The Power of Community, Part 3

Written by: Shameco M.

July 11, 2025

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During my first and second blogs I shared our organizational journey into partnership with several amazing community organizations. This final blog shares information about the future.

Give Back is an amazing organization with a rich history. Our founder received a $250 scholarship while he was in high school and that changed his life. He thought, that if someone believed in him then maybe he could go to college and make something of himself. And if he did he vowed to “give back.”

Well that was years ago and since he has given millions of dollars to help students get to and through college. And most recently to also see students that have an alternate path to success, succeed. We assist students that want to go into a trade or gain training for a career. I am so proud of all that this organization has been able to do over the past 20+ years.

And I am excited about the new things that are happening as well. Give Back has decided to continue to work to help students get to and through college or gain employment with a family sustaining wage/benefit. We will also continue to help students as they navigate into the world of work with employability skill set trainings.

But one thing about Give Back and that is we are innovative and not afraid to try something new. In 2026, we will launch our first ever Give Something Back Health & Wellness Conference “for youth” in Illinois. The conference, entitled, “My Best Me” will be for youth by youth. It will be inspirational and motivational while at the same time tackling the sensitive topics that face our youth (eating disorders, suicide, depression and anxiety). We created an Executive Committee that includes key members of our partner school districts, local businesses and of course mental health professionals.

We are very excited to roll this out in Illinois. We want students to walk away from this conference feeling empowered and knowledgeable about what to do and where to go if they or someone they know need mental health services.

For more information about the event or to become involved, reach out to Give Back on our website, www.giveback.ngo, or email us at info@giveback.ngo.