ServiceCorps
The Coatesville Youth Initiative ServiceCorps is a free program for Coatesville Area School District youth between the ages of 14-18, which combines an eight-week employment experience with a challenging life and leadership skills development curriculum. Now in its third year, the summer ServiceCorps helps 40 at-risk, low-income youth build job skills by providing a summer-long paid job at a non-profit or for-profit site, along with a challenging leadership development curriculum and a day of volunteer service.
The following “personal mission statement” from a 2011 Summer ServiceCorps participant best describes the impact of this program:
“To leave the earth better than I found it by leading a life based on the values of perseverance, compassion, and understanding of my responsibility to be aware of the social factors that contribute to a brighter future for all.”
For more information on the summer ServiceCorps, please contact Imani Gilliam at igilliam@brandywinefoundation.org or 610.380.9080, x110.
CYI FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the relationship between the Brandywine Health Foundation and the CYI?
The Coatesville Youth Initiative is a project of the Brandywine Health Foundation.
What is the organizational structure of the CYI?
The Coatesville Youth Initiative is governed by a Board of Directors who provide governing and fiscal oversight and set the overall direction of the Coatesville Youth Initiative. The Steering Committee is the Advisory Group that makes recommendations to the Coatesville Youth Initiative Board of Directors regarding policies, operating procedures, and goals responsive to community needs. Working groups (subcommittees) have been formed in order to accomplish the targeted priorities identified in the Community Plan and accomplish the CYI Mission. Workgroups include: Pathways Beyond High School; Parental Engagement; Juvenile Justice; Community Outreach; and Out-of-School Time Task Force.
Who serves on the Board of Directors, Working Groups, and Steering Committee?
Members of the Board of Directors, Steering Committee and Working Groups include representatives from the following sectors: the Greater Coatesville community, youth, parents, business community, media, schools, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement, religious or fraternal organizations, civic and volunteer groups, health care professionals and state or local government agencies.
How do I become a member of the CYI Steering Committee or Working Groups?
Any person interested in the mission of the Coatesville Youth Initiative can become part of the Steering Committee or Working Groups.
How do I become a member of the CYI Board of Directors?
Every year, the CYI Nominating Committee solicits nominations from CYI Steering Committee members for prospective CYI Board Members. The Nominating Committee makes a recommendation to the CYI Steering Committee for review and approval.
Where does this organization receive its funding?
CYI receives donations from individuals; special events such as the Strawberry Festival and Festive 5K; government agencies; private foundations; and other local and national funding sources to support our activities.
How often are the CYI Meetings?
The CYI Board of Directors meets monthly, the Working Groups meet every month, and the CYI Steering Committee meets every other month.
