Dear Members of the Diocese of Pittsburgh,
More than 18 years ago, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church decided to begin a youth ministry to address the needs of youth in the Wilkinsburg community.
That ministry, led by Program Director Anthony Jackson, became the Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program (NYOP). It has provided a safe haven for hundreds of youth since 1994.
Under the continued guidance of Tony, there has been tremendous growth in the program and in the youth that have matriculated through the program. Many of the youth who participated in the program return to give back, as they serve as mentors to the younger children. The program not only serves to care for youth, but it has also expanded to include a Creative and Performing Arts after-school program.
The Creative and Performing Arts Program is a key offering for mentoring children. It develops life skills and instills positive attitudes such as self-confidence and self-efficacy, team building and cooperation, project planning and presentation. The program empowers youth by creating artistic venues for self expression while at the same time providing a safe and nurturing place for youth to discover how great they can be.
Through the Arts program, youth gain exposure to an expanded awareness, instilling an understanding and appreciation of their culture and the diverse history and heritage of the community. Through individual and group projects, and presenting showcases and performances, the youth enhance the life of their community and learn that success-driven choices build the leaders of tomorrow.
For eighteen years, NYOP has been a key inner youth city ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
"NYOP youth participants discover that their unique gifts bring glory to God," said Bishop Ken Price. "But recently, non-profit organizations for our youth have suffered greatly due to economic conditions and government decisions to cut educational funding."
NYOP has unfortunately not been exempt from the current financial crisis.
In April, the Board of NYOP was faced with the unfortunate prospect of closing of the program before the end of the school year. But to God be the glory, sufficient funding was obtained, and the program was able to continue through the end of school on June 8th. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a summer program this year due to curtailed funding.
Our commitment is to reopen in the fall with expanded programming. We are working diligently to find the funding so that we can continue into the future.
However, we need your help.
How can you help?
$6,000 pays for one month of program for all students.
$1,500 pays for one week of program for all students.
$300 pays for one day of program for all students.
$100 pays for an hour of program for all students.
$50 pays for a week for one student.
$10 pays for a day for one student.
On behalf of the children, staff and Board of Directors, please consider supporting the Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program.
Thank you for your consideration and generosity. Please make checks payable to NYOP or Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program and mail to 600 Pitt Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Sincerely,
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| Nancy Chalfant-Walker+ Rector, St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg |
Pam Sovich President, NYOP Board of Directors |
P.S. We need your help NOW. Please send your generous contribution TODAY so the 100's of youth can continue to benefit from NYOP
Click here for an NYOP performance at Trinity Cathedral celebrating Absalom Jones Day
Click here for NYOP at St. Michael's, Ligonier