Blue Ribbon Commission Prevention of Youth Violence

“The organization hires a cpa firm to prepare the annual 990. It is reviewed with the executive director and then shared with all members of the board of directors prior to filing.”

“Board is required to sign conflict of interest policy upon joining and again on an annual basis.”

“The executive director's compensation is determined by the board of directors as part of an annual performance review process.”

“Upon request. Form 990 will also be available on the guidestar website.”

“Community instead of "for- or "to" the community by directly involving y.e.z. Community members in every step of the planning and development of programs. Within the past year, the brc has expanded efforts to become more centralized in the y.e.z. Community in order to serve an even greater number of families. The long-term goal is to create a scalable and replicable model that ensures the development of strong self-sufficient families and communities that value and nurture our children and youth and fully prepare them for lifelong success. The brc was originally formed in 2008 as an initiative under the united way of the cape fear area as a response to the prevalent violence among youth in the north side of downtown wilmington at the time. The brc followed the work of the harlem children's zone by creating a similar model of "transforming a community one block, one area at a time", and committed to serving an area designated as the youth enrichment zone (y.e.z), which is an 140 square block area of the north side of downtown wilmington. Based on the latest census data, the average income for african american households within the y.e.z. Is 14,500. In 2012 the brc helped re-open d.c. Virgo preparatory academy, a public middle school in the y.e.z. That was shut down due to low enrollment and low performance and moved their operations into the school. In 2013 the brc began operating as its own a 501(c) (3) non-profit with the mission of "building a community where youth are safe, healthy, educated, and successful...now" the brc has served a vital role at d.c. Virgo acting as a liaison between the school and the community working to meet the significant needs of the student population. While continuing to support d.c. Virgo with a full time student and parent advocate position and coordination ongoing parental involvement activities within the brc parent room, the brc also expanded services to new hanover high school in 2015 by providing a support position directly within the school through a partnership with communities in schools of the cape fear (cis). The majority of youth living in the y.e.z. Attend snipes elementary school, d.c. Virgo preparatory academy, and new hanover high school. The brc currently serves approximately 300 families each year in this community. Hemenway center: in the summer of 2015 brc moved their headquarters to the hemenway center, a city owned community building located in the center of the y.e.z. Where they now run an after school program, host weekly classes for adults in the community including nutrition classes, financial literacy, and computer skills classes, as well as monthly community council meetings. In partnership with d.c. Virgo, the brc also facilitated the turnaround suspension program at the hemenway center, which was an alternative suspension program for d.c. Virgo students who received 3-10 days of out of school suspension. This program provided a safe and supportive environment where students received academic assistance, one on one counseling, and mentoring by qualified staff. Portia hines park: portia hines park is a city owned park located within the y.e.z. That was adopted by the brc in 2012 and renovated to include a playground structure, benches, covered picnic tables, and a "born learning trail". In 2013, the brc's health and wellness committee was formed and has focused its efforts on maintaining consistent activity in the park. The brc hosts monthly large-scale community events at the park focused on promoting safety, wellness, and other activities that foster community connectedness. The brc is currently focused on several exciting initiatives within portia hines park including a series of outdoor family movie nights in the park in partnership with cucalorus and a renovation project to provide a multi- purpose athletic field, a community garden. James h. Faison, jr. Scholarship: the y.e.z. Scholarship program began in 2011 through the generous funding provided by ppd for the”