Our programs and projects are primarily for youth between the ages of 10 and 21. Certain programs are age and gender-based in order to focus on different areas and stages of life for each group of youths.
Youth 4 Arts (Y4A) Program Subprograms and Projects
One Voice Purpose: Self-Expression in Music, Singing, Poetry, Comedy One Voice is a project within our Youth 4 Arts program designed to develop and magnify the powerful voices of youths ages 13 to 21. This Y4A program project gives teens and young adults an opportunity to tell their stories, build confidence and express their creative selves through instruments, comedy, and their native music of Reggae and Dancehall. One Voice will help develop critical thinking, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-confidence and teamwork.
Youth Enrichment and Leadership Program (YELP) Subprograms and Projects
Treasure Club Purpose: Leadership Development Opportunities This unique project provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities, both in and out of the Club. Treasure Club is an ultimate teen project for youths ages 13 to 19. This project focuses on academic success, career preparation and community service.
The Girls Project Purpose: Giving Girls Confidence The Girls Project provides health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for girls ages 13 to 21. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, our Girls Project dolls will explore their own attitudes, determine their values, and learn best practices for societal pressures. Our effort is to guide and teach young girls the importance of self-love, self-respect, and sisterhood. Certificate to Manhood Purpose: Teaching Boys Responsibility Certificate to Manhood teaches responsibility to boys ages 11 to 18 with sessions that focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. This is a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. It will also encourage young boys to refrain from gang affiliation, drugs and violence.
Smart Choices Purpose: Teaching Responsible Behavior Smart Choices is a community awareness program designed to inform parents, teens and educators about the risks of premature and irresponsible sexual activity, gang involvement, drug and alcohol abuse and misuse, and to empower communities to address these serious problems. Youth ages 10 to 21 engage in discussions and role-playing where they practice resilience and refusal skills, develop assertiveness, strengthen their decision-making and examine social media and peer influence.
Community's Choice Award Purpose: Premier Recognition Experience Community's Choice Award is TOY's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of neighborhood teens and young adults ages 14 to 21. During this program, the Community's Choice Award Dinner recognizes community youths who have overcome personal challenges and obstacles with outstanding contributions to their family, school, and community. The Choice Award encourages teenagers to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.
Money Matters Program Purpose: Promote Financial Literacy Our Money Matters program promotes financial literacy, responsibility, and independence among youths ages 13 to 21. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college. Those who complete the Money Matters program will show improvement in money management and understand how to pay bills, manage debt and credit, borrow and save money responsibly, and how and why to invest and plan for their future.
Youth Education Support (YES) Programs and Projects
Toy Scholarship Fund Purpose: Provide Continued Support Our TOY Scholarship Fund will provide financial help to 7 youths, aged 12-20, who live in the local community, to access and succeed in higher education. We will also provide continuing support for those who benefit from the scholarship and empower them to maintain a high level of excellence in the classroom.
Student of the Month The objective of the Student of the Month program is to promote success in and out of the classroom. We offer two awards - one for 6th-12th grade students and one for kindergarten to 5th grade students. This program celebrates individual achievements by sustaining a culture of learning that not only values academic success, but emphasizes positive qualities in youth such as their character, leadership, and citizenship. The Student of the Month program will elevate awareness of student contributions to their local community at large.
Back-to-School Treasure Our Youth knows that many families in the local community live below the poverty line and their children arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. Treasure Our Youth has created our Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway to deliver school supplies to students in need with the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom. Providing school supplies to children in need is one of TOY’s most important programs, because being successful in school starts with having the right supplies!
Youth Community Service Projects (YCSP) Projects and Events
Annual Community Health Fair The health fair is a community one-stop-shop offering a wealth of information on individual high blood pressure levels, glucose levels, dental hygiene, and more for people of all ages. Community resource booths will be stationed at the Health Fair to include information on food services, job recruitment, college readiness, personal finance and public safety, fire safety and much more.
Community Service Hours The Hundred Members, Hundred Hours of Service initiative aims to engage 100 youths ages 13-21 in community service projects each year, with each donating at least 100 hours of service annually. Young people who engage in this program do better in school, maintain positive relationships with adults and avoid risky behavior.
Learn more about more of our programs and what each program entail.