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To honor and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Think Make Live Youth and recognize their impact on the youth of Columbus
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WHEREAS, Think Make Live Youth began its journey of service by hosting its first youth event on August 27, 2016, at the Milo-Grogan Recreation Center, establishing a mission focused on empowering young people through education, workforce development, civic engagement, wellness, violence prevention, mentorship, leadership development, and positive community involvement; and has remained committed to encouraging young people to think beyond their circumstances, make positive and responsible decisions, and live fulfilled lives as productive leaders in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities; and
WHEREAS, since 2016, Think Make Live Youth has hosted more than 95 in-person and virtual events, engaging over 15,000 individuals, with more than 65 percent of participants between the ages of 13 and 25 and 90 percent of youth event participants taking part in interactive educational workshops; and has facilitated collaborative meetings involving more than 50 organizations and businesses, strengthening partnerships and expanding access to valuable resources throughout Columbus; and
WHEREAS, through its Guns D.O.W.N. in-school, after-school, and community-based programming, 1,740 young people have participated in violence-prevention, mentoring, and educational sessions, achieving a 90 percent completion rate while providing safe and supportive spaces away from violence; and
WHEREAS, more than 85 young people have participated in the organization’s Summer Workforce Program since 2020, achieving an 80 percent completion rate while developing leadership, employment readiness, financial literacy, career-planning, and responsible decision-making skills; and
WHEREAS, through the organization’s Unleashing Potential Program, 28 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 have successfully completed the program and received criminal-record expungements, opening doors to employment, education, housing, financial stability, and renewed opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council recognizes that investing in young people is an investment in the future of the entire city and commends Think Make Live Youth for creating pathways to success, encouraging second chances, strengthening community connections, and helping build safer and more equitable neighborhoods; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Columbus City Council hereby recognizes and congratulates Think Make Live Youth on the celebration of its 10th Anniversary and commends the organization for a decade of service and unwavering commitment to uplifting the next generation, strengthening families, creating opportunities, and improving the quality of life for residents throughout Columbus.