In the Supporter Spotlight we recognize a Youth Service, Inc. donor making an impact in the communities we serve. In this spotlight, we are recognizing the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association (NHAA) with an interview with chapter President, Elaine Lawrence- Green.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the Philadelphia Chapter of the NHAA.
We are a part of the Hampton University family. Hampton University, founded in 1868, is an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Hampton, Virginia. The students receive an education that combines cultural uplift with moral and academic training that equips them to address the critical issues of their generation. The Hampton Model is an education that encompasses “the head, the heart, and the hands.”
Since its chartering in 1920, the Philadelphia alumni chapter of the NHAA has served Hampton University and the local community by recruiting the best and brightest students and financially supporting the university through scholarship aid to students and annual donations. We function as a resource for current students and their parents; and work to increase the alumni membership and donor base. We’re proud of our one hundred years and look forward to more.
Q: Why did the chapter choose YSI when you were looking for an organization to donate to? What attracted you to our programs?
Sometime around 2002 the chapter was seeking expansion of our outreach activities. We were particularly interested in meeting the needs of young people because of our overall mission to serve as a resource to Philadelphia-area students. An opportunity to connect with YSI came about through Ms. Gwendolyn Bailey, a Hampton graduate and one of our chapter members. Her affiliation with YSI, as a staff member and eventual Executive Director, gave the chapter an insight into the issues that YSI addresses.
Q: What motivates the members of the chapter to stay involved? Why do you donate?
It is incredible to see the generosity that our members have for others. The members are genuinely interested in seeing the best for young people. Most of us understand that we are in this community together. What happens to our neighbors affects all of us. Most of us understand that everyone has received and/or will need some assistance in their lives.
Q: Why do you think it is important to support YSI?
Families are the core of any community. When families are distressed, so is the community. YSI programs are designed to meet the needs of the people. They are grass roots, direct to the families that need the support. We like knowing and seeing that. It motivates you to want to do more.