2025-The year in review
The year 2025 was filled with exciting growth, meaningful experiences, and memorable moments for our community. Highlights included engaging trips to New York City and Springfield, MA, where participants explored new environments and built lasting connections. We are also proud to announce a new partnership with Connex Community Bank, whose support will help strengthen and expand our programs moving forward.
While the year brought many positive milestones, it was also marked by moments of deep sorrow. We mourned the loss of two of our youth members to gun violence. In response, our students took time to reflect, support one another, and focus on ways to move forward with resilience, purpose, and a renewed commitment to making positive life choices. To further support healing, we hosted a Grief Expression event attended by more than 20 youth and others impacted by the losses. During this gathering, participants created meaningful memorabilia, including bracelets and other artistic keepsakes, as a way to honor those we lost and express their emotions.
The year ahead
In 2026, I AM The Voice of Legacy Co steps into a new chapter—one defined by growth, deeper impact, and an unwavering commitment to the youth and families we serve. What began as a grassroots effort to uplift at-risk youth has evolved into a movement rooted in opportunity, healing, and legacy-building.
The year opens with the launch of our Legacy Builders Initiative, a structured mentorship and leadership development program designed to guide young people ages 10–18 through personal growth, academic support, and career exploration. Each participant is paired with a trained mentor and introduced to pathways in entrepreneurship, the arts, and skilled trades—ensuring that every young person can envision a future that feels both possible and personal.
Recognizing the importance of family stability, we expand our services to include the Family Resource Network, a hub that connects parents and guardians to essential services such as job readiness training, financial literacy workshops, and access to food and housing support. This holistic approach strengthens not only the individual but the entire household.
Building on the healing-centered work of previous years, we introduce Voices Unheard, a mental health and wellness program focused on grief support, emotional expression, and trauma-informed care. Through art, group dialogue, and guided activities, youth are given safe spaces to process their experiences and build resilience. This program grows organically from the success of past grief expression events, ensuring that no young person feels alone in their journey.
Summer 2026 brings the debut of our Legacy Summer Experience, a six-week enrichment program combining education, recreation, and cultural exposure. Youth participate in field trips, including college tours and visits to local businesses, while also engaging in creative arts, STEM projects, and community service. The goal is simple: expand horizons and inspire possibility.In partnership with community sponsors and supporters, we also plan to open our first Legacy Community Space—a dedicated, safe environment where youth can gather after school, access tutoring, receive meals, and participate in workshops. This space becomes a cornerstone of connection, creativity, and consistency.
Throughout the year, I AM The Voice of Legacy Co will continue to amplify youth voices through community events, showcases, and advocacy efforts. Young people are not just participants—they are leaders, storytellers, and change-makers shaping the direction of the organization.
As 2026 unfolds, the vision remains clear: to build a lasting legacy where every young person, regardless of circumstance, has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The future is not something we wait for—it’s something we create, together.