Photo by Justice Georgie
Organizers for Baltimore’s Youth Rising Coalition say they are still in need of funds to help young entrepreneurs. The coalition is made up of 14-to-24-year-olds who seek to build their own businesses and create new jobs and opportunities.
Last month, the Presbytery of Baltimore hosted an online celebration of the coalition during the week of the 224th General Assembly (2020). The Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018), Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and the Reverend Cindy Kohlmann, designated the Youth Rising Coalition as the recipient of the online offering that was taken during the assembly.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person gathering had to be reconfigured as an online event. More than 3,000 people tuned in to hear from a number of Baltimore area youth with compelling ideas on how to provide employment opportunities. Viewers were also given an opportunity donate to the cause.
As of this week, nearly $12,000 has been raised through the website, while churches and individuals in the Baltimore area have contributed the same for a total of approximately $24,000.
The Youth Rising Coalition is a response to the Stated Clerk’s invitation to identify a need/opportunity where contributions from assembly participants can help make a difference. The Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), says more needs to be done to address the issue.
“Far too often we’ve seen the youth of this great city struggle to find a place in society to provide for themselves and their families. The Youth Rising Coalition has given them hope and opportunity and we must do what we can to support their efforts,” he said. “It is still not too late to be a part of this vital ministry program.”
Thirty young people are currently participating in the coalition. Their participation allows them to learn business principles as well as receive peer-to-peer support and mentoring. The participants also have access to seed money to improve their business.
To give to the Youth Rising Coalition, click here.