On behalf of The Gem Project, we wish you and your family a joyful holiday season. We had plenty of wonderful news to share this year. We had great moments with our youth and young adults, shaping them into effective leaders, while improving their communities.

Holiday Inspiration: It amazed us to find after participating in workshop of the wonderful Dr. Charles Polk School for their Career Day, earlier this year, the many students who just became aware of nonprofit organizations after our presentation. This month, we were  community organizers at Newark Public Library’s Family Fest. This is where we met  young Madison, who at the time did not know what a leader was.

Our activity leaders quickly jumped to action and spoke with Madison, including our event coordinator, Parul Punjani and Capri Lewis, staff in youth programs division. “Who takes care of you, Madison ?” they asked. Looking upwards, she smiled saying, “My mom.” We quizzed, “Who brought you here to Family Fest ?” Smiling still Madison said, “My mom.”

After a few other questions,  Madison revealed to us that her mom was someone who cared, guided and protected her. Beaming with joy, our activity leaders informed Madison that a leader does the same thing. A leader guides and protects, and this is what The Gem Project is all about.  It was at that moment Madison connected the dots. She said that she IS a leader and her mother is one too.

It’s moments like this that makes us push on with our work. We certainly hope that you have a great time with your family and loved ones. If you come across a young child today, ask them if they know what a leader is. Share your responses to Capri Lewis: capri@thegemproject.org.

Happy Holidays!

P.S Our Event coordinator’s birthday is today too!

Say hello, Parul Punjani parul@thegemproject.org