by Steph Wood

FRANKLIN
What started out as a transportation nonprofit has expanded to offer recreation sports, mentoring, volunteerism, partnerships and much more for the communities of Franklin and Southampton County, reaching also to Sussex, Surry, Suffolk and the Greater Hampton Roads region.

“It was time to refocus our brand to really say what we are: We are a group of people who love the youth, and I wanted the organization’s name to reflect everything we really do,” said Executive Director, C.C. Cooper. “It was time, especially with our goals for the future.”

The Youth Group Inc. will share the same mission of Kids Kab, which is to support, empower and cultivate youth by providing safe, inspirational and educational activities and transportation for school-age children.

In addition, the revamped organization will offer membership for individuals and organizations who want to be a part of the youth empowering movement. Annual membership to The Youth Group is affordable at $10 for individuals and $50 for organizations. Membership includes: logo or name on the website, name or organization included in a listing as a Youth Group Member, organization events listed on website and shared with local media, and finally a social media post recognizing the new member.

“We know there are a ton of organizations out here doing great things and we want to offer a place where people can find out what is going on for the youth in our community,” Cooper added, “our website traffic is high, and our reach is vast, we know we can help others get the word out.”

The organization plans to have community organization forums, support opportunities and workshops for members.

Since its inception in 2015, The Youth Group, formerly known as Kids Kab, has been active in mentoring over 200 children, impacting over 400 families and providing Mobile Mentors for over 5500 rides. In addition, the organization has sponsored the launching of TopHand Foundation in Emporia and Camp25 in Franklin. The organization also works closely with Down the Middle Foundation and local area churches.

“We all win when we do this together,” said Cooper.

Recently, the organization with the help of other community leaders launched the SoCo Youth Football League. Registration is now open at www.socoyfl.org for flag football, tackle football and cheer.

You can learn more about The Youth Group by visiting www.theyouthgroup.org or by calling Cooper at 653-6239.