Community members learned about the offerings of You Matter 2 (YM2), a nonprofit that educates South Suburban youth, and raised funds for the organization at the Flossmoor Community Church (FCC) and Flossmoor Community House on Friday evening, May 22.
STEM students demonstrated how to operate mini robotic trains. Alumni explained to attendees why being in YM2 was a valuable experience. Teachers and volunteers discussed the offerings that YM2 provides to kids.
YM2 has educational programs designed for sixth through eighth graders, for high school students and other programs available to youth in both age groups, said Destiny Watson, the organization’s founder and executive director.
YM2’s offerings include, but aren’t limited to, an art therapy program, STEM classes and field trips. YM2 is aiming to “close the opportunity gap” for youth in the South Suburbs, Watson said.
“Our main population is the South Suburbs, but our programs are open to students from anywhere,” Watson said.
Classes are held at the FCC. YM2 isn’t a religious organization, but the FCC supports it, Watson said.
You Matter 2 graduate Cheyenne Smith, center, after high school programmer Brandy Marshall, right, placed a graduation ribbon around her neck at the You Matter 2 graduation ceremony and fundraiser at Flossmoor Community House on Friday, May 22. (Nick Ulanowski / H-F Chronicle)
Alumni Brooke Barber, Kendall Pace and McKenzie Ray presented posters about their favorite YM2 memories and the organization’s impact on them.
Ray, a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana, said that YM2 taught her how much some people appreciate charitable acts. She said that when she was a YM2 student, she packed lunches for homeless people in Chicago and volunteered at a food bank.
Associate director Tamika Britten showed community members the STEM room, where Cara Donohue, a sixth grader at James Hart School, and Zavian Fowler, another YM2 student, demonstrated how they operated robotic trains.
The robotic trains moved along a circular track on the table. The students placed color-coded tiles on the track, each with a command for how and where the trains move, such as when to stop, reverse or turn and whether to move slowly, quickly, or at a medium speed.
Students Te’Reya Williams and Leah McCary presented paintings they made for YM2’s art therapy program, Expressions Unleashed. Art therapist Sierra Harris answered questions about the program.
After the presentations about YM2’s offerings, the event moved to the Flossmoor Community House for a fundraiser and a graduation ceremony.
Development associate Gabby Dillon operated a booth near the front entrance where attendees received their paddles. An attendee raised their paddle to bid in the auction or contribute at a donation tier during the “paddle raise.” Each donation tier was earmarked for a specific purpose.
Associate director Britton and board president Christopher Britton spoke about the auction items and donation tiers. The crowd cheered as auction bids rose higher and higher.
The auction items included, but weren’t limited to, a private chef visiting an attendee’s home and an all-expenses-paid night out for two at Second City, Rooftop Cinema, and a Chicago steakhouse.
Winning bids and donation tiers ranged from roughly $100 to $2,500.
ChiCity Sips, a mobile bar company owned by Homewood-Flossmoor High School graduate Faith Huckabee, served drinks and cocktails. Community members enjoyed hors d’oeuvres.
High school programmer Brandy Marshall placed graduation ribbons around the necks of graduates Cheyenne Smith, Deenah Fitzpatrick, Zannia Prince and Nia McGowan before handing them $1,000 scholarship checks. Watson introduced the graduates as they walked onto the stage.
Watson said this was the first time YM2 hosted an event like this, showcasing the organization’s offerings.
“We want to continue to open our doors to people to see our work. And so, this definitely won’t be the last of something like this,” Watson said.
