It is with a grateful heart that I wish to thank Community Outreach Ministry (COM) for allowing me to volunteer helping at-risk kids impacted by parental incarceration to break the cycle in Southwest Riverside County. I can identify with these kids as my mom was incarcerated and I remember receiving Angel Tree gifts as early as three years of age. Serving these kids at the COM Angel Tree Christmas party makes me feel good and means a lot to kids like me who have been left behind by their incarcerated parent(s). “The COM Christmas Programs and other outreach initiatives exemplify a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of these children. The joy and hope they bring during the holiday season remind us that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves to feel valued and supported.” (Christine Brown, Chief of Student Programming/Give Something Back, Loma Linda, CA.)

In today’s world, Chief Brown says, “many young people face daunting challenges and often find themselves caught in family cycles of crime and incarceration. It is imperative that we, as a community, provide them with the support and resources they need to break free from these cycles, and COM is at the forefront of this mission. Their dedication to giving kids a second chance to be winners and champions is truly inspiring. When considering potential partners, COM stood out to Give Back because of their comprehensive approach to mentoring and outreach. The various programs they offer, such as the STEM Technology Day Camp, are essential for fostering skills that can open doors to future opportunities. By engaging young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, they are not only providing them with valuable knowledge but also igniting their passion for learning and personal growth.”  COM appreciates Give Back for selecting and honoring us to partner with their organization as advocates for change and champions for our next generation.

Through COM I was recommended and accepted into the Give Back Scholarship Program that supports students for University, Community College or Trade School success. Give Back has mentored me while in high school and has prepared me for both my college and my future career. Chief Brown said, “by choosing to collaborate with COM, we were confident that together we could provide a brighter future for the at-promise kids in our community. Their team’s passion, expertise, and track record of success make COM the ideal partner in this important work. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to our continued partnership in this vital cause.”  

In June 2024, I graduated from Hemet’s Tahquitz High School with the highest honors, achieving a 4.03 GPA. I was honored to be named the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Year for my work in Digital Media and Entrepreneurship. And with COM’s recommendation I was selected as one of four students in the Inland Empire for the Bank of America National Student Leaders Internship. This internship opened the door for me to gain invaluable experience working at the Riverside Art Museum in Riverside, California.

Before high school, I struggled academically because of abandonment and homelessness and wasn’t even sure if I would graduate high school. Thanks to my great aunt for rescuing me out of homelessness and providing me with a loving home and for tutoring me academically. These past four years, I not only graduated but have a four-year Give Back scholarship. I decided to start at a junior college with plans to transfer to a four-year university after two years.

As I pursue a career in sports photography and videography, I have been fortunate to build my portfolio by receiving a media day pass from the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. None of these achievements would have been possible without the inspiration from my great aunt, COM, Give Back and my amazing teachers and counselors at Tahquitz. “I now have hope for the future, something I never thought I’d have before.”

Spectacular news has just arrived informing me that I have been selected as a 2024 National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) Scholarship. The award recognizes academic achievements, resilience, and commitment to pursuing higher education. NAEHCY said “we are honored to support you as you work toward your educational and career goals.” I feel privileged to accept this award at the 2024 NAEHCY conference awards luncheon on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida.

COM is hosting their 24^th Angel Tree Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Gateway Church of the Nazarene, 23560 Jefferson Avenue, Murrieta.

COM welcomes you to visit our 2024 Christmas landing page https://communityoutreachministry.org/christmas-2024/ 

We can also be reached by phone (951)698-7650 (office) or (951)-231-5515 (mobile), or by e-mail info@communityoutreachministry.org.

Your contributions are giving these children hope for a Merry Christmas and developing them to have successful careers be self-sustaining contributing members of society.