UP™ Front with Jeff Newton

  At Kokomo Urban Outreach, our UP™ Program is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of children and youth in our community. Today, I'd like to share with you the three pillars that form the foundation of our work: our Vision, Mission, and Values. Vision: Preventing ACEs and Breaking the Poverty Cycle The UP™ Program's vision is multifaceted, focusing on creating a brighter future for our youth by addressing key challenges they face: Keeping children and youth from experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood and can have long-lasting negative effects on a person's health, well-being, and life outcomes. Breaking the cycle of childhood poverty that affects many families in our community. Helping those who have experienced ACEs to move through them with resilience. To achieve this vision, we: Provide a stable and supportive community Offer positive role models and mentorship Equip children and...

  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...