Fiscal Note
[Enter Fiscal Note Here]
Title
Congratulating Mentoring Positives on their 20th anniversary and thanking them for their steadfast dedication to the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood.
Body
WHEREAS, founded in Darbo-Worthington in 2004, Mentoring Positives has provided two decades of support, community development, and youth mentorship; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives’ mission is to build strong, trusting relationships, positive attitudes, and life skills in youth through mentoring, athletics, and social entrepreneurship; and,
WHEREAS, Will Green started Mentoring Positives following the loss of his mother, Muriel Pipkins, to breast cancer at the age of 46, utilizing her initials as inspirations for the name; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives has been instrumental in building bridges within the community, working alongside numerous partners to foster a safer, more vibrant neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, from the beginning, Mentoring Positives has played a crucial role in assisting with the hiring of numerous neighborhood officers, ensuring that safety and trust remained central to community life; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives has been key in organizing and empowering residents for events such as Parks Alive, community dinners, and Family Fun Nights, providing invaluable opportunities for unity, fostering connections among residents, and providing outlets for fun, learning, and community building; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives has helped residents become active members of the Worthington Park Neighborhood Association, amplifying their voices and ensuring their needs were heard; and,
WHEREAS, the organization has also partnered with groups such as Joining Forces for Families, Lowell Elementary, Eastside Planning Council, and Alder Marsha Rummel, bringing essential resources and opportunities to Darbo-Worthington families; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives' dedication to youth programs has been particularly impactful, from organizing sports activities to educational opportunities, their commitment to the neighborhood’s younger generations has been a beacon of hope and growth for many families; and,
WHEREAS, since its creation, Mentoring Positives has impacted the lives of over 3,000 youth, creating opportunities for growth and success; and,
WHEREAS, since 2004, Mentoring Positives has grown to include Off The Block Salsa, a youth-led initiative teaching business skills through salsa production, and Off The Block Pizza, an expansion of the social enterprise; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives has expanded their efforts in recent years by distributing their products to local grocery stores, as well as through the opening of Muriel’s Place in 2023, a new youth production and restaurant space; and,
WHEREAS, Mentoring Positives has now been supporting youth who face challenges like high absenteeism, academic struggles, and disengagement for the past 20 years, helping them build life skills, improve school engagement, and explore future opportunities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council congratulates Mentoring Positives for their 20th anniversary and thanks them for their steadfast dedication to the Darbo-Worthington neighborhood.