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My very first question to Josette was: Who is Josette Holness?
And just as she was about to answer, a young lady walked by and shouted, "Josette is independent; self-motivated; creative; multi-talented; a community activist; and a young woman making a difference in the community."
After noting the above, the interview continued . . .
Gloria: What sparked you to start a community organization targeting youth?
Josette: My passion for youth, structure and organization sparked me to create A.C.C.E.S.S.4Youth. As you know, I began working in the community as a teen and I just want today’s youth to exceed. We, as a community, have to produce ambitious professionals . . . the next generation of successful business owners; doctors; teachers; community activists; politicians, etc.
Gloria: Can you share the meaning of A.C.C.E.S.S.?
Josette: Yes, A.C.C.E.S.S. stands for Arts. Careers. Communications. Education. Sports. Success.
Gloria: What problems, if any, do you see facing the youth in this community?
Josette: Many of the youth live in poverty and lack motivation to do positive things with their lives. I believe there’s a need for community programs that demand more from the youth.
Gloria: What exactly do you mean by a need for community programs that demand more from the youth?
Josette: Well, some programs/projects involve high-risk youth in the community for a certain period and when it ends, a great number of the youth end up right back where they started.
Gloria: Tell us about your organization and how it is different.
Josette: ACCESS4Youth is a program and resource organization that provides community base programs and initiatives for children and youth. We strive on ensuring that youth are kept up to date with the latest opportunities in arts, sports, employment, education, finance and leadership.
What makes us different is we’re not all about the number of participants we can get into our programs but about making a difference that will help the youth make positive life changes. We focus on helping youth achieve whatever they would like to do with their life.
Gloria: Do you work with other organizations?
Josette: Yes, we work with a collective of organizations and partnerships that service communities to bring programs and services to underserved communities to enhance and enrich the lives of youth through Art, Career, Communication, Sports, Education and Leadership.
As well, we sit on neighbourhood action partnerships, round tables and work teams to ensure we have a firm grasp on the needs of youth in the communities.
Gloria: Can you share some information about your programs?
Josette: Sure. HOOPS CANADA is the premiere Training and Development Organization for Basketball in Canada. The objective is to teach players the fundamentals needed to play at the amateur levels and transition players into advance training and skill development which will enable them to succeed at the high school, college, university or pro level. The Hoops programs strongly foster the need for academic and athletic balance, which is crucial if players wish to experience all the benefits the game has to offer. The mission is to bring the fundamentals back to the forefront which enables children and youth to understand the game and the value it plays in their physical and mental health;
CAMP NIA is the newest addition to the camp. It is a Soccer and Basketball Summer League. These leagues are designed to give children, age 4 – 13, and the opportunity to develop and test their skills while learning how to compete fairly and meet new people; and
The YOUNG DIAMONDS are a network of youth who would like to develop their skill sets in employment readiness and career development, or have a program, resource or service idea that benefits a specific demographic. This creative group engages in learning the fundamentals to success in their personal lives which enables them to become contributors to the communities and to their peers.
Overall, our portfolio encompasses a variety of quality programming including before and after school programs, summer camps, sport development programs, leadership programs, and art programs.
Gloria: You’re a very busy young lady. You’re a business owner, wife, mother, and community activist. What is your secret?
Josette: Time management, self-care and loving what I do. My family is very important and supportive; and we work together as a unit.
Gloria: What advice do you have for other young people who want to make a difference in their lives and in their community?
Josette: Soar with the eagles . . . there are no limits . . . and just be willing to work hard.
Gloria: Is there anything you would like to say to other organizations who work with youth?
Josette: I think the key to collaboration and cooperation is the ability of agencies to share resources. Resource sharing represents commitment to something larger than the single focused organizational goals and objectives.
Gloria: I understand you’ve been hosting the very popular Yorkgate Mall YFactor competition for a few weeks now, what can you tells us about this event?
Josette: The YFactor is an exciting talent competition for contestants ages 13 and up. It features a mix of talents that include vocal, instrumental and dance. Saturday, June 22nd is the final week of the competition and we are down to the last five finalists. The winner will be announced and the grand prize is $2500.
Gloria: How did you become involved with YFactor?
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| Photo by gLoRiA |
Josette: All the thanks go to the YFactor coordinator, Kareen. She invited me to host and I gladly accepted because there is so much talent in the Jane/Finch community and it has been a great success.
Gloria: Thank you for sharing your amazing story with the readers, Josette. I know you’re on the go right now and it has been a pleasure speaking with you and I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more from you in the days to come.
Josette: Thank you, Gloria.
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Visit access4youth.com to volunteer, participant, sponsor or learn more about Access4Youth. You can also contact Josette Holness at 416-841-3396 or email info@access4youth.com.
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