Youth Foundation
2024-25 Officers
- Chair: Dawson Barber, Itawamba
- Asst. Chair: Olivia Cross, Union
- Secretary: Alaa Rhouat, Lee
- Asst. Secretary: Meg Boatwright, Union
- Treasurer: Shaddai Galvez, Tippah
- Asst. Treasurer: Kamyra Hughes, Lowndes
- Historian: Yazmeen Alwaisi, Lee
- Asst. Historian: Ava May, Lafayette
2024-25 Officers
- Chair: Dawson Barber, Itawamba
- Asst. Chair: Olivia Cross, Union
- Secretary: Alaa Rhouat, Lee
- Asst. Secretary: Meg Boatwright, Union
- Treasurer: Shaddai Galvez, Tippah
- Asst. Treasurer: Kamyra Hughes, Lowndes
- Historian: Yazmeen Alwaisi, Lee
- Asst. Historian: Ava May, Lafayette
NEMYF Facts
NEMYF was established in 2001 to involve young people in community development. NEMYF consists of around 70 11th & 12th graders from 17 counties of Northeast Mississippi. NEMYF allows students to make a difference, be philanthropists, meet other teenagers, learn more about northeast Mississippi, develop leadership skills, lead fundraising, and award grants. NEMYF has an endowment fund that currently stands around $196,000 all of which was raised by the students!
During the fall semester, students focus on developing their own leadership and fundraising skills. They then work to set and reach a fundraising goal. In the spring semester, students identify nonprofits in their home counties, share information about the programs they provide, and vote to allocate grant funds. They also host a press conference to present these organizations with the funds and share an update on their endowment.
Other activities include:
- September kickoff meeting focused on learning about NEMYF and getting to know board members from across Northeast Mississippi
- October board retreat with focused on leadership development
- December holiday party and service project
- Fundraising for the NEMYF Endowment
- Identifying worthwhile nonprofits and voting to distribute grants in our region
- Having lots of fun while putting time and efforts towards an awesome organization!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The People's Bank
Galvez Painting and Remodeling, LLC | Lulu's, LLC | Washington Insurance
Ann & Rodney Blackwell | B & B Concrete Company, Inc. | MSMS Foundation
The NEMYF board members would also like to thank the other 58 individuals and organizations who provided funding for the 2023-2024SY. Overall, the 23-24SY NEMYF board raised $8,453.
2024 NEMYF Grants
Alcorn
The Lighthouse Foundation
Grant Amount – $440
“The vision of The Lighthouse Foundation is to reach our community through the power of the cross.”
Calhoun
Calhoun Food Pantry; Our Daily Bread
Grant Amount – $440
“The Calhoun Food Pantry serves 400-450 families a month in a county where 20% of the population is food insecure and/or elderly and families with children.”
Chickasaw
Mission Okolona
Grant Amount – $440
“In the spirit of Jesus Christ whose directives compel us, Mission Okolona’s purpose is to distribute available food to the needy in Okolona and surrounding counties.”
Itawamba
Crossroads Ranch
Grant Amount – $440
“Crossroads Ranch provides high functioning, special needs adults a safe, loving environment with supervised independence. Our goal is to provide activities and learning experiences which will focus on each resident’s abilities, rather than disabilities.”
Lafayette
CASA of North Mississippi
Grant Amount – $440
“CASA of North Mississippi advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children through the service of trained, court-appointed community volunteers.”
Lee
The Shine Foundation
Grant Amount – $440
“The Shine Foundation creates a variety of opportunities for all individuals to let their light shine. The goal is to let individuals with disabilities feel seen, supported, and valued in our community.”
Lowndes
Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center
Grant Amount – $440
“An unplanned pregnancy can be tough, but not as tough as you are. Whether you feel overwhelmed, confused, excited, or more, Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center is here to help! We offer free and confidential pregnancy services so you can make an empowered choice about your life and future.”
Marshall
Hearts and Hands Ministry
Grant Amount – $440
“Our mission is to help the needy through God.”
Monroe
Amory Food Pantry
Grant Amount – $440
“Our mission is to provide assistance to those who are in need of life’s basic necessity, food.”
Oktibbeha
Habitat for Humanity
Grant Amount – $440
“Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.”
Pontotoc
C.A.T.C.H Kids, Inc.
Grant Amount – $440
“C.A.T.C.H. Kids, Inc. provides free health care to children from birth to age 18 (Tupelo,
Pontotoc, and Houston)”
Prentiss
Beds for Kids [Mt. Olive Baptist Church]
Grant Amount – $440
“Beds for Kids provides beds, sheets, etc. for kids in need.”
Tippah
Coats for Kids
Grant Amount – $440
“Give a kid a coat and it will warm your heart.”
Tishomingo
Backpack Ministry of Tishomingo County
Grant Amount – $440
“The Backpack Ministry of Tishomingo county provides students with food to eat over the weekend.”
Union
New Albany Main Street Association
Grant Amount – $440
“The mission of the New Albany Main Street Association is to enhance the culture and quality of life in New Albany through planned revitalization, diversification and preservation of the downtown historic district and through active community involvement.”
NEMYF BOARD MEMBERS 2024-2025
Alcorn
Lucy Smith
John Stanley
India Gardner
Brenyn Wilbanks
Sarah Curtis
Benton
Tripp Pipkin III
Mckenley Moffitt
Calhoun
No current members
Chickasaw
Ella Martin
Emma Langston
Ella Cate Alford
Dixie Ellison
Alyssa Sitthiprasert
Clay
No Current Members
Itawamba
Cade Nail
Dawson Barber
Lafayette
Ava May
Grant Young
Lee
Alonna Snyder
Walker Russell
Walker Tate
Alaa Rhouat
Yazmeen Alwaisi
Gauge DeVaughn
Jaylynn Green
Juliana Hagan
Keira Ikemori
Bradison Ivy
Olivia Cochran
Gracie Pittman
Analynn Keith
Mary Frances Osbirn
Erika Griggs
Jake Ramsey
Lowndes
Cassie Carter
Kamyra Hughes
Kimberlyn White
Tiya Ahmed
Lucas Sloan
Marshall
Dustin Hopkins
Sydney Person
Monroe
Elizabeth Crandall
Oktibbeha
Evelyn Fuller
Pontotoc
Luke Blanchard
Jalynn Ward
Mallie Maffett
Adalyn Vandiver
Mary Margaret Deaton
Lennon Whitehead
Kyleigh Conner
Zach Todd
Prentiss
Ella Davis
Allie Thompson
Brookelyn Roberts
Caitlynn Whitley
Emma Kate Beckham
Justin Austin
Tippah
Gavin Wooley
Shaddai Galvez
Cayden Reed
Tishomingo
Elle Rhodes
Abigail Robinson
Union
Meg Boatwright
Olivia Cross
Drew Mink
Donald Starks
Landry Kent
Jaxxon Harrleson
