I AM INCLUDED-Memphis Program

https://www.memphistn.gov/supplydrive/

🌟 Join us in supporting our community! 🌟 The City of Memphis is hosting a Supply Drive to provide essential items to those in need. Every contribution makes a difference. Let's come together and show our Memphis spirit! 💙
📆 July 9 - 31st!
🔗 Learn more and see how you can help: https://www.memphistn.gov/supplydrive/

🎳Check out some of our 'I Am Included' participants featured with the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis . Through adaptive sports, our youth demonstrate that they can accomplish anything they dedicate themselves to! 🎖

Shining a spotlight on Greater Memphis' Special Olympics Athletes Whether it's bowling, field sports or weightlifting, the athletes of Special Olympics of Greater Memphis can do it all with a smile.

Don't miss out on the "Beyond the Stage Talent Show" this Saturday!
It's a fantastic event with free food, games, and entertainment, all open to the public.

Hosted by the Memphis Office of Youth Services, it's a great opportunity to support local talent and enjoy a fun-filled day. Bring your friends, family, and lawn chair for an unforgettable experience!

The I Am Included Interns are expanding their horizons this summer by gaining opportunities without constraints.
Way to go and congratulations on taking independent leaps! 😄

Although some may not know what they'll do after high school, our participants were thrilled with LeMoyne-Owen College 💜

Thanks for a great day tour!

I AM INCLUDED Participants music and instrumental ears were ignited when visiting the historical Stax Museum of American Soul Music & Stax Music Academy.

Music is a universal language and plays a big part in our youth's lives, music is beneficial and brings communities together, whether they learn how to play a musical instrument or just listen to music in their daily lives.

⭐️Beyond the Stage⭐️ has been EXTENDED to July 1st! Make sure you submit your auditions as soon as possible, and get a chance to win BIG on July 20th 🏆

Auditions Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDfeke5M_ECpFmXIq6_maM4zNyi4L1MQHlKCwnaRNnxhhtOw/viewform

The deadline for our highly anticipated talent show ⭐️Beyond The Stage⭐️ has been EXTENDED to July 1st! Make sure you submit your auditions as soon as possible, and get a chance to win BIG on July 20th 🏆

Link in bio to access the auditions form 🔗

I Am Included in partnership with the Up Syndrome hosted a day full of meditation, community conversation and team building activities for our participating Ambassadors during our summer leadership camp last week. This event was held on the south lawn at the Dixon Art Gallery & Gardens.

We are always looking for new and creative experiences for our youth to partake in. This was a first time for many of our participants engaged in yoga or calming meditation to help with daily struggles of anxiety, movements, and triggers. The event was a huge success, and the Ambassadors had a great time.

The mindfulness routine was enhanced by music and live drumming, which created a new experience for them. At the conclusion of the session, all Ambassadors were given seedlings after learning the importance of planting seeds. Overall, the exceptional youth learned how to become one with earth for experiencing true serenity and finding a peaceful place in their minds.

Mental health is a huge part of the Memphis Office of Youth Services. I Am Included thanks Teal Wright and the Up Syndrome for helping with this message along the way.

Interested in I Am Included? Call our main office (901) 636-6264.
Thanks ABC24 Memphis & The Up Syndrome!

I Am Included Summer Leadership Camp was an inclusive day centered around horses. 🐴
Our brave groups rotated from center to center to experience each of the following equine experiences:

- Connection Work & getting to know yourself
- Holistic Health in Therapy Garden (mindfulness & releasing within nature)
- Problem Solving Activities
- Communication Skill Building Activity

Thanks for the exposure, Panther Creek Stables

I AM INCLUDED visits Jackson State University for their college preview and tour day!

** Post Secondary Exposure **

Tuesday, I AM INCLUDED Participants were exposed to another 'after high school' option within the warehousing industry. Memphis is a hub for forklift operating and warehouse training.

Here they learned the ins and outs of OSHA, warehouse compliance and ways to become certified within the next year!

Thanks, Olympic Career Training Institute! Olympic Career Training Institute

https://octitraining.com/

I AM INCLUDED Summer Camp kickoff has been amazing each day!

Our youth being exposed to opportunities and city museums are awesome ways for them to explore beyond their limits.

🎤🕺💃🎹✍🎨🎭🎖🚲

Get ready to ignite your talent and shine bright at “Beyond The Stage: City-Wide Talent Show & Community Bash”🤩🎉🥳
Calling ALL YOUNG STARS to showcase their skills and dazzle the stage in the most electrifying talent show of the year! From jaw-dropping dance moves to sensational singing sensations, this is your chance to unleash your inner superstar and light up the night with your unique talents.
*Cash prizes, games, back 2 school supply giveaway, food & MORE.*😊🤩
•SUBMISSION RULES ON QR CODE OF FLYER• COMMENT 3 PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE •
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GET READY TO SHINE, BEYOND THE STAGE!!!💃🕺🏽🪩

We are gearing up for summer!
** Thank You to our Parents & Participants **

Open Enrollment and recruitment phases happen throughout the year during each phase of the program. Applicants will be required to show proof of residency, Social Security Card, State issued photo ID, Proof of Education/GPA, IEP or 504 Plan and parental/guardian consent via intake packet.

Applications, along with all necessary documents, are submitted and undergo an approval process overseen by the coordinator and special educators. This team ensures that we can accommodate the participant and provide comprehensive support.

Contact our main office or swing by!
(901) 636-6264

⭐️ Ambassador Spotlight ⭐️

Carter who is a participant within the I Am Included Program within the City of Memphis was the speaker for his middle schools Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

Carter did an awesome job making the program, his peers, family and parents are very proud of him.

Way to go, Carter!!!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Over the weekend the I Am Included Program participants were able to obtain financial literacy tips, bank accounts, and debit cards on site while picking up their hard-earned participant stipends.

Thank You to our continuous First Horizon Bank partners to wrap up a successful financial literacy month! 💰💳

Saturday our participants got a chance to voice their ideas, opinions, and concerns while attending the 2024 Youth Voice Summit held at Bridges in the heart of the City of Memphis Downtown area.

This included a participants from both Memphis Ambassadors Program & I AM INCLUDED-Memphis Program

A few special moments were captured and here is a news link to enjoy: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/youth-voice-summit-tackles-issues-of-crime-violence-across-shelby-county/article_68309ece-eef2-11ee-8c9f-af01e304dc69.html

This was awesome exposure to our youth and those who are listening in support of the Memphis Office of Youth Services 👏👏

As a friendly reminder:

*** City of Memphis Inclusion Community at Work ***
How can you live in your community and not serve?

I AM INCLUDED Participants laced up their boots to give back to those in need this past Saturday with The Metamorphosis Project distributing health goods, haircuts, clothing, infant items, food and more as an eventful community service project! Take a look at the action!

Great Job to our supportive families and participants of I AM INCLUDED-Memphis Program!

Last night was phenomenal for "My Story in a Special Way" I Am Included authors receiving the Duncan Honor.

With the hard efforts put forth from young authors within our city of Memphis inclusion program, tonight was an honor to spotlight their work despite their differences.

Thank you to the Memphis Public Libraries - Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library for keeping us in your light by hosting such a great event.

Thank you to our beloved Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing for bringing the upmost fun and professional ASL to everything inclusive!

To all the authors honored, congratulations🎉 and job well done!

⭐️Happening tonight! ⭐️
Our 5 I Am Included Authors will be awarded at the Richard Wright Literacy Award Ceremony beginning at 5pm.

You may be familiar with these chosen 5 for the year from past events. Tonight, their efforts will be spotlighted. Join us if you can!

Kudos to the I Am Included participants and parents on giving back to the community during the months of February and ending mid-March to the Hospitality Hub of Memphis and those in need within the City of Memphis!

Over 500 items were donated with the supporting efforts! Awesome work!





❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

"Hard Work Pays Off"
Stipend check pickup day smiles at their finest. Great job I Am Included Ambassadors!

⭐️ Ambassador Spotlight ⭐️
Last weekend our very own Ambassador Skyy had the opportunity to kick off the opening season of the Memphis Tigers by performing the National Anthem for all. Check her out by clicking the link below:
CONGRATULATIONS AND JOB WELL DONE, SKYY!!

Skyy Jordan Kicks off University of Memphis Tigers Baseball with the National Anthem! Feb 2024 Skyy Jordan Kicks off University of Memphis Tigers Baseball with the National Anthem! Feb 2024 ...

Servicing Exceptional Youth is a daily effort within the I AM INCLUDED Program where no youth is left behind. Join us as we approach a resourceful summer for 2024!

In observance of President's Day, the Office of Youth Services will be closed. We will resume normal business hours Tuesday February 20th.
By the way, who can name this United States landmark?😃

We will see you soon!

I AM INCLUDED is geared up and ready for the spring portion of the program!
Welcome aboard new and current participants 😁

Happy New Year from I AM INCLUDED!
We are geared up to begin our spring portion of the program with our incredible youth celebrating our 5th year!

🥳🏅🎗📚📝5️⃣