Hope Activated

“There Is No Greater Power And Support You Can Give Someone Than To Look Them In The Eye, And With Sincerity/Conviction Say, I Believe In You.”

That’s exactly what Director Brian Harris (Memphis Office of Youth Services ) did. He emphatically told us that he believes in us, our mission and our vision to serve the youth of our great city! Thank you for the sponsorship funds to help us continue this great work!

Dress for Success 2026 was AMAZING! We had 60 Juniors and Seniors from several different schools in the city to participate Saturday morning (Melrose High School, Hamilton High School, MASE and others). These young people chose to attend. They chose to participate in something positive and uplifting, because they see a better life for themselves. They see a bright future, and we are so proud to be a part of it!

We want to appreciate Pastor Dr. Reginald Boyce - Director of Community Affairs & Special Assistant to the Mayor for sharing an uplifting word to these young people.

Thank you Brian Harris - Director of Memphis Office of Youth Services for sharing with us.

Thank you Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton - Memphis City Council Super District 8-3 for your powerful words.

A special thank you to my Citadel of Deliverance Church family for always helping and supporting us!

We couldn’t have done this without the support from our sponsors Republic Services in partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority!!! Thank you Jason Young - Republic Services Operations Manager, Angela Austin - TVA Allen Site Construction Manager, Rayven Covington - TVA Allen Site Supervisor, Astria Colbert - TVA Allen Admin, Dawnshundra Stancil - TVA Allen Business Support Rep, and Shana Woods - TVA Energy Right

Keep showing up, even on the days it feels small. That’s how big things happen.

That’s what these Melrose scholars continue to do. They are on their way to graduation and they are determined to have their drivers license at the same time. They Keep Showing Up!

There was never a time in my life that my father wasn’t present. There were times when he would have me out with him late at night, while he was working on his car, to get it working so that he could drive to work the next morning. I would be standing there in the cold, sometimes rain, holding a light and handing him a tool and getting fussed at because I gave him the wrong tool. All I’m saying is, he was never absent and I was learning and we were bonding! When men get in their proper place, be present, be fathers, be providers and be a model for our children, Memphis would be a better place, the world would be a better place.

These young men really enjoyed being taught, being loved on, and having men show them attention. This is what we do in our Young Fathers/Young Men Development Program. This is life fulfilling! Much appreciation to certified mechanic Tim Jones for making time for these young men.