9/24 Network keeps connected with local kids
Fort Dodge group teaches lessons of success to youthsBy EMILIE NELSON , Messenger staff writer
Article Photos
DaQuyla Altman may only be 11 years old, but she says she has already learned a lot about how to be successful in life.
Altman is one of approximately 20 elementary and middle school children who participate in the 9/24 Network's weekly meetings on Thursday evenings at the Agape Church Wheel of Compassion Ministries.
"They teach you a lot about careers, and to stay in school and get good grades," said Altman. "We also learn not to use drugs and alcohol and how drugs can affect your life."
The 9/24 Network, which takes its name from its home base location at 924 Eighth St. S.W, was founded last July by the organization's President Josh Taylor, as a vision to help teach kids life skills and positive ways to make money other than by the sale of illegal drugs.
"This network was really my brother's vision," said Angelika Taylor, public relations and event coordinator for the 9/24 Network. "The crime and prison rates and the level of poverty around here inspired us to start something to encourage kids. We're here to tell them 'you can do it.'"
The organization's mission statement, "changing the community through media," strives to show participants different avenues of making money and what to do with it after it is earned. Participants have learned entrepreneurship skills through the organization's various projects and fundraisers and are often rewarded with a portion of the proceeds. At an upcoming meeting, Taylor said she is planning to bring in representatives from a bank to teach the youths about savings and banking and to help them get set up with personal savings accounts for their money.
"We want to teach the kids to save," Taylor said. "So many people run through their money and don't have anything to show."
Some of 9/24's participants have already taken the skills they have learned and started their own money-making entities, Taylor said.
"One of them has a bike shop where he will repair bikes for a dollar," she said. "Another sold Gatorade on his own during the Pleasant Valley Hoopla last week."
The 9/24 Network currently serves students in fourth grade through middle school, and also has several adult volunteers and mentors. Taylor said she is working to bring in high school students to serve as peer advisors.
"The biggest thing we are looking for is for our volunteers to set good examples for the kids," said Taylor.
Myleesha Clayton, 10, said she enjoys working with the volunteers that give of their time.
"I really like the volunteers," she said. "They're all really nice. We welcome them when they are new and they help us a lot."
Thursday evening, participants were getting a lesson on two-dimensional art from the Blanden Memorial Art Museum's museum educator Linda Flaherty as part of learning how to put their own visions on paper.
"July is our innovation month," Taylor said. "The kids need to be able to put their plans into drawing."
In future weeks, Taylor said participants will be sharing their plans with the group.
"It will give them a chance to learn public speaking skills," she said.
Although the nonprofit organization is housed in the basement of the Agape Church, where the Taylor's father, the Rev. Madai Taylor, serves as pastor, they are community-based and not affiliated with the church itself.
"We are separate from the church," she said. "Our goal is to get a new location of our own, but right now we need to get the funds to be able to lease a different location."
Contact Emilie Nelson at (515)573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net
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lehighguy
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07-04-09 1:19 AM
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Tis is the best story this paper has ever printed
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tjrwdm
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07-03-09 12:21 PM
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what a great story, its great to see this program and to know there are people that really care about the comm, you are making a huge difference and wish nothing but the best
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lehighguy
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07-03-09 3:06 AM
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Good for them. A little hard work pays off. My hat is off to you fine people.
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firefly94
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07-03-09 12:40 AM
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She's a beautiful little girl--I wish her & all the 9/24 children the best.
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