The Family One

Goal: $8,000.00

Specific Need

Expanding our services across the county is imperative to meet the growing demand for mentorship and support among youth in our community. As the need for positive role models and guidance continues to rise, it's essential to recruit additional mentors who can provide one-on-one support, group support, and guidance to students facing various challenges. Additionally, offering scholarships for program fees ensures that financial constraints do not hinder participation, allowing all students to benefit from our programs regardless of their economic background. Moreover, expanding our reach across the county necessitates access to adequate program materials to facilitate effective learning and growth opportunities for our participants. By expanding our services, recruiting more mentors, providing scholarships, and securing necessary program materials, we can better serve the diverse needs of youth across the county, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

With our #GiveChoose campaign, you can be a hero for youth in our community! Your support ensures that every child has access to life-changing programs and opportunities. Here's how your donation can make an impact:

$25: Supplement a child's 1:1 mentoring session.

$50: Covers the cost of a mentorship session for a child.

$125: Supports a scholarship for a child to attend our program for 6 weeks once a week.

$250: Supports a scholarship for a child to attend our program for 6 weeks twice a week.

$500: Helps fund materials and resources for our programs in arts, S.T.E.A.M., short film, and sports training.

$1000: 20 hours of 1:1 mentoring, empowerment, and enrichment engagements for youth.

Every dollar counts, and your generosity will directly impact the lives of children in our community. Together, let's create brighter futures for our youth! Donate today at https://www.givechoose.org/nonprofits/TheFamilyOne. #FamilyOne #GiveChoose #SupportOurYouth

Mission

The Family ONE creates, implements and operates programs and events that provide support for local youth. We do this by establishing an environment and culture that allows the youth we serve to find their voice, their path and purpose; removing barriers self-imposed or otherwise; cultivating critical thinking and ownership as a means of progressing the youth towards their goals; and presenting experiences that remove limitations, spark imagination and inspire actions that lead to tangible positive outcomes.

Profile

“Kids who have mentors are less likely to take part in risky behaviors. Children who have mentors are:

46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs,
27 percent less likely to use alcohol, and
52 percent less likely to skip school than kids who don’t have mentors.

Kids with mentors also report that they are more confident of their school performance, more likely to get along with others, and less likely to hit someone.” –Big Brothers Big Sisters Impact Study

We have made tremendous strides in our programming and impact and are looking forward to a continued positive and impactful engagement with the youth and community of Loudoun. Positive programs for youth play a crucial role in the development and well-being of young people.

Being an adolescent is a time of great change and growth, and young people must be provided with opportunities to develop positive relationships, skills, and self-esteem. Our programs provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn new skills, develop their interests, and make meaningful connections with peers and adults.

One key benefit of our programs is that they provide a structured and supportive environment for young people to engage in positive activities. These programs help young people develop a sense of purpose and belonging while building self-esteem and confidence. Participants learn invaluable life skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership as they grow into adulthood.

2024 OUTLOOK

With the funding secured from this campaign, we will be able to continue and expand our efforts to provide robust programming, more community events, increasing mentor man hours, and partnering with more organizations to maximize our impact in 2024.

We plan to offer our Short Film and Arts programs in cycles to reach as many youth as we can throughout the year. Each group will have a chance to showcase their work in a public exhibition.
Freedom High School/LightRidge High School Leadership Academy: This is our fourth year of partnership with Freedom High School and first year with LightRidge. Leadership Academy is designed to assist graduating seniors who have not yet identified their future path post-graduation. We offer one-on-one mentorship, professional mentorships based on industries identified by students, and a safe space for young people to express themselves freely about their personal growth and development.
Our second 5K Bike Ride and Wellness event
August 2024 will see the fourth annual Family Fest, a time for kids and parents to have fun together and explore new skills.

The Family One was founded by two of Loudoun County's own with a mission to serve Loudoun's youth, and with your help we can continue to teach more young people the skills needed to manage their emotions, process triggering events, and channel their energy into creating positive personal outcomes.

Please help us make 2024 our best year yet!

PAST EVENTS AND IMPACT:

Family Fest 2022: https://www.thefamilyone.com/our-events

Holiday Turkey Giveaway: This event allowed us to serve over 100 families by providing turkeys and fixings for the families who expressed a circumstantial need and or suffered from continuous food insecurities.

Toy Give Away: Approximately 130 children made the NICE list and were recipients of toys, coats, bicycles and more as a kind gesture and a financial relief for those in need of assistance during the Christmas season.

VIDEO LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QIAiWvvode9Gi5mMocDVFA0Xm4TofGu8/view?usp=sharing

Family Fest 2021: The inaugural event hosted a game coding session, gaming truck and parent vs student kickball game for the youth of Loudoun County.

VIDEO LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xFuSZ_zg2jGCbke5hYOX8-PUiEMB39f/view?usp=sharing

Sneaker Drive: We contributed to a collaborative effort that collected over 180 pairs of sneakers to be recycled and repurposed for those in need.

VIDEO LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W7t7vovQzHO54TdeDLz5LYKVrRAPNFAT/view?usp=sharing

Past Freedom HighSchool Leadership Academy Testimonials

https://flipgrid.com/s/XHrbk9iPA25yQxbE

https://flipgrid.com/s/meaA_4iskpEDhFHo

https://flipgrid.com/s/78PSQ9nBjTesN5Px

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https://flipgrid.com/s/1eFhMqDnnjDrME3g

https://flipgrid.com/s/4XBAcD4SGHxxJi4x

https://flipgrid.com/s/avEfxNYV3vvgzs8h

https://flipgrid.com/s/H27Ac27X9b73

https://flipgrid.com/s/woLhwWMhX6ns

Individual Mentoring services: We provide trauma-informed mentoring services through our sister company that focuses on strengthening their ability to process data and communicate their needs effectively.

Written Testimony:

"When our son first started with you guys, he was having these angry outbursts where he would be so mad he would scream, throw things, break things etc and it would take hours to call him down. Monday, his friends were messing with him on the game and he went nuts. Screaming and slamming things. I went to his room and asked him to calm down, take a deep breath, don't let other people get you like this. He said ok (with tears in his eyes) and started to take some deep breaths. Within 5 minutes all was well and he was calm. I never thought we'd get to see that!

We could not be more proud of him and the work he has put in. But I also wanted to just mention it to you two so you can see first-hand the impact you have on our young youth..and the impact for us parents too! "

-Mrs. C

"I met Benjamin and Derrick at the 2020 LCPS mental health and wellness symposium. I have stayed in touch with them, and their personal stories tie well into their mission with mentoring. I appreciate how Benjamin and Derrick bring a variety of experiences that students can learn from: Loudoun County High School alumni, college, entrepreneurship, fine arts, athletics, coaching, and community activism.

Additionally, last year they were instrumental in assisting as mentors with Freedom HS’s Leadership Academy, working with 12^th graders who needed help deciding what they wanted to do after graduation. I have enjoyed keeping track of their presentations and speaking engagements over the past year, including to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. I have also kept Ben and Derrick updated on our LCPS Equity efforts, and we have discussed their willingness to be a resource to students who need additional help to process racial identity development questions and assisting students in dealing with racial incidents at school."

-G. Shafer Community Connections & LCPS Business Partnerships Network Office of Instructional Programs

"I had a fantastic mentorship with Mr. Ben and Mr. Derrick, and have made a lot of progress with my work ethic and future plans. I have decided to study Business Marketing and potentially double major or minor in Music. I have also considered getting my master's in Management!”

-Student Mentee

"I cannot tell you how many other mentors and administrators commented on the work you two have done with our students! I hope you guys will be able to continue your involvement as your business plan evolves because your work is so meaningful. One thing I admire about you two is the light touch you have with the kids. You'll discuss basketball as long as they want, but you will slip in life advice almost unnoticed."

-Dr. Oforan