Our Story

Were any provided resources or opportunities particularly impactful?

I would say the times we all met just to have conversation – the group discussions. This is where we learned how to talk and articulate ourselves. This taught me to be respectful of other people’s space and challenged us to really think about what we’re saying. The fact that we did that at such a young age helped me a lot with what I do now as an adult, where I have to articulate myself and paint a clear picture of how I feel. I’m able to this because it was an expectation at TAP.

What advice – or impact – would you share with youth who are involved or looking to be involved with TAP?

Don’t hesitate. When the opportunity such as TAP presents itself, you have to grab onto it. Anything us as adults know about life is – take the opportunity, it may not come around again and these resources through TAP are available now – it is something that can’t be replicated. There is a lot of genuineness and love there at TAP, so jump all in, be all in and expect more of yourself. Don’t hesitate.

What impact – or encouragement – would you give to people who are looking to come alongside TAP as financial supporters or volunteers?

The same. Don’t hesitate. Don’t hesitate to come and support. TAP isn’t something that just started or has just been around in the last year or two. TAP has deep roots that exist in people’s lives. Nourish these roots. Allow more opportunity for other people to be touched – we have to have these programs for the youth. Give wholeheartedly and without reserve.

What was your experience like in TAP?

TAP was a great experience. It was always about uplifting and getting to that next level. It was great always having someone you could talk to about this idea or this issue; someone you could talk to about anything. TAP provided somebody who could help you with your problem and be there for any issue – and of course, having someone expose you to a whole different life that you may have no been able to have access to.

Were any provided resources or opportunities particularly impactful?

College visits were particularly impactful. On a couple of occasions I wasn’t able to visit with the group and Coby himself would take me to visit these schools and get information. Coby basically took me under his wing and I was able to shadow him on a daily basis and see how business goes or go to church or see what it takes to help other kids.

Is this what inspired you to continue working with TAP after the program?

Someone was there to help me – why shouldn’t I be there to help someone else?

Coby has been a big part of my life with TAP and on a personal level. I talk to him once, twice, three times a week with whatever I need. And Coby and the other mentors did this for many other kids too. Having someone like that put it in my head that I could help someone too. Now I have kids that I talk to every day just to talk to them because it was always a big deal for me just having someone there.

 What is your involvement with TAP?

I was a participant for a couple of years. I started volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club the summer after 8th grade and that’s where I met Coby. Coby has always been really helpful and more than happy and willing to help me. He helped me find my service hours. He was willing to help me with my essays – and even now, when I’m away at college, if I didn’t have the means or resources, he would lead me to someone who could help me get the resources. He has a heart of gold and is really helpful. He’s always more than willing to find the resources – that’s what TAP is – a resource hub for youth. So, there are different parts, whatever you’re interested in – youth engagement, government, leadership – TAP provides community and a variety of resources. It is really helpful because a lot of students don’t have that at home. 

 What impact has  TAP had on your life?

I am where I am because – it’s a combination – everything leading up to now has made me want to go and help out the community as well. Initially I wanted to go to law school, but now I am studying Family, Youth and Community Sciences and want to get my PhD in Juvenile Studies – anything that impacts the youth – food deserts, introduction into the criminal justice system, that sort of thing.

 What advice – or impact – would you share with youth who are involved or looking to be involved with TAP?

I would say they get a community – because not everyone is from the safest community. At TAP, they’ll find a community where they belong. They can be themselves and be molded.