Do you have a superpower? Help New Orleans youth discover their superpowers at Excite! All Stars

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About DIRECTED INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH INC

Location:

8117 Oak Street, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70118, US

Mission Statement

Directed Initiatives for Youth, Inc. (DIY) was founded in 2007 by Penny and Gerald Williams, two New Orleans natives dedicated to effecting change in the lives of New Orleans’ youth through summer and enrichment programs. To achieve this mission, Penny and Gerald developed a summer enrichment and athletic program, Excite! All Stars. The program, now in its seventh year, was designed to help kids ages 6-15 discover and develop the values that define true victory in the game of life. In addition, Penny and Gerald run numerous programs throughout the school year which further their mission of making enrichment programs available to all youth in New Orleans, regardless of socio-economic status.

Description

Expected outcomes include dramatic improvement in communication skills, development of individual responsibility and accountability, greater academic success, improved understanding of campers' individual leadership styles, improved conflict resolution skills, improved physical conditioning and heightened cultural awareness and engagement in the community.

Last year in DIY: 90% of our youth demonstrated improvement in physical abilities and improved health, 80% demonstrated improved conflict resolution skills and 90% demonstrated heightened cultural awareness and civic engagement. DIY provides a safe place where children can belong, a place they share with friends who have the same goals, passions and interests