With regard to choice of a charity, there are certainly larger organizations with greater name recognition. However, I have been working closely with Middle Earth for over a year as a Board member. Based on my experience with the organization, I am convinced that the level of contributions that I will raise will have a significant effect on the youth with whom Middle Earth intervenes and therefore make a positive impact on the community overall. As the Middle Earth teens grow up to be future parents, neighbors and employees, the benefits obtained from your donations will have lasting implications reaching beyond this year and the local community.
Let me explain further about youth intervention organizations. Stemming from the 1997 President’s Summit for America’s Future (attended by all living US presidents, 30 state governors, 100 mayors and many of our nation’s prominent thought leaders), research-based consensus has been built around 5 key fundamental resources that are required for kids to grow into healthy, responsible, independent adults:
-caring adults
-safe places and productive use of time
-healthy start and development
-effective education for marketable skills and lifelong learning
-opportunities to make a difference through helping others
It seems so basic, but an estimated 20% of America's youth have little or no exposure to these resources. Moreover, the most dramatic impact is seen by providing success-oriented intervention to the most disadvantaged youth. While these building blocks of human capital have been brought into focus in the past decade through ’s Promise Youth Alliance, Middle Earth has been applying these principles for over 35 years, concentrating on the local youth population most in need of these basic resources.
Middle Earth operates 2 community youth centers (in Bridgewater and Bound Brook, NJ) where caring adults provide a safe supervised environment for over 500 kids making more than 3500 visits, annually. Aside from recreational activities, the centers run programs focused on career and education development, decision making skills, community service, girls’ groups and music groups. Middle Earth collaborates with local agencies and schools to link the needs of students with tailored programs and activities. Further, Middle Earth runs specialized programs targeting youth most in need. The specialized services include structured, therapeutic after school programs, summer volunteer opportunities, and mentorship for emotionally challenged youth who are at risk of institutionalization. More than just the centers and the programs, Middle Earth promotes empowerment, establishes boundaries and expectations, and practices patience and perseverance. In some cases, interaction with Middle Earth staff and volunteers may be the greatest positive reinforcement some of the kids experience.
I realize that we all have to make decisions on how to allocate our charitable contributions. I ask you to endorse my challenge and, by extension, my cause with your donation. As you can imagine, your support will be a great motivator for me, especially while climbing the many long hills somewhere after the first million revolutions of my ride.
Making a contribution through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also an efficient way for me to consolidate and keep track of the contributions. If you think of someone else who may want to donate, please forward this link.
Thanks in advance for your generosity and support. I look forward to sharing the experience with you on www.3millionrevolutions.com, where you can learn more about my ride, track my progress or leave a message. Thanks, again!
Kind Regards,
Natalie (Natalka, Talia, Nat, Rowsky)