Transforming Youth Through Faith & Service

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The Journey That Changed Everything While in her early years of high school, Shawnie was not looking for spiritual transformation. Like many high schoolers, she was simply focused on activities, sports, and academics. However, Patrick, CEO of Streets 517 and UYWI urban leader, would regularly invite her to Streets 517 events. For a long while,…

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Welcoming New Leadership

Taylor Sims and her female student.

We are excited to introduce to you, Taylor Sims, the Los Angeles Fuel Network Leader. Taylor is the Youth Pastor at Revelation Church of God in Christ in South LA. She comes from a long line of pastors and church leaders. Growing up in the church, she describes herself as always having been a “church…

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Are You an Urban Ally?

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ARE YOU AN URBAN ALLY? Urban Youth Workers Institute “UYWI has been a game-changer. It was the reason why I was able to serve youth in crisis well, because as an urban youth leader I felt believed in and empowered. I went from attending the UYWI National Conference as a youth to becoming an urban…

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Fund The Future: Kimy Brennan

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KIMY BRENNAN FUEL NETWORK LEADER LONG BEACH “I have been a part of the UYWI network for about five years. When I became a youth director in 2019 networking became very important to help me continue to grow and learn in my role. I realize that I have to be a part of the Fuel…

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UYWI BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: ALEXANDER JAMES

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Native to South Central Los Angeles and raised by a single mother, Alexander took pride in being the black sheep in most circles growing up. Now, he is a young adult director, social activist, youth advocate, and full-time spoken-word artist. An undaunted wordsmith fueled by a heart of passion and a soul forged by a plethora of complex and enriching experiences.

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