Nicole & the young ladies from the Youth Outreach Urban Resources & Services, Norfolk

I had the honor of speaking to a group of teenaged girls at the Broad Creek Community Center in Norfolk.This is part of the Youth Outreach Urban Resources and Services, or  Yours Ministry.

Nicole & the young ladies from the Youth Outreach Urban Resources & Services, Norfolk

The organization offers outreach programs for at-risk kids, using Christian-based values and principles.
The founder and CEO, Mr. Rob Goodrum, was very patient with me in setting up my schedule to share my words of wisdom with the young ladies.  We actually met a decade ago when I was doing the news in Newport, Rhode Island.   Once he saw me on the news here, he reached out and asked if I’d help out his program here in Hampton Roads.  With input from my Facebook friends, I was able to share a lot of advice on staying healthy, working hard and reaching goals.  I told them not to let their circumstances or environment determine their outcome.  I advised them to take advantage of all of the opportunities that come their way especially in regards to education, employment and school activities.   I told them about some of my struggles and how I made it through.   I told them I’m glad I had to work hard to get to this point in my life where I’m working in a career that I always wanted- and I love it!  But I also told them the road to WAVY & Fox 43 wasn’t easy.   It started when I could only get a waitress job when I graduated from college.  But that experience taught me a lot about people, service and life in general.  And most important, I kept my eyes on the prize.  The girls were great. They had lots of great questions.  They attend Norview, Granby and Booker T. Washington High Schools.  Meeting teens like them gives me hope for the future.  I know they’ll do well in any field they choose.   I challenge you to reach out into your community and mentor a young person.