Recipients given $125,000 award to fund expansion of program and will
receive additional support to help share approach with policymakers and
practitioners
Sacramento, CA –
Today, the James Irvine Foundation announced that Charisse Bremond Weaver and George Weaver
of the Brotherhood Crusade in Los Angeles are
recipients of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. In their ninth year, the awards recognize and support individuals who
are advancing innovative and effective solutions to significant challenges in
California. The Weavers are being recognized for substantially improving the academic achievement
and health of South Los Angeles youth through a set of tailored programs
provided with business and community partners.
“Our youth development plan helps young people through a social
innovation process that spans health and wellness, mental health, academics and
social activities to really help them become the best leaders that they can
be,” said Charisse Bremond Weaver.
“We have shown that we can change the life of a young person who is
involved in a gang or other problems at school, at home or with the law — for a
fraction of the cost of incarceration,” added George Weaver.
In South Los Angeles, more than a million people live in
poverty, and children growing up in this area often face numerous obstacles
that diminish their chances to grow into healthy, educated adults. The
Brotherhood Crusade addresses these challenges by performing a comprehensive
individual assessments and developing personalized plans to help foster
personal growth and development. Programs include mentoring, remedial
academics, hands-on science and technology training, theater, soccer and golf.
Brotherhood Crusade also collaborates with local community groups, major
foundations, Hollywood celebrities and corporate partners to expand
opportunities for program participants. Results include three-fold improvements
in math, English language arts and science scores on California Standardized
Tests among participants. The programs often have additional health benefits.
“The individuals we honor this year are improving the lives of thousands of Californians through strategies that
are responsive, collaborative and forward-looking,” said Don Howard, Interim
President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation. “These leaders advance
effective solutions to some of California’s most difficult problems. They do
this by listening to the people they serve, working with the community,
maximizing every dollar they use, and then sharing what they learn. We are
thrilled to help their work progress.”
To learn more about this year’s award
recipients, please visit: www.irvine.org/leadership/meet-the-recipients
Article featured onThe James Irvine Foundation
Article featured onThe James Irvine Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r471qPnyLk
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