LIFT Youth Center, Inc. 2023-2024 Impact Report

LIFT Youth Center, Inc. 7197 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-5438 info@LIFTyouthcenter.org 501 (c)(3): 83-1676980

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Table of Contents Letter from executive director 4 LIFT leadership TEAM 5 Claudia Nance ROllins 6 Staff Voices 7 Student Voices 8-9 mission/vision 10-11 studentS served 12-13 reach programming 14-19 STEM/guys peer group 20 sel/teen group therapy 21 beyond afterschool 22-23 Surveyed Students 24-25 mental health survey 26-27 summer 2023 28-29 community events 30-32 Outdoor rec zone 33 fundraising events 34-36 financials 37 grants 38 partners/collaborators 39 Thank you lift supporters! 40-43 ways to support 44 3

DEAR LIFT Supporters,

Each year when we create this Impact Report, I stand amazed. When the idea of LIFT was born back in 2018 we all knew it was a good idea, an idea that would help students and families, an idea to meet a real gap in services. But each year we realize more deeply just what a powerful idea it was.

LIFT is creating a space comfortable enough to feel accepted and seen. It’s room for students to learn to appreciate differences and experience boundaries that set a standard for what kindness looks like. It’s the joy of walking in and feeling you belong to something special where you are loved. That is powerful.

LIFT is designing experiences for students to get out of their boxes and be challenged. It’s having a spatula or a paint brush or a pool cue in your hand and learning something new. It’s hearing ideas and encouragement from professionals about how big the world is and being inspired to figure out the part they might play in it.

That is powerful.

LIFT is fostering connections that are critical to development and confidence. It’s having a trusted adult to go to, especially when life gets hard. It’s help making a new friend when making friends can be a challenge.

It’s realizing that there is a community which needs them where they can be found and find others. That is powerful.

LIFT is reminding every student that they matter; that they are valuable and worthy of a beautiful, happy, healthy future. It’s giving them the opportunity to become the kind of leaders our community needs. It’s stepping into their best selves on stage, on the field, in the neighborhood and knowing they have been trusted to have a positive impact. Man, that is powerful.

Looking back on our 3rd year it’s awesome to see the impact of all our effort continue to grow. This is possible only with the support of people like you. We still have new students all the time, but some of them have been with us since the beginning. LIFT is a big positive part of their lives and the ripples of their experience at the Youth Center will continue to work through their world. Each smile you see on these pages is saying thank you.

Thank you for investing in me.

Thank you for caring about me.

Thank you for allowing me to be loved, inspired, found and trusted.

With expansion on the horizon, I can’t wait to see just how powerful our impact will become. Please continue to support this mission of ours so that nothing gets in the way of getting to celebrate more smiles on more pages to come.

Grateful to serve,

Tina Pinkston Executive Director

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* 2024-2025 Staff: (Pictured below from left to right– Kim Jones, Houston Nance, Morgan Wright, Tonita Stickney, Tina Pinkston, Heather Tate, Chrissie Brown, Aiyana Loher, Taitlyn Chesser, and Jora Burnett)

LIFT Team

Staff

director tina pinkston executive tina@liftyouthcenter.org

& Development director chrissie Brown Marketing Chrissie@liftyouthcenter.org

manager Heather tate development heather@liftyouthcenter.org

manager tonita stickney office tonita@liftyouthcenter.org

manager Morgan Wright Program morgan@liftyouthcenter.org

coordinator Taitlyn chesser Program Taitlyn@liftyouthcenter.org

coordinator Houston Nance support houston@liftyouthcenter.org

assistant Jora burnett program jora@lifTyouthcenter.org

Kim Jones Front Desk Clerk

Aiyana Loher Program Intern

‘23 - ‘24 INTERN Anahí Lopez MASTERS IN SOCIAL WORK Intern

Board of Directors president/ board vice president/ brandon bell, mja board chief law enforcement officer/ John Francis, MSSW Retired Executive Director adjunct college professor

president of finance/ Tammy Thatcher vice high school teacher

Babs bell Board Secretary

AND FOUNDER, JESSIE jessie thornton OWNER THORNTON’S UNITED KARATE STUDIO, INC.

Educator/ Melody Nichols Retired Former cea president

manager/ Marlin Gines, pe department burns & mcdonnell

in social work/ Sherry Vaughn masters yoga instructor

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Claudia Nance Rollins Youth Center Claudia Nance Rollins was a devout Christian, a talented musician, a dedicated elementary school teacher, and a gardener so gifted with plants and flowers that her extended family in Catoosa County often compared her gardens to a beautiful painting. But Mrs. Rollins was first and foremost the mother of O. Wayne and John W. Rollins, both successful entrepreneurs and business men.

Born on September 28, 1886 to Robert and Emma Nance, Claudia was one of nine children raised by a widowed mother in the rural community of Smith Chapel. When she was 24, she married a local farmer named Henry Rollins, a man whose quiet strength and quick temper were a perfect match for the energetic and insightful Claudia.

An early champion of education, Mrs. Rollins helped the community build churches and schools. She was known to all as a neighbor who always helped the less fortunate, someone who set in motion the very principles of philanthropy that her sons later embraced.

As a mother, Mrs. Rollins impressed upon her two sons that they could achieve anything through honesty, integrity, and hard work. Her two sons never failed to heed their mother’s words and collectively founded eight different companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Claudia Nance Rollins lived to be nearly 90 years old. She died on April 13, 1976.

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STAFF LIFT is paramount because connections are crucial; developing relationships with peers and trusted adults builds community and resiliency. At LIFT students have the opportunity to make new connections and find support.

Adolescence, while confusing and difficult at times, plays a key role in the person we become. LIFT allows me to connect with students navigating this time in their lives and, hopefully, foster their growth on a daily basis. This would not be possible without a safe space where each child feels loved, supported, and empowered.

All the sttafo fgivarineg dedicated ouragement positive enepc tance to and acc who walks every childthe door. At through children are LIFT, these ything from given ever s to career life lesson but most choices, acceptance , importantly and love.

VOICES To hear the happines s in LIFT students’ vo ic es each afternoon makes my heart sing!

LIFT creates a lastin impact on everyone g who comes through the door. The work is purposeful, an that is importantd to me! n’t er, I do g a n a M ith Office tact w n As the o c t c e I can uch dir e that v have m lo I t bu taff dents, ming s m the stu a r g o r I am t the p e kids. h suppor t h it nnect w ething who co of som t r a p to be ves for blessed many li o s t c n impa that ca good.

The magic of LIFT doesn’t come from an ultra-top-secret formul for success, there isn’t a a revolutionary new text book that we follow, and we aren’t the world’s leading experts in children’s psychology.

LIFT Youth Center functions so successfully because we love these children unconditionally, and we make sure that they know it every day.

It’s really that simple.

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STUDENT LIFT has impacted me by helping me make new friends and gaining confidence.

LIFT has impacted me in a positive way by creating a place where I can be myself and learn new things.

LIFT is a fun and freeingplaofce to go that’s acceptpes of everyone with all ty per fun. activities that are su LIFT is my favorite place to be because I have made so many new friends and I get to do really fun things like the girls group and art projects!

What I love most about LIFT

is and all. When you spend the whole day trying to fit in, it can be dra ining.

As soon as I walk into LIFT, I feel like all the burdens of the da y are lifted off my shoulders. that I can be myself, quirks

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VOICES LIFT is a special place where I can forget ab the things that streout me out and just enjoss y having fun.

I love LIFT hbereceauasere the peopleome! awes Students should definitely join LIFT. Along with it being a safe space to discuss things, there are many different activities that you can choose from each week. It’s a fun place to be able to go and hang out with friends.

I love coming to LIFT because I get to do new things like cooking, sewing, and learning abou important life stuff liket budgeting.

that e c la p a is T IF L l at makes me fereee to home and f lf. be myse

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Mission: LIFT creates opportunities for students to be...

Loved as they are, Inspired to be more, Found in community, and Trusted to make a difference.

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Vision: LIFT Provides a free drop-in after school youth center for 6th-12th grade catoosa county students, where we foster an environment of inclusion, positive self-worth, and self-discovery within our youth while facilitating inner growth to prepare them for future success.

Students Served

415

hours of afterschool programming

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166

days of afterschool programming

30,712 Snacks served afterschool

397

different students served afterschool

367

HOUSEHOLDS ENROLLED 23/24 school year

71

LARGEST MIDDLE SCHOOL DAY

44

LARGEST HIGH SCHOOL DAY

54%

STUDENTs Qualified for free/reduced lunch

7,678

STUDENT visits to lift’s afterschool program

90

LARGEST FRIDAY (BOTH MIDDLE & HIGH)

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during the

At LIFT we believe in the power of our REACH. We are called

to REACH those who are underserved, isolated and in need of support. We believe that we can make a difference because hope for all students is within REACH. Our events, facility, and afterschool programming are focused on the following core areas which we believe bring a holistic approach to asset development and resilience building.

2023-2024 school year

lift held

563

Workshops

RECREATION EDUCATION ART COMMUNITY HEALTH

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271 Students

participated in

recreation

Recreation

programs • Basketball, soccer, volleyball, handball, football, kickball, etc.

• Outdoor Games: 9 square, gaga ball, ping pong, etc.

• Indoor Games: card games, board games, pool, air hockey, puzzles, etc.

• Gaming Days with Ringgold High School’s G-Society

“I love playing the different outdoor games at LIFT like basketball, capture the flag, and handball. These activities give me an outlet for my energy and teach me how to be a good teammate.”

– LIFT Student

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Education • STEM workshops • Skool Skillz, a workshop on learning tools for success in school • Financial literacy workshops to discuss topics such as budgeting and investing • Career Exploration and College prep workshops • Practical life skills workshops: resumes, hygiene, self-care, etc.

• Mini-library and classes co-hosted by Catoosa County Library • Language classes: Spanish and American Sign Language • Free tutoring and homework help “I really enjoy the STEM activities like the robotic arm and being able to learn about different career paths.”

– LIFT Student

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190 Students

participated in

Education programs

199 Students

participated in

ART programs

Art

• Daily art projects • Photography, videography, and digital editing • Guitars for Kids, students learned how to play the guitar with an end of the year student performance • Sew What, a local group that partners to teach sewing workshops monthly • Songwriting Workshop • Improv, Theater, and Comedy workshops

because T F I L t a per fun tching, “Art ismsoure than just sfkheands on it’s to do a lot o we get activities.” dent – LIFT Stu

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Community • Monthly service projects: Sewed baby quilts donated to Parents as Teachers, Fall Festival, built and painted wooden Christmas tree decorations for our neighbors, decorated Christmas cookies and made bracelets for students at the local Gingerbread House, created Valentine’s for Special Needs students at HHS, planted new bushes downtown with the City of Ringgold, picked up trash at RES, Dolly Days, and Clean Catoosa (an annual, city-wide Earth Dayinspired event) • Strength for Catoosa, a Sources of Strength suicide prevention program • Team building workshops • Monthly LIFT OFF meetings with all students attending that day, to help celebrate the past month • Student Leadership jects are o r p e ic v r e s g and e things we do at “Team bufilmdin avorit connections and f y o e m so .” making new LIFT. I lohveelping our community Student – LIFT

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253 Students

participated in

community

programs

242 Students

participated in

Health programs

• Biweekly cooking workshops • Social-Emotional Learning workshops: students discuss different mental health topics • Physical Fitness • Yoga/Mindfulness

Health • Health classes led by local practitioners • Music matters: Students share their favorite songs while breaking down the lyrical meaning.

• Movies matter: Students share movie clips and discuss why they have significant meaning in their lives.

• Men Not Boys: a weekly guys’ group offered to high schoolers “I like cooking because I can leat LIFT important lifearn an and the food is skill yummy.” super – LIFT Student

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STEM workshops LIFT students had the opportunity to choose STEM workshops during the ‘23-’24 school year. These workshops focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, giving students a chance to learn through hands on activities. Here are some examples of STEM workshops offered this past school year.

• Critical Thinking: AI • Entomology • Science Trivia • Chess • Critical Thinking: Measurements • Restructure/Platform • Balloon Cars • Making Butter

• Fake Snow • Ski Jumping • Snowboarding Ramps • Polar Bear Challenge • Heart Shaped Tower • Rocket Racers • Pot of Gold Challenge • Cardboard Automata • Solar-Powered Robots

Guys peer group In the fall of 2023 LIFT staff decided we needed to do more for our students’ mental health. Our Support Coordinator launched a new program in the spring of 2024 called Men Not Boys, a guy’s peer group program with a holistic approach to bring clarity, direction, and positive support to young men in high school. The intended purpose of our program is to identify where growth is desired, set goals and objectives, continued focused action, goal achievement, and holding the young men accountable. We had 7 students consistently attend this program and the results were impactful and heartwarming. Over the semester, students learned a stronger understanding of what being a man is, to be themselves, how to improve their mental health, that it’s ok to share sensitive things and be vulnerable, to be kind and considerate, and that a lot of guys share the same struggles.

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When surveyed 100% of the students in Men Not Boys said that “the group gave them a comfortable space to discuss topics such as their identity, masculinity, relationships, and emotions.” LIFT students are excited about this program continuing this school year. We have also launched a peer support group for our female students.

Social Emotional learning Social Emotional Learning is configured of five components: • self-awareness • self-management • social awareness

• relationship skills • responsible decision-making

During after-school programming at LIFT, we offered SEL workshops with a monthly theme that we encouraged all our students to participate in. Here are some examples of SEL workshops offered this past school year.

• Inspirational quotes art • Self Love 101 • Anonymous Confessions • Failing Forward • Speedy way to friendship • Mindful Coloring • Emotions watercolor • Music Matters • Communication skills • Movies Matter

Teen Group Therapy LIFT was able to add free Teen Group Therapy with a licensed counselor to students during the ‘23-’24 school year. Over the course of the year we had nine students participate.

As stated by the group’s counselor the year met a need in the lives of our students. “This year our therapy group has evolved to include some new members and activities. So far, we’ve found using art supplies during our sessions helps keep everyone engaged and grounded. It has been very special to see students open up about important topics in their lives including navigating family conflicts, building healthy friendships, identifying and expressing emotions in healthy ways, and building self-esteem. Several students have experienced trauma, and I’m proud of how they’ve been able to process some of those things openly with the group.”

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Beyond Afterschool We love building bridges to help make supportive resources more accessible to our community.

Over the 2023-2024 school year LIFT was honored to host SNAPS support gathering to our evening offerings during the school year.

SNAPS is a monthly gathering bringing families of exceptional children/adults with special needs together to offer support, resources, and social connection as they navigate life.

“SNAPS gives an opportunity for families to share their experiences and information with each other and for the ‘special ones’ a chance to hang out and have fun with others from various ages, schools and paths”.

– SNAPS Parent

OPEN MIC NIGHTS Open Mic Nights are an opportunity for students to shine! We set the Youth Center up like a coffee house, get the sound system out, and turn our stage lights on. We invite parents to join us and students sign up to bravely share their talents with a room full of enthusiastic supporters. There have been poets, singers, comedians, and musicians playing covers and originals - sometimes solo, sometimes in groups. It also gives our Guitars for Kids class a chance to demonstrate their newly acquired skills.

Open Mic night is a celebration of individuality as we are entertained and inspired by these vulnerable students who courageously step up onto our stage. Positive risk-taking like this is imperative for teenagers. Receiving a room full of applause, whether you were good or not, is a beautiful thing!

LIFT held two Open Mic Nights during the ‘23 - ‘24 school year.

• Fall - 25 attended • spring - 43 attended

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LIFT Club at Heritage High School started in the spring of 2023, it was a dream of a few students to have a safe space in their high school for students to receive more support. LIFT was excited to be able to partner with HHS to provide this safe space for their students. LIFT Club created a culture where students will experience belonging, where they can support each other and build connections. For the ‘23 - ‘24 school year LIFT Club met twice a month to curate a community of belonging. LIFT staff provided social emotional programming to help students cope with anxiety and depression. Student officers lead the club by promoting the meetings and offering valuable insight into what students need support with.

LIFT Club’s mission is to promote acceptance, respect, and growth throughout the school by providing a common and safe space for students to feel LOVED as they are, INSPIRED to be more, FOUND in community, TRUSTED to make a difference.

FAMILY NIGHTS @ LIFT LIFT opened the Youth Center in the evenings for Catoosa County 6th-12th graders and their families to come experience the positive, skill-building, and FUN environment of what happens at LIFT afterschool. We provided free dinner, and students participated alongside their parent(s) in an activity. Student enrollment was not required to attend Family Nights.

13 families attended family nights during the 2023-2024 school year. LIFT offered one Family Night per semester.

• TRIVIA NIGHT • BINGO NIGHT

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100%

Students are thankful that LIFT Youth center is free

SURVEYED STUDENTS LIFT Surveyed 128 students during the 2023-2024 school year.

LIFT used evidence-based practices to assist youth in constructing building blocks that they need to grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible adults.

These survey results show LIFT was successful in our evidence-based goals for the ‘23 - ‘24 school year.

100%

Students know they can find help at LIFT

88%

100%

91%

98%

88%

99%

students discovered new interests, talents, or skills at LIFT

Students said their confidence level went up since coming to LIFT

Students SAW A GROWTH IN LEADERSHIP SKILLS SINCE COMING TO LIFT

Students felt LIFT was a safe space

Students made a new friend at lift

STUDENTS HAVE MADE A CONNECTION WITH A TRUSTED ADULT, VOLUNTEER, OR STAFF 25

Mental Health survey

57%

students said they have seen improvement in their problem-solving skills

74%

students saw an improvement in their communication skills

38%

students saw an improvement in their empathy for other people

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43%

students saw an improvement in their anger management

LIFT Surveyed 76 students at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Fostering positive mental health outcomes continues to be a huge need among teens today. Catoosa County middle and high schoolers are experiencing struggles and challenges firsthand. LIFT conducted a survey to see the impact our students involvement with LIFT is having on their mental health.

93% Students said their

mental health improved

59%

Students saw an improvement in their stress level

51%

Students saw an improvement in their anxiety level

72%

38%

Students saw an improvement in their Depression level

of the students stated that they have seen improvement in their happiness!

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Summer 2023 LIFT launched our new Summer Adventure Education Program that gave students opportunities to have exposure to the outdoors and build their skills and confidence. The summer program consisted of field trips and workshops, which all had an educational focus as well as components of skill development and Social Emotional Learning.

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different students participated in outdoor adventures

6 full day Field trips: • Soddy Gulf Swim & Hike • Rock Climbing - Cherokee Rock Village • Indoor climbing @ High Point • Hiwassee River white water kayaking and fishing • Greenway Farms mountain biking and paddle boarding • Pigeon mountain caving

6 Outdoor education half days @ elsie • Outdoor cooking • Fire building/axe and knife safety • Wilderness first aid/orienteering

6 open recreation days @ LIFT: • Basketball • gaga ball • 9 square-in-the-air • soccer

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During the 2023 summer LIFT held our second STEAM Super Camp for 2nd - 5th graders. We had two week long camp sessions that were each half day where we focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Each day featured a different superhero with an elemental superpower.

LIFT middle and high school students helped our staff during the week as camp counselors. They each went through a training prior to the camp and their expereince as counselors gave them the opportunity to practice leadership skills while guiding our campers.

LIFT’s second year of STEAM Super Camp was a success with 35 campers and 7 LIFT student volunteers. Our campers had a full week of hands on STEAM learning!

THto ouArNcamKp spYonOsor!U

2023 STEAM Super Camp labs and activities: • Pop Art • Mechanical and Chemical Weathering • W.E.D Model • 3D Butterfly

• Hot Air Balloon • Wind Turbine • Seashell Classification • Oil Spill Cleanup • Fire Art

• Bottle Rockets • Sugar Snakes • Angles Art • Robotic Hand • Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel

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Community Events LIFT Youth Center, Inc., in conjunction with Catoosa County government, the City of Fort Oglethorpe, the City of Ringgold, Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, and other local non-profits held our sixth annual county-wide Earth Day initiative to celebrate and contribute to the beauty of our environment.

u o y k n Tha 2024

to ounrosors spo tners! & par

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EST.

1 847

in 2024 we served catoosa by... picking up 4,150 LBs of trash completing 51 projects with the help of 555 participants

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Community Events

LIFT held our fourth annual Ringgold Creek Regatta. It is a free fun family event open to the community. It’s a chance to enjoy the beautiful outdoors our county has to offer. We had paddlers and floaters join us in a race along the South Chickamauga Creek in Ringgold.

Thank you to the Catoosa County Fire Department for keeping everyone safe on the creek and grilling lunch and to Burns and McDonnell for providing all the food for lunch!

Thank you to the City of Ringgold, Georgia Government and Thatcher School Transportation for shuttling boats, floats, and participants!

Thank you to Kayak Ringgold for providing boats and tubes for some participants and shuttling our tubers!

Outdoor rec zone

LIFT held a Ribbon Cutting of our Outdoor Rec Zone on May 30, 2024!! This project is a beautiful example of what amazing work can come from community working together!

Thank you to the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce for helping us with this event and for all the support you give to LIFT and nonprofits in Catoosa County!!

Our Outdoor Rec Zone has allowed for additional workshop space, increased physical activities, increased relational interactions (both peer to peer and students with trusted adults), and it turns out turf is MAGIC! Our students simply want to be in the space, take their shoes off, and hang out.

TtHo aAll wNho KmadYe LOIFTU’s

ible!

ss o p e n o Z c e R r o o d Out

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Fundraising Events

U O Y HANK t sponsor!

To our title even

t

THANK YOU to our spon so

rs!

Nichols family Vaughn family

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LIFT Youth Center, Inc.’s FIFTH annual thanksgiving shootout!

YOUTH CENTER

OCTOBER 2025!

ESTA

2020

THANKSGIVING SHOOT OUT AT

COUNCIL FIRE

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Thank You to all

who called in and supported LIFT students during our 3rd annual telethon!!

Mark your calendar

for this year’s Giving Tuesday 36

Telethon!

12.3.24

financials Financials from Jan. 2023 - Jun. 2024

LIFT Youth Center, Inc. recently shifted our fiscal year to July-June. In order to fully report on our finances, we included the half year that occured as a result of the change.

income

OPERATIONS/Investments $166,864 FUNDRAISING EVENTS $122,292 DONATIONS $45,993 GRANTS $429,203 MERCH SALES/PROGRAM $11,878 Total income $776,231

expenses

21% 16% 6% 55% 2%

Operations/Fundraising $195,914 28% program expense $503,238 72%

Total EXPENSES

$699,152

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Grants

LIFT Youth Center, Inc. is grateful to have made valuable partnerships that will aid us in successfully carrying out our mission and vision.

CommonSpirit Health Foundation Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia Frank P. Pierce Foundation Lillian L. Colby Foundation McKenzie Foundation Nabors to Neighbors Foundation Operation Round-Up The George R. Johnson Family Foundation United Way of Greater Chattanooga LIFT Youth Center, Inc. is honored to have completed our third funding year from the competitive Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Grants Program that was approved by the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network.

LIFT Youth Center, Inc. is honored to be one of 104 organizations (4 statewide organizations with statewide reach and 100 community-based organizations) awarded a BOOST grant, funded with American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.

“The BOOST grants are a crucial part of our strategy to address learning loss as a result of the pandemic,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “These 104 organizations will provide opportunities for students that support both academic learning and the needs of the whole child. I appreciate the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network lending their expertise to this initiative.”

The BOOST grant allows LIFT to greater serve Catoosa County 6th-12th grade students with robust programming at no cost to LIFT students and families. Having no fees for these services further gives access to what has become high quality programming, family support, and student services. All of LIFT’s programming falls under one of the five categories of our R.E.A.C.H.

About BOOST:

The BOOST grants program provides three-year grants, renewed annually, to community-based organizations that operate comprehensive out-of-school time (OST) programming year-round, over the summer months, or after school during the academic year. The goal is to provide evidence-based afterschool and summer enrichment programs that target learning acceleration and provide whole child supports, thus removing nonacademic barriers to learning for students most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will support students’ learning, connectedness and well-being, all while addressing the learning loss experienced across the state in recent years. The purpose of these grants is to: 1. Expand access to serve more youth, with an emphasis on students and communities most impacted by the pandemic, 2. Reduce barriers, such as transportation and enrollment costs, to ensure access for all, and/or 3. Increase programmatic quality and expand or enhance supports and services offered.

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Partners/ Collaborators Thank you to all the organizations who have collaborated with us for the 2023-2024 school year.

A Step Ahead Boys & Girls Clubs of Gordon, Murray, and Whitfield Counties, Inc. Bridge Health Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce Catoosa County Conservation District Catoosa County Family Collaborative Catoosa County Fire Department Catoosa County Health Department Catoosa County Juvenile Court Catoosa County Parks and Recreation Catoosa County Public Library City of Fort Oglethorpe City of Ringgold Department of Family and Children Services

Department of Juvenile Justice Heritage High School Inspire!

Kayak Ringgold Nothin’ Like Ringgold Nourishing Children in Catoosa Recovery at Ringgold Ringgold High School Ringgold United Methodist Church Rise-Up Cooperative Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center Songbirds Foundation University of Kentucky, College of Social Work Water Ways

partners/volunteers who led workshops Antonio McMath, TRANS4ormed Ariel Wright, Always Wright Massage Brand Of The Cross Ministries Bridgette Martin, FHC Productions Carson Reynolds, STEM Cecil Williams, The Adventures of Cecil Chris Dutto, Cadence Bank Chris Young, Park Ranger Chickamauga Battlefield Cody Hale Bowling, 4H UGA Extension Diana Hoagland, Sew What?

Edy Putnam, Theater Eric Pinkston, Pinkston’s Complete Fran Randall, Improv Gennell Green, CSL Jaden Maxwell, Perceptionist Jamie Ellis, Guitars for Kids Jason Gamel, GNTC Jennifer Jenkins, Unified in Recovery Jessica Dimarco, TRU2U Beauty Jimmy Turner, RISE UP John Banker, Pool Justin Asher, STEM Katinka Boyd, RISE UP Kennedi Bryant, Chattanooga Autism Center

Kevin Peterson, Photography Kristy Lawson, SAVAC Larry Scott, Krav Maga Lea Bennett Fantom, Children’s Advocacy Center Mark Collins, Metro Boiler Tube Mary Parker, Sew What?

Officer Hall/Officer Pritchett, Sheriff’s Office Paul Say, RISE UP Pax Family Chiropractic Rachel Carr, NHS RHS Rachel Endo/Melissa Rodriguez, A Step Ahead Randy Whorton, Juggling Scott Reese, RHS G-Society Shawn Petty, Woodworking Sherry Vaughn, Yoga Spencer Pennington, Catoosa County Library Tammy Thatcher, Skool Skillz Terri Deem, Cooking Tim Fox, Strongman Storytelling Tina Lambert, Sew What?

Tyson Asay, RISE UP Victoria Norwood, Epilepsy Foundation William Ryan, Kingship Chess Academy

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Thank you!

Thank you to all our donors for LIFTing students in Catoosa County.

We couldn’t do it without you!

Jan. 2023 - Jun. 2024 LIFT Youth Center, inc. supporters! $10,000-$19,999 Theo Pinkston

$5,000-$9,999

Eric Pinkston, Pinkston’s Complete Builtwell Bank Michael & Sandra Steakley Shaw Industries Group, Inc. FirstBank Burns & McDonnell Connie Deerman-Eckard

$2,500-$4,999

Jerry & Kathy Petty Nothin’ Like Ringgold Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union Geo Mejia, Edward Jones Greg & April Goin, Ringgold Feed and Seed Antiques CHI Memorial Chris Stockburger, Triple S. Quail Farm & Hunting Preserve Gary Thacker Insurance United Way (Individual Contributions) Mark Collins, Metro Boiler Tube Co. Inc.

$2,000-$2,499 Georgia Power

$1,500-$1,999

Barry & Sherry Vaughn Chick-Fil-A, Fort Oglethorpe Dr. Jamie & Samathan Masyk, True Life Chiropractic Chad Young, Patty & Young LLC. Attorneys at Law Desirae Daugherty, Allstate

$1,000-$1,499

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Priscilla Atkins Wil Stiles, Flegal Insurance Dan & Melody Nichols Ian O’Shea, REAL Agents Realty Erle Miles, Testing Services LLC Paula Stinnett Suzanna Lemek, 110 Recruiting Top of GA Economic Development Anonymous Chris Harris

Ronald Cannon Joe & Heidi Roderick, CYNC Solutions J. Michael Giglio, Attorney at Law Mike Worley, Greased Lightin’ Sabrina McAllister John & Nell Francis Pat Jennings Daniel Arrington, Tailored Construction & Development, Inc. Mike & Kimberly Perkins, Diesel Plus, LLC John F. Eary First Horizon Bank Andy Johnson, DFACS Ernest & Ladenia Pursley Dalton Blevins, Signal Machine Co., Inc Kevin & Marjorie Whiteside Whitmire Construction Terri & Brent Deem

$500-$999

Jessie Thornton’s United Karate Studio, Inc Mark & Cheryl Rogers Michael Healey Catoosa County Conservation District Kiwanis Club of Ringgold Derrick Burkhart, Liberty Apparel Juliet Grant, Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty Marlin & Jacqueline Gines Kevin Redman Chuck Gass, Price Ringgold Drug Mike & Miriam Thompson, The Rug Rack Jack & Charlene McLemore Catoosa County Family Collaborative, Family Connection The Homeplace Trust Mike & Teah Hicks, Wander Chatt Kevin & Gail Peterson Boynton United Methodist Church Men’s Group Con & Beth Kellerhals John & Tammy Thatcher Willow Tree Farms Janet & Carol Cumbee Eric & Tina Pinkston

LIFT Youth Center, Inc. recently shifted our fiscal year to July-June. In order to fully thank our donors, we included the half year that occured as a result of the change.

Thank you!

Jan. 2023 - Jun. 2024 LIFT Youth Center, inc. supporters!

Jennifer Cooper, RE/MAX Properties Richard & Kimberly Graham, Creative Machine Company Charles Ridge, Wax Works Auto Detailing and Ceramic Red Wales, Red Iron Steel ABC Bonding Catoosa County Coroner’s Office Walmart, Fort Oglethorpe Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Avid Hotel, Hospitality Ringgold Investment LLC

$250-$499

McCarver Family Chiropractic P. C. Anonymous Anonymous LeeAnne Smith Edwin & Joy Williamson Brandon & Babs Bell Craig Coleman Kim & Lisa Ray Kevin & Lisa Godfrey Lookout Eye Care Amelia Parrish Alan & Belinda Crisman Starr Mathews Agency, Inc Greg & Sharon Marcus Russell Crowe, Creative Business Forms Bob & Melodie Church Matthew & Shannon Pickett A Fern and a Feather General store Shawn & Summer Petty Nick & Lori Millwood Craig Smith Jessica Garrett, Mighty Oaks Realty Sharon Rose Yates Penn Color Brent & Katina Williams Toni Mixon Ringgold United Methodist Church Teems Electric Company, Inc. Denni Capehart Melanie Graves

Merle Stickney

$1-$249

Joseph Hardin Thomas Davis James & Tina Lambert Brandon & Jenny Blankenship Kristy Layne Brett & Shannon Lemoine Chris McKnight, CNM Apparaisal Firm Soni and Snipes Orthodontics Julie Wolff Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, PLLC First Citizens Bank Flanagan Orthodontics Ben & Lauren Glick Webb Dentistry Kiwanis Club of Ft. Oglethorpe Dennis & Sue Mason Northwest Georgia Dentistry Vaughn Spine and Orthopedics Williams-Napier Post 40 The American Legion David Dunn Ringgold Downtown Partners Frontstream Anna St Laurent Anonymous Daniel & Kristin Scoggins Cris Cusac Grant & Sara Dotson, Dotson Studios, LLC Ron Foley Kieran Gleeson Jessica Price Beth & Mike Siggers Jessica Di Marco Daniel and Kristin Scoggins Brigid Tussey Rabbit Valley Farmers Market David & Deborah King Chelsey Marlin Danny Morrison Anthony & Lisa Massotti Susan Wells

41

Thank you!

Jan. 2023 - Jun. 2024 LIFT Youth Center, inc. supporters!

42

Curtis & Rosemary Sloan Veneti Stephenson Tommy & Sarah Ogle Denise & Ken Pitts Doug & Christina Dillard Pamela Britt Angela Amick Dale Duckett Gary & Portia Knowles Anna Lyons Sara Clark Bill & Phyllis Copeland Scott & Carla Elrod Sharon Hardin Jerry Haymons Sheryl McKinney Wanda Millwood Ansley Neel Marie Peterson Vickie Porter Amber Burns Robert and Clara Lindsey Greg & Amy Jackson Sara Douglas Susan Smitherman Bobby Baltzer Colleen Crawford Kimberly Crews Blair Giannamore Lisa Gothard Phyllis Haskins Robert Kidwill JoAnna Massey Michael Moore William Scruggs Joni Lou Adams John & Pat Brinsfield Diane Brown Millie Cheek Amy Crews Andrea Hambley Darlene Jones Kim Jones

Bill Leiper Brenda Rippey Jane Smith Covenant Marketing Services LLC Jeff Hullender Jim & Sharon Skeen Celeste Green Aaron & Kathleen Berry Breeanna Cavanary Kevin & Jessica Cummings Staci James Don & Donna Pizarro Alaray Creative Brand of the Cross Fellowship Angela Kay Gassett Edy Putnam Susi Taylor Robin Vickers Michelle Mackler Bridgette Martin Karen Wolfe Flower Knight Angela Morgan Adrienne Reeves Curtis Marks Pete Sponburger Anjie Yates

IN-KIND

Basic Ready Mix Bell’s Towing and Recovery Bonefish Grill Boynton United Methodist Church Carrabba’s Chik-Fil-A Chuys Coca-Cola D&K Signs Enviroguard GA Power Home Depot HomeScape Pros Junior’s Building Supply Leigh Williams, Amaranth Designs LLC

Thank you!

Jan. 2023 - Jun. 2024 LIFT Youth Center, inc. supporters!

Metro Boiler Tube Midsouth Aggregates Moyer & Company Naked River Plainview Advertising Same Day Septic Shaw Industries Signal Machine Siskin Steel Solmax Triple S. Quail Farm & Hunting Preserve Tunnel Hill Express Trucking

U O Y K N THA y own SNACK KING!! OUS

R er to LIFT’s v ne of the MOST GENE yond nd be ton, o Theo Pinks ow. He goes above a with 2 n m people we k udents, providing the l!! He loves for our st ruit daily afterschoo hem with af ils t snacks and t as they are and spo each studen their favorites.

Waycaster, CPA Winwood Gardens

afterschool GENERAL VOLUNTEERS Ben Peterson Bruce Phillips Janet Cumbee Nick Conrad Nick Millwood Sherry Vaughn Theo Pinkston Trecena McKinney

Ways to support LIFT! become a monthly donor contribute a one time donation In-kind donations donate food or program supplies attend a fundraiser become a corporate sponsor facebook Birthday Fundraiser Volunteer ira charitable contribution make a legacy gift LeAd a workshop

www.LIFTyouthcenter.org