In 2015-16, SVP is engaging two new Investee organizations: ourBRIDGE and Youth Development Initiatives, Inc. (YDI).
While OurBRIDGE is a new nonprofit working to connect immigrant and refugee youth to our community, YDI is an expansive set of programs for at-risk youth that is implemented across several Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Both organizations were members of the SEED20 Class of 2014 before being nominated by our Investment Committee and then voted in by the full SVP Partnership for investment. OurBRIDGE Lead Partners are Meg Haynes and Reid Leggett, and YDI’s Lead Partners are Dennis Elliott and Scott Vaughn.
We’re elated to begin working with both ourBRIDGE and YDI and are excited to introduce each organization to SVP and had great conversations with both Executive Directors about themselves, their organizations, and what they’re looking forward to about partnering with SVP. Here are some snippets of our talks:
Sil Ganzó, Executive Director of ourBRIDGE
Where do SVP and 2015 find ourBRIDGE?
ourBRIDGE has accomplished more in three months that anything I’ve ever dreamed of accomplishing in a lifetime (Charlottean of the Year!?). The program and our vision are so unique, the potential is so great and the need in the city–and in the country–for a place like ours is undeniable. I find myself truly excited and grateful for the opportunities and recognitions.
2015 finds ourBRIDGE with a successful program in full swing, clear, ambitious goals and plans, and four people in the leadership team who have the passion and energy to make it all happen. It also finds us knowing that we have not yet built the strong foundation we need not just to reach those goals, but also to ensure the longevity of the organization.
What are you most looking forward to about the SVP partnership?
On the personal level–and I know it won’t happen overnight–what I am most looking forward is to become a confident, respected leader in the community. Someone who can make decisions based more on knowledge than gut. I’d like to learn to communicate more effectively with employees & community partners.
In our partnership with SVP, I am really looking forward to establishing ourBRIDGE as the best cultural community center in Charlotte for refugee and immigrant families.
Darryl Bego, Executive Director of YDI
Where do SVP and 2015 find YDI?
SVP and the new year finds YDI in the perfect position as an Investee. The YDI staff and board had already committed to devising a 3 to 5-year strategic plan of action to strengthen YDI and to further our mission throughout Charlotte and the immediate area. YDI is at the peak of its 5-year programming history with respect to public funding, clients served, number of staff, and even expanded operations into three adjacent counties. Mow, more than ever, we need assistance in assessing our capabilities and in constructing a plan on how we best scale and expand our work/impact in Charlotte and the immediate surrounding area.
What are you most looking forward to about the SVP partnership?
I am most looking forward to the relationships I know I/YDI will establish with stakeholders in the community who truly want to not only write a check, but also provide professional expertise and support to insure YDI becomes the best service provider possible to meet the vital need we are addressing in the community. I am also looking forward to the “process” required to help me become a better leader and for the YDI staff and organization be the best we all can be for the clients we serve and the community.
I benefited greatly from my experiences with SEED20 (SVP’s annual mentoring program for nonprofit social entrepreneurs). YDI is now better poised to becoming a more efficient and effective organization. The positive energy, powerful enthusiasm, and professional expertise I encountered via my interaction with SEED20 mentors, members, volunteers, and staff made an indelible impression on me and I am excited and blessed to once again be associated with such impactful people!
