Invest In Me’s annual Adopt-An-Angel event invites members of the community to bring joy to local youth during the holiday season by purchasing Christmas gifts for students in our programs. Through this initiative, donors are paired with an “Angel” and asked to provide age-appropriate gifts that help make the holidays brighter for young people who may otherwise go without.
Adopt-An-Angel is more than gift-giving—it is a reminder to our youth that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community. Every gift is distributed with care and dignity, ensuring each student feels celebrated during the holiday season.
Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, volunteers, and supporters, Adopt-An-Angel helps create meaningful holiday moments while reinforcing Invest In Me’s mission of empowerment, connection, and hope.
Invest In Me’s Annual Back 2 School Backpack Drive supports local youth by providing new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need as they prepare for the upcoming school year. This initiative helps remove financial barriers for families while ensuring students start the year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn.
Each backpack is thoughtfully packed with age-appropriate school supplies, including notebooks, folders, pencils, and other classroom essentials. By meeting these basic needs, the Backpack Drive allows students to focus on their education rather than the challenges of limited resources.
Through the generosity of community partners, volunteers, and donors, Invest In Me’s Back 2 School Backpack Drive strengthens our commitment to youth empowerment, academic success, and community support—making a lasting impact at the very start of the school year.
Invest In Me’s Annual Going Green Community Event invites area youth to spend an interactive afternoon learning about environmental stewardship while having fun and giving back to the community. This hands-on event focuses on tree planting, sustainability education, and exploring environmental career pathways.
Youth participants engage in age-appropriate activities that teach the importance of caring for the environment, understanding climate responsibility, and learning how individual actions can create long-term impact. In addition to tree planting, participants have the opportunity to learn about environmental careers and connect with professionals working in conservation, sustainability, and environmental sciences.
The Going Green Community Event empowers young people to become environmentally conscious leaders while reinforcing Invest In Me’s mission of education, engagement, and community responsibility.
In mid-October, we reach out to local leaders, inviting them to connect with the youth in our community. This gathering aims to create a space where young voices can meet with candidates, elected officials, or appointed leaders. The purpose is simple: to provide an opportunity for youth to express their perspectives on issues important to them.
This event is inclusive and interactive, featuring activities like panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and small group conversations. Through these formats, participants can engage with each other, learn, and build relationships.
For the youth, this event is a chance to have their voices heard and advocate for change on topics such as education, social justice, or the environment. They play an active role in shaping decisions that affect their lives and those of their peers.
Local leaders benefit from gaining insights into the concerns and priorities of the younger generation. They learn about the needs of their constituents and the importance of youth engagement in the community.
As the event unfolds, connections are made, and collaboration is encouraged. It’s a step toward building a community where every voice matters and where dialogue between leaders and youth leads to positive change.
The Invest In Me Men’s Luncheon is an empowering community gathering designed to create open, honest dialogue around the issues that matter most to men and young men today. This impactful event features an all-male panel discussion focused on men’s mental health, mentorship, leadership, personal growth, and overall well-being.
Through candid conversation and shared experiences, panelists will offer insight, encouragement, and practical guidance aimed at supporting both adult men and teenage young men as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to reflect, learn, and connect in a space intentionally created to uplift, support, and strengthen our community.
In addition to meaningful discussion, participants will enjoy opportunities for networking and relationship-building, along with a shared meal that fosters connection and camaraderie. The Men’s Luncheon serves as a reminder of the importance of positive role models, strong support systems, and investing in the personal development of men at every stage of life.
Mental health is crucial for personal growth, shaping how we think, feel, and live. Each September, we organize a free Mental Health Summit for students in grades 7-12.
This summit is a vital opportunity for young people to come together, learn, and support each other. Regardless of their background, all students are welcome to attend, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need.
Throughout the summit, attendees participate in various activities and workshops focused on promoting mental wellness. These include discussions led by mental health professionals, mindfulness exercises, and opportunities for peer support and sharing.
Guest speakers may also share their stories of overcoming mental health challenges, inspiring students to seek help and support when needed.
By the end of the summit, students leave with a better understanding of mental health and practical strategies for self-care and stress management. They also know that they are part of a supportive community that values their well-being.
The Invest In Me Night of Achievements is an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating the success, perseverance, and achievements of the youth we serve. This special event honors our scholarship recipients, cohort graduates, high school graduates, and the recipients of Invest In Me’s annual awards.
The Night of Achievements provides an opportunity to recognize the dedication and resilience demonstrated by our young people as they pursue leadership, education, and personal growth. Surrounded by family, mentors, educators, and community supporters, honorees are celebrated for their hard work and commitment to building a brighter future.
This meaningful evening reflects Invest In Me’s mission to uplift youth, recognize excellence, and invest in the next generation of leaders—highlighting the power of community support in helping young people reach their full potential.
The Invest In Me Women’s Brunch is an empowering community gathering designed to create open, honest dialogue around the issues that matter most to women and young women today. This impactful event features a panel discussion focused on women’s mental health, mentorship, leadership, personal growth, and overall well-being.
Through candid conversation and shared experiences, panelists will offer insight, encouragement, and practical guidance aimed at supporting both adult women and teenage young women as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect in a space intentionally created to uplift, support, and strengthen our community.
In addition to meaningful discussion, participants will enjoy networking and relationship-building opportunities, along with a shared meal that fosters connection and community. The Women’s Brunch serves as a reminder of the importance of strong support systems, positive role models, and investing in the personal development of women at every stage of life.
Empower Hour is a program designed to inspire and uplift participants through monthly events featuring guest speakers. Each session offers a chance for youth to hear from professionals in various fields, allowing them to connect, learn, and network with both the speakers and their peers.
The program selects speakers known for their expertise and relatability to the audience. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds, including technology, entrepreneurship, arts, activism, and more. Through sharing their stories and insights, they provide valuable guidance and inspiration to the attendees.
Empower Hour doesn’t just focus on one-way communication; it encourages active participation and engagement. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and build connections not only with the speakers but also with each other. This fosters a sense of community and support among the youth involved.
The impact of Empower Hour extends beyond the events themselves. Participants leave feeling motivated, empowered, and equipped with new knowledge and connections that can help them navigate their personal and professional lives with confidence.
In essence, Empower Hour serves as a platform for growth, learning, and connection, empowering young individuals to realize their potential and pursue their aspirations.
