United States Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riki Ellison, Founder of the Youth Impact Program, www.youthimpactprogram.org announced today the United States Senate of the 110th Congress passed by unanimous consent Senate Resolution 725 acknowledging the accomplishments and goals of the Youth Impact Program. Senator David Vitter of Louisiana sponsored the resolution on December 9th, 2008, which was submitted to the Senate, considered and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by unanimous consent.
Ellison stated: "On behalf of the inner-city at-risk young boys and their families throughout our nation, especially in New Orleans and Los Angeles, we are deeply moved by the recognition and honored that the United States Senate and Senator Vitter would put forward a resolution in support of vision and accomplishments of the Youth Impact Program. We are very proud of the results and measurable accomplishments that were achieved in this year's program." Two of them include:
- There was a doubling from 35% to 68.8% in the percentage of boys who reported that they like reading after participation in the YIP program
- Prior to the camp over 50% of the boys had never completed a novel or chapter of a book, and by the end of camp all of them had done so
"The Youth Impact program will continue to grow in 2009 in key urban inner city areas around the nation, as sites in Houston, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, Boston, Massachusetts and Detroit, Michigan are being considered to join Los Angeles, California and New Orleans, Louisiana for this innovative educational program that is making permanent impacts in the lives our young at-risk minority youth."
"We are grateful for the outstanding support given to the YIP by the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell,the NFL Players Association and the National Football League's Youth Football Program headed by Alexia Gallager. Their support and contributions have made a difference and impact to the two communities where we have programs. The New Orleans Saints ownership, Ms. Rita LaBlank is a strong supporter of the program in New Orleans, and we thank her for her support. The universities of Tulane and USC, their respective Presidents Scott Cowen and Dr. John Sample as well as their Athletic Directors Rick Dickson and Mike Garret are to be commended in their belief and underlying support of the Youth Impact Program."
"We are driven to making our nation and our communities a better place through the education of underprivileged minority young men through academics, the teaching of life skills, the development of athletics through the members and institutions of the communities they live in. The opportunities for these young boys to participate in the Youth Impact Program changes their lives and propels them to positive educational and career paths which are so challenged today in their inner-city environments. The support and relationships from the teachers, the mentors, the universities and the NFL teams for these young men is permanent and life changing."
Ellison closed his remarks by thanking Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) for their continuing support of the Youth Impact Program. He also praised Diane Watson (D-33, CA) for her support and sponsoring of the Resolution in the House of Representatives.
Riki Ellison is available for interviews on the Youth Impact Program. Call Mike Terrill at 602 885-1955 to arrange.
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