News
Spirits soar as good grades recognized at Spring cookout
June 2013 – The annual OK4Youth spring cookout is not just about the smell and taste of hot dogs and hamburgers cooking on a grill and balls being tossed on a grassy field. It is also a time of honoring hard work and looking forward to new summer experiences. The group of some 50 mentors and teens celebrated good grades during the past semester. The teens also talked about their summer plans including the many jobs they had landed.
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OK for Youth shows that gifts come in many forms
Dec. 2012 – The room at the Paper Mill Grill in East Cobb was overflowing recently with seasonal good cheer as OK for Youth mentors and their spouses talked with their teenaged mentees. Many of the at-risk teens were dressed in suits and festive attire, ready for a special dinner and a message from one of their favorite speakers Al Duncan. Al is a genius at keeping his young audience laughing and attentive, while delivering a poignant message, not easily forgotten. His intensity, he says, comes from his own life experience, which strengthens his unique connection to youth. Read more
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OK for Youth teens practice giving back
Nov. 2012 – OK for Youth teens enjoy one-on-one attention from their mentees at meetings, during personal phone conversations, at sporting events and more. Most understand that they are receiving a valuable gift from adults who are volunteering their time to help others. Several times each year these same youth follow their mentor’s examples and get up early on Saturday mornings to pick up shovels, rakes and sod to give back to others. This month they helped build a Habitat for Humanity house. Other community projects this year have included lawnmower repair and yard cleanups for Mt. Bethel UMC
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Youth laugh as they learn from dynamic national speaker
Oct. 2012 – One of OK4Youth’s favorite speakers entertained as he taught valuable lessons about life to struggling teens recently. Nationally recognized motivational speaker Al Duncan talked a lot about attitude and its power in this world as the teens laughed, listened and asked questions about his life. “His ability to really connect with the teens is uncanny,” said director Dale Champion. Duncan has promised to come back and speak at the annual holiday dinner in December.
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Spotlighting relationships with laughter
Aug. 2012 – As the curtains opened on a new school year, mentors and teens in the Cobb-based Opportunity Knocks for Youth program took to the stage to demonstrate some of the adjectives often heard when focusing on success; responsibility, attitude, organization, respect, listening, etc. The first monthly meeting of the year kicked off on August 9 at Mt Bethel UMC with dinner and impromptu skits showcasing both qualities and skills of successful people. Read more
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OK for Youth graduates know the value of trust
Dec. 2011 – The annual holiday dinner held in December for teens and their mentors in the Opportunity Knocks for Youth program featured emotional testimonies from teens. Three recent high school graduates of the eight-year-old nonprofit's program focused on the value of mentoring. "Since I first met him five years ago, Mr. Charlie has been really interested in me," said 21 year-old Marcus Johnson of his mentor Charlie Edwards. "I trust him." Read more
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OK for Youth teens and mentors bond at Camp Evergreen
Aug. 2011 – Opportunity Knocks for Youth sponsored a final summer fling and exciting new experiences for 20 teens and seven mentors in early August. During the two-day trip, the group sailed on the zip line, swam, played team-building games and took relationships to a higher level. The outdoor fun and challenges inspired the youth to write heartfelt notes of thanks to their mentors and to Mt. Bethel UMC, which sponsored the trip.
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OK for Youth boys pick up rakes and turn on mowers
Apr. 2011 – Rain did not stop boys from the Opportunity Knocks for Youth group Apr. 4 as they put into practice what they have learned. The young men and their mentors donned working clothes and gloves to make a difference for others by mowing grass, spreading pine straw, weeding and cleaning up outdoor areas of a senior citizens center.
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OK for Youth foster teens learn from Jocelyn Dorsey
Dec. 2010 – The annual holiday party held in early December for teens and their mentors in the Opportunity Knocks for Youth program was true to form for the seven-year-old nonprofit. Some 65 foster teens, many decked out in coats and ties, along with their mentors enjoyed dinner at the Paper Mill Grill in East Cobb and heard some interesting life lessons from WSB-TVs Jocelyn Dorsey.
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Actor Philip McAdoo speaks to Youth
Dec. 2009 – Some 60 youth and mentors gathered at the Paper Mill Grill in East Cobb County to hear actor and youth supporter Philip McAdoo, Diversity Director at Pace Academy, speak to the boys and girls about setting goals, making choices and persistence through his own life story. Read More
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Local business a boon to OK for Youth
Nov. 16, 2009 – Bradley’s Bar and Grill in Marietta definitely does its part in supporting local Cobb County charities during a difficult economic time. Restaurant owner John Capone recently invited Cobb non-profit group Opportunity Knocks for Youth to call on supporters to enjoy a fun evening of dinner and fellowship, with a percentage of the proceeds returned to the organization. Read More