Ferguson Youth Initiative - FYI

Please join us in giving a BIG Thank You to FARACI PIZZA for joining the Ferguson Youth Advisory Board rewards program.

The Ferguson Youth Advisory Board Rewards is a program offered to members of the FYAB. Local businesses have agreed to give FYAB members a gift or reward at check out.

Let us knownif your business would like to join the Rewards program.

We are excited to announce our upcoming TopGolf fundraiser.

📅 Date: September 30, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Top Golf Midtown 3201. Chouteau

This event is not only a chance to enjoy a fun day of golf, but also an opportunity to come together and raise funds to . All proceeds will go towards FergusonYouthInitiative, continuing the mission that Gail Babcock was so passionate about.

Highlights of the Event:

Top Golf games and competitions

Raffle prizes and giveaways

Refreshments and snacks

We hope to see you there! Let’s make this a memorable day in honor of a remarkable individual.

Following Drop In tonight, we went to and the McCluer High School Comets at the Francis Howell Central High School Jamboree.

Our After School Program Drop In is offered on Friday's 3PM - 6:30 PM at 106 Church St. Where all teens are invited to come by to do homework, receive tutoring, meet up with some friends, play games or just hang out and relax.

Join us in welcoming our newest board members, Meredith Childs of Behavioral Health Network STL and Monique Williams-Moore of Ameren Missouri. We appreciate the St. Louis American for sharing this information with us.

Behavioral Health Network STL Ameren Missouri St. Louis American

We are thrilled to announce that Precious Barry will be the keynote speaker at the Ferguson Youth Initiative’s 14th annual fundraiser - A Derby Style BBQ!

At just 18 years old, Precious is a youth activist and public speaker who has made a significant impact in the community. Starting her career in politics at the age of 14, Precious has used her voice to educate and inspire thousands of young people to speak up and fight for change in their communities. Through activism and facing societal challenges, Precious has learned the importance of including youth in decision-making processes.

As the voice of Gen Z, she has delivered powerful speeches, hosted meetings, and empowered her peers and community members all across Saint Louis. In addition to her activism, Precious is a recent graduate of Riverview Gardens High School and is currently a Sophomore at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear from this inspiring young leader at our fundraiser!

Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ferguson-youth-initiative-14th-annual-fundraiser-tickets-890773727197

This is our Next Steps Job Readiness Program graduation picture from January 2020. Yesterday, Larson (arrowed) and his company Youth Empower to Live Loud (Y.E.L.L) became a stakeholder sponsor of our 14th Annual Fundraiser. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ferguson-youth-initiative-14th-annual-fundraiser-tickets-890773727197?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete to get your ticket.

Congratulations to all the graduates. We would like to celebrate our Drop In students that attend The Innovation School at Cool Valley. Congratulations, go be great, our door is always open if you want to come visit.

Ferguson Twilight Run cheer station hope to see you blazing through.

**Long Post**

In 2023 TEGNA Foundation provided funds for us to offer access to E-Sports in Ferguson and the surrounding communities. KSDK News did a great story about the funds. That story led us to meeting Andrew and Tommy. Today we had our first E-Sports event. Students from McCluer North High School Saint Louis Priory School The Innovation School at Cool Valley enjoyed gaming and fun. We hope you will join us next time.

Thank you Tegna

P.S. See the comments for a video clip

See you today for our E-Sports party. All teens 13-19 are invited to participate.

They stop by for one of their great flavors.

https://www.facebook.com/share/zoLEXg6TfL28r4jy/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Thank You Great Southern Bank for becoming a Gold Level sponsor of our 14th Annual Fundraiser a Derby Style BBQ. For more information on tickets, please visit
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ferguson-youth-initiative-14th-annual-fundraiser-tickets-890773727197?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

Early highlights from SLAM at The Innovation School at Cool Valley rib tips from Mann Meats

Thank you Ms. Pace and the 8th Graders at FFSD STEAM Academy for making a donation to us.

Views from Drop In today. Modern Warfare Free For All and Zombies, Birdbox on TV, Juneteenth performance prep and Pizza Hut.

We are having an E-Sports Gaming Party on May 17th. All teens are invited please follow the QR Code to take the pre participation survey.

Thank you Lou Fusz Automotive Network for deciding to by becoming Bronze Sponsor for our 14th Annual Fundraiser. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ferguson-youth-initiative-14th-annual-fundraiser-tickets-890773727197?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete for more information.

in 2017, we partnered with the human resources department at SSM Health to offer our revamped Next Steps Job Readiness Program.

Today, for Drop In, we visited Soulcraft and used the Laser Engraver to make their own key chain then we visited Picasso’s Ice Cream and Waffles for a sweet treat.

Next Week we will return to our Drop In space.

Highlights from today's Drop In session. Some students found new prom items for their prom from Operation Prom Nite then Tori Marcia stopped by to play an ice breaker mental health game with the students.

We are here every Friday stop by some time. Operation Prom Nite will be here tomorrow morning.

Operation Prom Nite is returning for one final opportunity to get you ready for your Prom. April 5th and April 6th, they'll be in the Backbay with everything you need for prom

Please join us in congratulating FYAB President Darrius Turner on winning MVP (Most Valuable Performer) Award at the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. The MVP is awarded to the teen who displays professionalism, passion, dedication and encourages everyone around them.

We took Drop In on the road today. Thank You Maryville University

Our friends Operation Prom Nite are returning to the FYI Backbay on March 16th. Free prom attire is available. We hope to see you there.

Thank you, Great Southern Bank Ms. Jefferson and Mr. Mitchell for dropping by to donate and

**Admin Note J. Thacker is holding up 4 fingers**

Our ACT Prep Program has returned led by volunteer Ms. Ada Parker. This will be a 5 week Bootcamp to prepare students for the ACT. We have space for six students in this program please do not procrastinate in signing your student up. The next ACT test is on April 13th.

https://forms.gle/1GaCP2Nfujcg65878

Thank you to the men of Alpha Phi Alpha for having us out at your Cocktails and Conversation Event tonight at Elicious Southern Style Breakfast & Brunch

Mark your calendars our 14th Annual Fundraiser is happening on June 1st.