May 30th Program

 

 

 

     The Youth Against Violence Organization, Inc., is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and families in Rockford, IL.

     In October 1992, the Youth Against Violence Organization was formed after the tragic death of a Rockford teen who was shot and killed in a local housing project.  Beginning with theater, the group performed a musical in her honor which sparked other interest in the area of performing arts.  However due to the plans for transformation, the Youth Against Violence Organization became incorporated, received its 501(C)(3) and continued to service more at risk and disadvantaged youth throughout the cities of Rockford and Freeport, Illinois.

     The program is designed to imposed a structured value system with youth appeal.  This value promotes cultural awareness, academic excellence, social, emotional and cognitive resiliency, thus increasing our youth's awareness of self and their environment, making them more resistant to anti-social behavior.

 

     Teresa Jordan

     Founder and CEO of Youth Against Violence Organization is a Rockford native and a graduate of Rockford West High School, class of 1988.  She is the mother of two children and is currently employed at the Rockford Public School District Transportation Department.

     For the past 27 years, Ms. Jordan has faithfully kept her promise to keep kids sage by using her gifts and talents to create structured activities for the youth who live in Winnebago and Stephenson counties.

     She along with the assistance of Mr. Thomas Parker have taken Rockford youth who were considered to be at-risk from being just local talent to being recognized in other communications as a positive force.  They are entertaining as performers in various parades along the stare line and crossing over into Wisconsin.  She has dedicated her life to helping the youth build their self-esteem, develop their own talents and strive to be productive citizens first and champions when it is all said and done.

 

     Thomas Parker

     An assistant director and instructor for the Youth Against Violence Organization's Illinois Rock Marching Arts Program was born and raised in Rochester, New York.

     Thomas is a alumni to several top 12 DCI Drum & Bugle Corps, as well as freelance championship quality band programs.

     He came to the Youth Against Violence in 2016, helping the organization gain notoriety in the state line area and advocating for underserved children in the community.

     Thomas is employed at Shelter Care Ministries Jubilee Center as an Advocate for Rockford's homeless population.

 

     This will be a most informative and interesting program.  It will be an excellent opportunity to bring a guest or prospective member.  Bev Broyles will introduce our presenters and act as Rotary host.