Imagine Kenosha held their Inaugural Launching Event recently at Strawberry Creek Clubhouse.
Community leaders, political figures, school administrators and teachers, and social service representatives all gathered to learn more about Imagine Kenosha and discover the principles of Appreciative Inquiry. The Central High School Jazz Band also performed.
Imagine Kenosha was introduced by development director Tracy Musgrove, who spoke about what Imagine Kenosha strives to bring to the youth of the Kenosha County community. Imagine Kenosha will be offering a Youth Community Center with numerous programs designed to provide a safe and engaging environment for the out-of-school time of area youth.
Bliss Brown, founder of Imagine Chicago, was teh keynote speaker. Brown spoke about the process she went through in starting Imagine Chicago 20 years ago. She shared stories emphasizing the power of Appreciative Inquiry in order to facilitate change. AI employs the transformative power that considers what is best about youth. Imagine Kenosha utilizes the AI tool while working with area youth in order to help them discover their strengths and dreams.
Brown wrapped up her presentation by conducting an interview with an area youth, providing an example of AI in action.
The evening was closed out by Elizabeth Peyton, executive director of Imagine Kenosha. Peyton spoke about the vision that inspired the creation of Imagine Kenosha. She spoke of how the lights went on about just what Imagine Kenosha would be while the group brainstormed at a meeting at the Bristol 45 Diner.
Imagine Kenosha is a new non-for-profit organization serving area youth in Kenosha County. Imagine Kenosha’s Youth Community Center and offices are located in Bristol, directly across the street from the Bristol Town Hall. They are also located on the web at www.imaginekenosha.com. Check it out for a listing of upcoming events and programs.
Imagine Kenosha strives to empower all youth for stability, belonging, and success; and envision every child growing up in a supportive home and community environment, and achieving their full potential for personal growth and development. They will do this by offering an array of programs at their Youth Community Center, to include a Learning Center, Youth Arts Program, Health & Wellness Workshops, and Life-Skills Mentoring.
Imagine Kenosha will be holding a Youth Forum & Pizza Party on Saturday, May 22 at Salem United Methodist Church. This youth forum strives to give area youth a voice in planning projects within the programs offered at the community center. This will give youth the opportunity to help create change in their community and in their lives.
Imagine Kenosha is also planning a Golf Outing at Strawberry Creek Golf Course on July 12. The outing will be shot-gun start, best ball. A cart lunch will be provided, and the outing will end with a steak dinner and keynote speech by a Wisconsin political leader.