Summer 2020 was the first year that Flower City Noire Collective was a host site for the Summer of Opportunity Program. This was an amazing feat for us because we were able to host a group of 5 youth through the program and we hired our first intern to assist us. For FCNC it allowed us to experiment further with our methods of youth engagement while stretching our capacity to work on the projects of the season.
This summer we took nature trips and explored Rochester and native vegetation on the trails through Maplewood Area. We went to Letchworth State Park and Durand Beach to show youth the beauty of nature that is right around us. In these explorations, we were able to build relationships and have fun.
In our 6 week program, the youth built skills and engaged with nature in new ways. Our holistic approach to youth engagement provided the opportunity for personal and professional development. All of our program participants opened bank accounts in the program and learned beginner financial literacy.
We are so proud and appreciative for each youth and family who participated this year!
FCNC you are an amazing gift to the future of our youth. You are the true leaders of today. You are educating the leaders of tomorrow. Working with you is a joy for me. Many blessings for the work you do, centering it on where the girls and young women are in their life, right now. You create a safe space for these young women, in their own neighborhoods, and show them your dream for their future , where others have failed them.
Ruhi Maker