The past 2 weeks have been full of changes for MMP and we are growing in youth referrals, community events, and corporate partners!
It’s exciting and a lot of work to grow and develop new ideas that truly support MMP youth as they build a stable, prosperous life.
As we dug our heels in and blindly worked through the busy days, we were struck with a simple equation that gave us perspective on the severity of daily life in at-risk youth and the importance of our work.

1 determined youth + 1 bike = A brand new outlook

John*, name changed for anonymity, came to us through a referral. Like many of area youth, his family worked day and night to secure stable housing and the family members were separated while the search continued. John asked to be part of MMP’s Worksite Program so he can contribute to the household’s stability and alleviate some of the burden off of his father. John attended Job Readiness classes and sometimes brought a young family member with him because timely transportation was also a struggle. We found John as optimistic and hard-working as any other 16-year-old we work with. His current struggle didn’t squelch his determination and faith that a better day was on the other side. After one of our Job Readiness classes, Timmarie asked if John wanted to stay and pick out a bike from our on-site neighbors: The Fairbanks Bike Shop (check them out by clicking HERE).  John was quietly excited as he chose a bike and Timmarie helped him install lights and familiarize himself with the bike lock (all provided by MMP as part of our youth services in our Worksite Program).  John beamed with pride as he showed his family his bike, which wasn’t just a teenager’s accessory, it was a means to succeed for a hard-working family that fell on hard times.  The true value of the bike was reflected in John’s father’s face as he silently worded, “Thank you” to Timmarie while showering his son with the excitement a new bike warrants.

The day after, our office was quietly reverent as Timmarie shared this story with us.  What our youth participants encounter doesn’t stop their incessant strength.  What happens to them does not define them.  They are innovators, thinkers, problem-solvers, and the future of our world is in the hard-working hands that we invest in each day at MMP.  What a small investment for such a large return!

Be kind and invest in the youth in your life!

– Kristina