Who We Are
Prepare Our Youth, organized in 1981 to provide a comprehensive response to the educational, social, emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs of children, youth and families and communities. POY’s goals for young people are designed to:
- Develop character, competence, and confidence
- Instill respect and responsibility for themselves, their families, and their communities
- Encourage academic and vocational excellence
- Emphasize the importance of maintaining good health through proper care of their body, mind, and spirit.
In 39 years, Prepare Our Youth has reached over 100,000 people through its Outreach Services, tutored over 5000 children in our Educational (Tutorial) Services, counseled over 5,000 families through our Counseling Services and responded to over 10,000 calls for assistance of some kind. More than one thousand children and their families have been helped during our special projects and needs distributions.
It is important to emphasize that the services Prepare Our Youth, Inc. has provided to the community could not have been possible without the volunteer and financial support of the public and private sectors, specifically the business and faith communities. We solicit your ideas, suggestions, and financial support to ensure the continuation of our services to children, youth and families in need of help and hope.
Our Founders
Original Founders of POY
The Original Founders of Prepare Our Youth, Inc., were visionary college students who in 1979 wanted to make a difference in the quality of life for African American youth and their families. Prepare Our Youth incorporated in 1981. Dr. David Anderson, Dr. Frederick Johnson, Kevin Mosby, Rose Culver, Drs. Don and Lynette Wood, John Boyd, and Willie Wright went on to have distinguished careers in dentistry, anesthesiology, business administration, clinical psychology, university professors, school administration, and social work, respectively. The other two Original Founders, Stevan Vanderhorst, and Ronnie Vanderhorst have remained with Prepare Our Youth since its inception.
Stevan Vanderhorst
Executive Director of Prepare Our Youth, Inc. (POY). His educational training and studies include medical lab technician, theology, social work, and substance abuse counseling. Prior to co-founding Prepare Our Youth, he was Director for the District of Columbia’s Juvenile Restitution and Diversion Program (one of four sites city-wide).
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Stevan received the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized for his work by the Washington, D.C. superior court system, as a role model and advocate for troubled youth. He is listed in the Profile of Service National Directory that selected 150 people around the country who are making a positive difference in church and community.
Ronnie Vanderhorst
Lead Facilitator/Trainer of Prepare Our Youth, Inc., (POY). He understands and addresses the growing need of schools, churches, communities, service organizations, and corporations to be empowered with the knowledge, skills and resources for youth and community empowerment.
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Ronnie is the author of 8 published books, described as relational and solution-oriented. He is available for conferences, retreats, think tanks, commencement exercises, keynote speeches, panel discussions, church services, radio/T.V. talk shows/interviews, cultural holidays, special events, and book signings.
