As we look back on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude and pride for everything our members, staff, and supporters have accomplished this year. From service projects to career exploration, graduations, and exciting new opportunities, this year has been one for the books. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights that made 2024 so special.
Service: Making a Difference Together
This year, service remained at the heart of everything we do. Our members went above and beyond, completing over 6,500 AmeriCorps hours by working alongside community partners to meet critical needs.
- A Day of Giving: On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, our members distributed over 100,000 diapers with the Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank, prepped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Shop, and assembled food backpacks for the Stark Hunger Task Force’s Backpack-A-Thon.
- Neighborhood Cleanup: Members honored the anniversary of 9/11 by cleaning up local neighborhoods, showing that service can be a powerful way to bring people together.
One member shared:
“Helping people who need it and working as a team made the day really meaningful. It reminded me why I want to give back to my community.”
Celebrating Member Successes
This year, we celebrated the hard work and dedication of our members as they achieved major milestones:
- Graduations: Members earned their diplomas through Penn Foster High School and our partner schools, paving the way for brighter futures.
- Credentials Earned: From construction certifications to customer service training, our members gained skills that open doors to meaningful careers.
- Jobs Secured: Several members transitioned into the workforce, applying what they’ve learned and setting goals for their future.
Beyond these accomplishments, members participated in life-changing experiences:
- Washington, D.C.: Zentavious and Ja’Mez represented Project REBUILD at the YouthBuild AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders, where they connected with peers from across the country and developed their leadership skills.
- Burlington, VT: Members traveled to Vermont for a Service Learning Exchange, working on restoration projects and building relationships with other YouthBuild programs.
One member reflected:
“These trips opened my eyes to new possibilities. They showed me that I can push myself and be part of something bigger.”
25 Years of Project REBUILD
This year was a special one for our organization as we celebrated 25 years of empowering young people in Stark County. Since our founding in 1999, we’ve helped thousands of young people discover their potential, build skills, and make a positive impact in their communities.
To mark this milestone, we:
- Rolled out a new strategic plan to guide our next three years of growth.
- Launched a new website to better share our mission and programs with the community.
- Reconnected with alumni through the “Where Are They Now?” series, sharing inspiring stories of former members who are thriving as parents, professionals, and community leaders.
Expanding Our Reach
This year, we also expanded our reach to serve even more young people. By securing office space in Alliance, we’re now able to partner with organizations outside our traditional YouthBuild program, providing resources and opportunities to new communities.
These partnerships allow us to continue innovating and finding new ways to meet the needs of young people while staying true to our mission.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, we’re excited to build on this year’s successes. Our plans include:
- Expanding career exploration activities with more employer tours and industry workshops.
- Strengthening partnerships with local employers to provide additional job opportunities.
- Growing our presence in Alliance to reach even more young people.
- Continuing to focus on leadership development and service as core parts of our program.
Thank You for an Incredible Year
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our members, staff, partners, and community. Whether you volunteered, donated, or shared our mission with others, you played a vital role in making 2024 a year to remember.
Thank you for being part of the Project REBUILD family. Together, we’re not just building skills—we’re building brighter futures for the young people in Stark County and beyond. Here’s to an even greater 2025!
#YearInReview #ProjectREBUILD #25YearsStrong #YouthEmpowerment #BuildingFutures
