UP™ Front with Jeff Newton

  Alarm screams at five-thirty, eyes heavy with sleep Shower's cold shock, a promise to keep Bus at six-thirty, backpack in tow Another day starts, it's all systems go   School bells and hallways, a familiar dance Lunch break at eleven, a moment to enhance Two-twenty freedom, but no time to rest Trolley to catch, putting time to the test   UP Building beckons at quarter past three One point for dinner, fuel for what's to be Hoops for a moment, then work gear on tight Four o'clock bus, job site now in sight   Leaves to be pulled till five-thirty sharp Twenty points earned, life's not always a lark Store run for essentials, budget held high Trolley ride home, city lights in the sky   Empty house greets me at six-thirty flat PB sandwich dinner, mom's note says that Dishes need washing, homework's a bore Game time's a treasure, but not much in store   Mom's home at eleven, couch sleep interrupted Zombie...

  Concrete Blossoms Tender shoots, defiant against gray slabs, Push through hairline fissures in the urban expanse. Fragile yet unyielding, they reach for light While thunderous wheels and hurried soles pass overhead, Oblivious to the miracle beneath their paths. These seedlings, nurtured in the cracks of society, Bear the weight of untold stories, Each petal a chapter of struggle and hope. Their roots, tangled in a maze of broken dreams, Draw strength from hidden reservoirs of potential. Four pillars rise from the asphalt garden: Respectful stems stand tall amidst the chaos, Responsible leaves unfurl despite harsh winds, Reliable buds open in perfect time, Ready flowers face the sun with unwavering gaze. In this concrete jungle, an oasis forms, A secret sanctuary where wilted spirits revive. Here, self-reliance blooms like rare orchids, Work ethic grows sturdy as ancient oaks, And life skills blossom into vibrant bouquets. Unseen hands tend this urban Eden, Whispering wisdom to ea...

  True leadership transcends titles and positions. It resides in the individual who casts a compelling vision, serving as the guiding star for an organization. As Proverbs 29:18 wisely states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." A leader's vision provides direction, purpose, and the fuel for collective action. But what constitutes a truly compelling vision? It's more than just a dream; it's a carefully crafted roadmap to success, possessing these key characteristics: Clarity: A compelling vision paints a vivid picture of the desired future, leaving no room for am biguity. It answers the fundamental question: "Where are we going?" Communicative Power: A leader must articulate the vision effectively, inspiring others to embrace it and contribute their talents towards its realization. Inspiration: A powerful vision ignites passion and enthusiasm, tapping into people's intrinsic motivations and connecting their efforts to a greater pu...

  Assessing the true impact of nonprofit initiatives is essential. Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) not only focuses on immediate outcomes but also on the lasting benefits our programs provide to the community. This blog post examines the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of our efforts, showcasing how each dollar and hour invested generates significant positive change. By analyzing key performance metrics and sharing success stories, we highlight how we foster self-reliant, empowered individuals who enhance our community's vibrancy. Explore how KUO redefines success through measurable, impactful results. 1. Academic Improvement Grades and Test Scores: Monitoring changes in participants' academic performance to see improvements in grades and standardized test results. School Attendance: Tracking attendance records to ensure participants are consistently attending school, which is crucial for academic success. Graduation Rates: Keeping an eye on the number of program participants ...

  Kareen Dunn leading a Huddle at Taylor St. The first time I saw Traeshawn, he was but a silhouette against the harsh light of a setting sun, casting long shadows on the wall of the Kokomo Urban Outreach Building. At 15, he carried the weight of the world in his eyes, yet his frame was light. He looked fragile. His skin was the rich color of the earth after rain, and atop his head was a cascade of dark braids pulled into a neat bun.  Traeshawn's clothes were a canvas of his unique expression . His tie-dyed t-shirt, like a coat of many colors , seemed to hold the swirls of a thousand dreams. His tight,  ripped skinny jeans  spoke of the rough edges of his young life, while his  yellow Crocs  were a defiant splash of color in a world that often seemed too gray. I sensed he couldn't care less what people thought about him.  He was his own man. He wasn't alone; two girls flanked him, their laughter a stark contrast to his solemnity. When I muster...