Alma Venisee, Executive Director

HISTORY OF IOY

In 1997, a group of girls residing in Friendship, a community Southwest of the City of Quincy, Florida began talking to each other about how bored and restless they were. At that same time, a neighbor, Alma Venisee, whose only daughter had moved to Atlanta (to start her own career working with troubled youth) had a need to do “girly” things with girls. As fate brought Alma and the girls together, they talked about their boredom and restlessness. The more Alma talked with the girls she became increasingly concerned with the lack of opportunities and positive role models in the lives of these girls. Alma began meeting with them in her home twice a week.

The girls named their group “Girls With Power”. They went to the movies and out to eat to celebrate their achievements. The girls’ parents were pleased with the changes they saw in their daughters. Accordingly, they started donating monies for trips and food for the girls’ Sunday afternoon socials.

As a result of the “Girls With Power” success growth and personal development, Alma was determined to help African American youth overcome the societal ills and shortfalls rural youth encounter. Later in 1997, Alma Venisee organized and incorporated a nonprofit, “INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH, INC.”