GIVE WHERE YOUR HEART IS

Be the change you want to see: 

"Many families in Franklin County have been trapped in a cycle of poverty. New generations lack access to the economic, educational, and cultural capital needed to succeed. Hardship breeds a lack of hope; LeaderSpark works to break the cycle by giving participants tools to transform their own futures.  Opportunity youth (youth from resource challenged backgrounds) are not always able to articulate, demonstrate or develope key character attributes & soft skills needed to succeed in both areas of life & work.  LeaderSpark's programs, workshops and civic engagement events trigger new ways to recognize, nurture, & showcase their strengths through a mix of personal reflection, coaching, interactive activities and networking across different social groups.  Through this process young people become hopeful, more confident about what they can bring to the world & are able to identify & move along to uplift themselves & their communities."        Kevin Bailey, Board President

"Because a small step in a new direction leads to another..and your steps can change the path of those around you."

Laura Coffee, Programming Chair, Board Member

“Even with the tough financial choices facing our nation, I believe teaching youth service & leadership development is worth saving,not because LeaderSpark-where I served on the Board, is at risk — but because service saves lives and communities.” Brandon Pugh, Board Member, Treasurer 2010-2014 

"Training on the act of service itself is transformational. Studies have shown after engaging in service the achievement gap for low income students narrows, academic engagement increases, and graduation rates rise. At LeaderSpark, 92 percent of the high school seniors participating in our program not only graduate, they go to college."    Demia Kandi, Past Board President