A Staff Report
In an inspiring celebration of commitment and achievement, Men & Women United for Youth and Families (MWUYF) gathered to honor 23 dedicated interns who have successfully completed their Youth Ambassador Internship program. The event, held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Bladen Community College (B.C.C.), highlighted the organization’s dedication to fostering leadership skills, community engagement, and empowerment among the youth. 
MWUYF is a non-profit organization located in Delco, NC, serving Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus Counties. Randolph Keaton, the Director of MWUYF, spoke passionately about the organization’s mission. “Here at Men & Women United for Youth and Families, we take pride in working with our young people. Our internship program is designed to guide our youth in learning leadership skills, public speaking, working in professional environments, and responsibility with time management,” Keaton said. “We encourage each individual to acquire all these skills to use within our society and become leaders of the future.”
The program, known as Youth Ambassadors for a Better Community, aims to provide a platform for young individuals to become advocates for their community. With a focus on increasing agriculture’s quantity, quality, and sustainability across the tri-county area, the program also instills vital skills like leadership, entrepreneurship, and social skills. Through initiatives like the intern program, the organization seeks to create a brighter and more self-sufficient future for youth and families in the community.
The 23 interns who completed the intern program were recognized for their dedication and hard work. Their names include Chase Avery, Kayla Bell, Ranay Bell, Cameron Blanks, Jukilla Daniels, Justin Daniels, Tyliah Freeman, Josiah Garner, Layla Graham, D’Ante Grovner, Faith Hall, Sherrod Hill, Morgan Hudson, Damario Jackson, Tyron Keaton, Tyreke McKinnis, Tyrell McKinnis, Jaquan McRae, Samai McRae, Kyron Monroe, Yavier Moore, Harmoni Parrot, and Mariah Simmons.
These young leaders took on various responsibilities throughout their internship, including communication, collaboration, social skills development, and money management. Tyliah Freeman, one of the interns at the Town of East Arcadia Office, shared her experience: “I did a lot of computer work, accepted payments, and got to clean up. It’s going to be great on the college application.”
Layla Graham, an intern for MWUYF, added she learned about “organizing and filing, too” as part of her internship at East Columbus.
Justin Daniels, Josiah Garner, Jaquan McRae, and Samaj McRae explained their work at DreamWorks taught them a lot about healthy living and communicating with people.
Kayla Bell, another intern, stated, “The internship has given me a better idea of what it’s going to be like as an adult.”
All the interns at the event agreed (through the intern program) they learned responsibility, communication, collaboration, and money management skills.
Guest speakers added depth and insight to the celebration. Dr. Maria Madison, an Educator and MWUYF Board member, delivered a powerful (W.I.N.) message, encouraging attendees to “Want, Work, Investigate, and Nourish” their dreams. She emphasized the importance of daily affirmations, investigations, and self-care in pursuing success.
Mrs. Pam Young-Jacobs, a Director at a Small Business Center, shared her entrepreneurial journey and emphasized the significance of perseverance. She stressed that education and knowledge are powerful tools, particularly when minorities have the opportunity to shape their communities through collaboration and networking.
Dennis Troy, a supporter of the MWUYF and the B.C.C. Board of Trustees Chair, praised the organization’s impact, noting that 17 scholarships were recently awarded due to the dedication of the MWUYF non-profit.
The event concluded with presentations from Mr. Ernie Gaskins with WENC Power 1220 radio station, and Pastor Keith Graham with MWUYF, followed by closing remarks from Randolph Keaton.
As MWUYF continues to empower the next generation, the celebration of these interns serves as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to building strong leaders and fostering community development. Through initiatives like the Youth Ambassador Internship program, the organization is laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
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Articles written by MWUYF Intern Kayla Bell are linked below.
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