Lloyd Asparagus, Jr. (first from left), Earl Johnson (third from left), Harry Lewis Jr. (fourth from left, also the chairman of the Brandywine Health Foundation’s board of directors) and Cleo Alston (fifth from left, also board of director of the Brandywine Health Foundation) representing the Martin Luther King Breakfast Group, present Chaya Scott, Director of the Coatesville Youth Initiative (CYI) and Frances Sheehan, President and CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation with a $3,000 donation for the CYI.

The CYI seeks to reduce risky behaviors among youth and young adults (ages 12-24) within the greater Coatesville area, by fostering collaboration among community residents, youth, area businesses, nonprofit and county agencies, youth-serving organizations, the Coatesville Area School District and other educational entities; and supporting a network of resources and programs that enhance the knowledge, skills and build strong character of our youth as a means to reach their fullest potential.

The Martin Luther King Breakfast Group is comprised of approximately 300 community-minded African American men from the Coatesville area and beyond.  The group started with two dozen men meeting for breakfast at Shady Maple in honor of MLK Day five years ago.  Since then, it has grown to a gathering of almost 300 men, who are formalizing a dynamic and significant organization to provide inspiration to each other and make an impact in their community.  The Coatesville Youth Initiative is its inaugural grant recipient.  For more information on the MLKBG, contact Earl Johnson at 610-269-6059.