UP™ Front with Jeff Newton

  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 mustered the courage to approach

Golden leaves whisper, summer's final sigh, As September first paints the morning sky. Warm days retreat, cool breezes usher in, A bittersweet dance, where fall's tales begin. Beaches empty, sandcastles wash away, School bells ring, marking summer's last day. Yet as one door closes, another swings wide, Autumn's promise, a colorful tide. Orchards ripen, apples blush on the bough, Fields of gold beckon the harvest plow. Though we mourn lazy days now past, Cozy nights by the fire are coming fast. And oh! The scent of spices in the air, Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla fair. For soon, ovens will warm with delights, Pumpkin pies, autumn's sweetest rite. So bid farewell to summer's gleam, But welcome fall's vibrant dream. For in this change, we find anew, Treasures golden, crisp, and true. ©2024 Jeff Newton

I try not to judge, to keep an open mind, But when I hear "Those People," I can't help but cringe. The phrase has been uttered so many times, It leaves a bitter taste, my tolerance singed. So here's a poem about "Those People," you see, The ones so casually dismissed and blamed: They're mothers and fathers, just like you and me, Working hard, their dignity unclaimed. They're not inadequate, lazy, or weak, But facing challenges, day after day. With limited jobs and support they seek, To give their children a better way. They're humans, not cases to be managed and filed, Their lives are more than forms and red tape. They're communities fractured, families beguiled, By a system that leaves them to scrape. Before you utter that phrase so unkind, Take a moment to walk in their shoes. You might find that the labels you had in mind, Are nothing but harmful, false views. For "Those People" are us, they're you and they're me, They

  The UP™ Program has been making significant strides in transforming the lives of its participants. With 300 youth currently actively participating, the program has been successful in producing positive outputs, thereby validating the inputs and activities that have been invested in it. The impact of the UP™ Program is evident in the impressive statistics it boasts. A staggering 97% graduation rate and 75% of the participants are on track to meet their educational goals. The program has been particularly beneficial for those with special needs, who are being incorporated into more intense job training programs. School attendance among participants is on the rise, with 90% of the kids having never been arrested. The younger participants, MiniUP™ kids, are 100% more prepared for kindergarten. Parents have reported better attitudes at home, and staff have noted improvements in confidence and self-esteem among the youth. Work ethics have improved, and life skills are being demonstrate

  The Kokomo Urban Outreach's UP™ Program's point system offers a unique approach to fostering self-sufficiency and financial literacy in children and teens. Participants earn points through positive behaviors, by attending weekly mentoring meetings(Huddles), and grades. The primary way to earn points is through working in a micro business in the program, whether it be landscaping, building wood products in the wood shop, making T-shirts or wreaths in the UP™ Creations Store, or growing or selling vegetables to local restaurants. While learning work ethics, youth learn business skills and demonstrate the program's core values (Respectful, Responsible, Reliable, Ready to Work). These points can be redeemed in the UP™ store for essential items like clothing, hygiene supplies, and food. This system resonates with Robert Lupton's critique in "Toxic Charity" (2014), which argues against traditional models of charity that can create a sense of powerlessness and depe

  The Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) UP™ Program's core values – Respectful, Responsible, Reliable, and Ready to Work – cultivate a foundation for success in the workplace and all facets of life. These values foster essential skills that translate into being a great worker, parent, student, and citizen. Respect forms the bedrock of positive relationships. A respectful individual listens actively, values differences, and fosters a collaborative environment. These qualities are crucial for effective teamwork, fostering trust, and open communication within families, classrooms, and workplaces. Responsibility translates into ownership of actions and a commitment to fulfilling obligations. Students who are responsible manage their time effectively, complete assignments on time, and actively participate in class. Responsible workers deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and contribute proactively to team projects. Parents who are responsible prioritize the well-being of their child

  At its core, the UP™ Program's mission can be expressed as an empowering formula: Work Ethic + Life Skills + Education = Self-Reliant Adult. This equation reflects the program's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate life's challenges. The program's name, UP, stands for "Unlimited Potential," signifying the belief that every child possesses immense potential waiting to be unlocked. A crucial aspect of the UP™ Program goes beyond simply imparting technical skills or academic knowledge. It centers on helping children discover the invisible strengths and talents that lie within them, making the invisible visible. Through this process of self-discovery, the program empowers youngsters to translate their potential into the tangible skills and work ethic necessary to thrive as independent adults. Inputs: Proven Strategies for Long-Term Success The UP™ program's effectiveness lies in its utilization of evidence-based strategies. T

  KUO's initial approach to helping people in poverty focused on providing basic necessities for a decade, which proved insufficient in alleviating poverty. Founder Jeff Newton, in collaboration with the now Director of Operations and former Director of Food Outreach, Deanna Ancil, recognized the need for a more sustainable solution to addressing the issues surrounding poverty. Inspired by Robert Lupton's critique of "Toxic Charity" (Lupton, 2014), they envisioned a program that fostered self-reliance in participants. This shift in philosophy led to the development of the UP™ program, transitioning from solely providing necessities to empowering youth to develop the skills needed to overcome poverty. The arrival of current Program Director Kareen Dunn when the program was three months old marked a crucial turning point. Dunn's experience working with children facing similar challenges to his allowed him to refine the program and provide valuable coaching to staff

  Effective leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping an organization's trajectory in the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations.  Echo Leaders, a distinct breed of visionary stewards, transcend traditional managerial roles. They steer the ship and resonate their vision beyond organizational boundaries. This section delves into the essence of  Echo Leadership , emphasizing the differentiation between managers and leaders. Additionally, I will explore the critical attributes that define  Echo Leaders , including trust-building, hope-casting, and compassionate guidance.   Introduction to Echo Leadership The Nonprofit Ecosystem Nonprofit organizations operate within a unique ecosystem driven by social impact rather than profit margins. Their missions range from food insecurity and youth mentoring to community development, healthcare, and education. In this context, leadership becomes a delicate dance between pragmatism and inspiration. Echo Leaders: Catalysts for Cha

  In the quiet corners of a forgotten neighborhood, Where asphalt memories crumble underfoot, Lives a boy, nameless yet resilient, Wrapped in the tattered cloak of innocence. He doesn’t know the weight of his generational struggle, Only that school is a maze of whispered taunts, His backpack, a burden of dreams and empty pockets, And hunger gnaws at the edges of his existence. Bullies prowl like shadows, watching for weakness, Their laughter echoing through the hallways, But he stands tall, a sapling in a storm, Unaware that courage blooms from the cracked soil. His mother, a silent hero with calloused hands, Weaves love into every frayed thread of their story, Two jobs, two worlds—the sun and the moon, Her sacrifice, a lullaby sung to the stars. She leaves before dawn, kisses him on the forehead, And he wakes to an empty room, a cardboard kingdom, Legos? No, but yet his imagination knows no bounds, He builds castles from flattened boxes and hope. Each crease, a drawbridge to a d

  Welcome to  UP™ Front with Jeff Newton , a blog dedicated to sharing the heart and soul of Kokomo Urban Outreach (KUO) and the UP™ Program. Authored by Jeff Newton, pastor, writer, speaker, and founder of KUO, this blog offers a deep dive into the transformative work being done to uplift our community. What to Expect: Leadership Insights : Gain valuable wisdom and practical advice from Jeff’s extensive experience in leadership and community building. Poverty : Explore in-depth discussions on poverty, its impact, and the innovative strategies KUO employs to combat it. Proven Strategies : Discover effective methods and success stories that illuminate the path out of poverty. History of KUO : Learn about the origins and evolution of Kokomo Urban Outreach, and how it has grown to become a beacon of hope. Stories from the Program : Be inspired by the real-life stories of children in the UP™ Program, showcasing their journeys