimately, F4T participants gain humility, patience, critical thinking skills, and a greater sense of self.

SYBL is a week-long basketball league during the summer that allows for middle school and high school males to participate in daily basketball games culminating in a basketball tournament. Youth have the opportu-nity not only to play in a fun sport during the summer but to learn how to strengthen their sportsmanship skills and transfer such skills off the court. SYBL is a unique basketball league because it uses a naturally competi-tive activity to promote positive development. Young men learn and practice ways to engage in professionalism, conflict resolution, team-work, and to capitalize on their own personal strengths. The bonus is that they gain direct exposure and information regarding higher education while also participating in personal development workshops.

6t h Annua l Rea l Ta l k You t h Re t rea t (RT Y T )

Mic h igan

Participants5

5th Annual Summer Youth Baske tbal l League (SYBL)Western Michigan University - Michigan

Participants95

I’ve done the RTYR two times and every time it’s cool. I learn a lot about myself. It’s nice that you really care about us. You should keep doing this and getting more kids.~ RTYR Participant

Sometimes it’s hard to talk about feelings and stuff but I still had fun. I would come back again. You should do something like this for college students because I’m going to graduate soon. ~ RTYR Partici-pant

“Participating in the F4T Basketball League helped me to have fun with others, be more confident, and also showed me the importance of passing and helping others on defense” ~ SYBL Participant

“I felt that the personal growth discussions were very helpful, it made me become a better leader” ~ SYBL Participant “I got mad sometimes but I started learning to calm myself down too” ~ SYBL Participant

D e l v i n J o n e s

S t u d e n t S p o t l i g h t

My name is Delvin Jones and I am a Freshman at Southwestern Michigan College. I'm majoring in psychology studying, to be a Clinical Psycholo-gist. I’ve participated in F4T since before I was a freshman in high school. This will be my 5th year being a part of my F4T family. I have participated in the Annual Black Male Summit located in Akron, Ohio every spring and the Annual Real Talk Youth Retreat during the summer. Each year there's something new to learn from being a part of such a wonderful FAMILY.

Being a part of F4T has helped me become the young man I am today. I have an awesome learning experience each year with every program Future 4 Teens has to offer. I began to become more open to learning certain things that could help me with my future. Honestly, I have become a better person all around. I learned how to become a good networker by meeting new people and how I can help others reach their goals.

One of the most memorable experiences is always The Black Male Summit. It is always a great experience to me because I learn so much from the keynote speakers and other young men from different colleges and high schools all around different states. I learn how to improve my public speaking skills and set life-goals to become a success Black man. Every year I take in new things from all these amazing people. F4T is an organization that helps you to have a great learning experience and helps young men and women to become successful.

“Participating in the F4T Basketball League helped me to have fun with others, be more confident, and also showed me the importance of passing and helping others on defense” ~ SYBL Participant

“I felt that the personal growth discussions were very helpful, it made me become a better leader” ~ SYBL Participant “I got mad sometimes but I started learning to calm myself down too” ~ SYBL Participant

January 2014

LOCE Gift Amounts

A gift of ACCESS $250 $25 supporter A gift of PURPOSE $500 $50 supporterA gift of WORTH $2,500 $250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION $5,000

“Before I went on this trip I

didn’t really take school seriously, but afterwards I

became very focused and starting getting more into

school by joining the Newspa-per, Knight Life. This trip helped

me notice that if I don’t straighten up and get serious then I won’t have the future

that I want.”

Breonna Burnside is currently a sopho-more at a Kalamazoo area high school. During her freshmen year high school, she participated in the LOCE. Breonna had this to say about her experience.

S tudent Impact S tor yS tudent Impact S tor y

BMS Gift Amounts

A gift of ENCOURAGEMENT $250 $25 supporter A gift of NETWORKING $500 $50 supporterA gift of PROMISE $2,500 $250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION $5,000

The Ladies Only College Experience allows young women to experience college in a way that a university-hosted tour simply will not. The ladies are able to interact with students and faculty members from underrepresented groups who can speak to the unique college experience that they will likely encounter just based on who they are. Fortunately, there is always time to organi-cally process the experience to make it meaningful for each individual participant. Your gift will help Breonna and other young ladies just like her have a literal life changing experience.

Terrehl Kelly is currently a senior attending a Kalamazoo area high school. Upon gradua-tion Terrehl Kelly plans to attend Central Michi-gan University where he desires to major in major in Mechanical Engineering. Terrehl has participated in the Black Male Summit and the Summer Youth Basketball League. Terrehl had this to say about his experience:

"F4T has taught me how to communicate and

interact with others. I also have developed

meaningful relationships with staff and look up

to them as role models". The summit hosted over 1000 in attendance

and held sessions related to social issues in the Black community, race relations, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and strategies for personal and professional growth. As an addition to the learning that the summit naturally presents students; Future 4 Teens offers direct mentorship on how to strengthen professionalism skills, develop self-esteem, and engage in networking. We provide the space and support to critically discuss their experiences and reflect on the personal successes and challenges they face. You gift will help Terrehl Kelly and other young men just like him to have a literal life changing experi-ence.

We will highlight sponsorship opportunities for RTYR and SYBL during the summer and fall newslet-ter. However, your contribution for any or all F4T programs at any time is greatly appreciated.

S tudent Impact S tor y

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

January 2014

January 2014

Ladies Only College Experience Gifts:

A gift of ACCESS __$250 __$25 supporter A gift of PURPOSE __$500 __$50 supporterA gift of WORTH __$2,500 __$250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION __$5,000

Summer Youth Basketball League

A gift of BELONGING __$250 __$25 supporter A gift of INCLUSION __$500 __$50 supporterA gift of LEADERSHIP __$2,500 __$250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION __$5,000

Black Male Summit Gifts:

A gift of ENCOURAGEMENT __$250 __$25 supporter A gift of NETWORKING __$500 __$50 supporterA gift of PROMISE __$2,500 __$250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION __$5,000

Real Talk Summer Youth Retreat

A gift of EMPOWERMENT __$250 __$25 supporter A gift of AWARENESS __$500 __$50 supporterA gift of VOICE __$2,500 __$250 supporter A gift of TRANSFORMATION __$5,000

G i f t R e s p o n s e F o r m

I’d like to contribute an Amount of my choosing $___________

Company/Name: ______________________________________________________Contact Person: _______________________________________________________City: __________________________________ State: _______ Zip _____________Phone: _____________________________ Fax: ______________________________Email: ________________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed: _________________ Method of Payment: ____ Check ____ Money Order ____ F4T Website/Paypal ____I’d like to make a contribution monthly. Please bill me.

Please make checks and money orders payable to Future 4 TeensP.O. Box 20251

Kalamazoo, MI 49019FAX: (269) 373-8756 EMail: future4teens@ymail.com

2 014 F u t u r e 4 T e e n s C a l e n d a rOnward & Upward Gala March 1st

5th Annual Ladies Only College Experience April 9-12th 5th Annual Black Male Summit April 11-13th6th Annual Real Talk Youth Retreat June 5th Annual Summer Youth Basketball League June 23rd-26th

Shooting for the Stars Basketball League Breakfast Ceremony June 28th

College Application Assistance Program Accepting Applications NOW

January 2014

Future 4 Teens is moving ONWARD & UPWARD Join us for an annual fundraising Gala

Saturday March 1, 2014 7:00 – 9:00 pmCityScape Events: At the City Centre125 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Honoring our 2014 Future Figures, past Future 4 Teens participants, and our special guest keynote speaker.

Save The Date For March 1s t Fundraiser

Future 4 Teens extends a warm thank you to all of our 2013 sponsors.Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of today’s youth forever!

Souring Silver Sponsors

Reginald Hartsfield Kelsey (Schwartz) HastingsLeroy Pritchett

Brilliant Bronze SponsorsMark Orbe, Ph.DWestern Michigan University –Department of Counselor Education and Counseling PsychologyWanda HartsfieldBoys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, Bob Ezelle

Support Sponsors Michael Evans Public Associates Natan Harpaz, Ph.D.Rebecca Bechler Nsima Usen, M.D. Dana LocniskarDr. Lonnie and Yolanda Duncan Ken Miller

Patrons Permella Harris Stephanie Marcotullio Jeanne TrompeterThe Butler Foundation Karen Horneffer Ginter Joseph L.White,Ph.DMarvin and Frances Stott Walter Redmond Dara Munson Daryl Oliver Katherine CollesApril Tucker R. Christopher Reid Kristina PetersonBarbara Welsch Rashad Thomas Quincy YoungCameron and Tesa Brown Mark T. Chavis PritchettAshley Pritchett Stefen and Kaniqua Welch Kevin and Arriet Alston David Threets Bret Scott Carolyn Johnson

THANK YOU TO OUR GRACIOUS PARTNERS

Building on Faith, Inc. – Jocelyn RobinsonCharles H.Wright Museum of African American HistoryMarco Antonio Photography JamArt Artistic Designs – Jamar LockartDoubletree Suites by Hilton Detroit Downtown – Fort ShelbyMary Z. Anderson, Western Michigan University – Clinical AdvisorKieth Cockrell, Bank of America – Board Member

Gale RossJames RosseauPWG Properties – Paul GillihanMary Z. Anderson

Kaleidoscope CateringSPECIAL RECOGNITION TO Boys and Girls Club of KalamazooIrving S. Gilmore Foundation Kalamazoo Community FoundationBob Ezelle,Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo – Board Member Kelsey (Schwartz) Hastings – Board Chair

Designed by Darius Brown

Brownda09@gmail