4C Coalition Receives Two Community Awards
Mentoring Program Seeks to Eliminate Violence Among African American Youth
SEATTLE – The 4C Coalition Mentor Program has been recognized with two community awards for its outstanding work with at risk youth in King County. On October 30, Bank of America presented its prestigious “Local Hero Award” to Hazel Cameron, executive director of the 4C Coalition Mentor Program. Cameron was nominated as this year’s recipient by the Washington State Mentors organization, and received the award during a breakfast ceremony at McCaw Hall. Bank of America also contributed $5,000 to the 4C Coalition Mentor Program to help the organization continue its work in the community.
The 4C Coalition Mentor Program also received a “Community Service Award” from First African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Seattle-based youth mentoring program is the first organization to ever receive this award from the church. “In the past, many individuals have received this award. It is such an honor to be the first organization to be a recipient,” said Cameron.
First A.M.E. Pastor Reverend Cary Anderson presented the award on November 2, at First A.M.E.’s “Notorious B.I.C.” (Brothers in Christ worship services) Men’s Day 2008. The church also contributed $1,000 raised during the 1000 Man March last month to 4C Coalition Mentor Program, and encouraged members of the congregation to serve as mentors for the many at-risk youth who are dying daily in our streets and falling through the cracks in our educational system.
“Mentoring is such critical work. I have seen how it impacts youth in the juvenile justice system, and those at risk of entering it. I am humbled to receive the recognition through these awards as I live my mission doing what I have been called to do. This movement is near to my heart, especially after losing my son to an act of violence,” Cameron expressed. “The recent tragic killings of two more of our youth this past week is proof that we need to act fast. We must work together to change the statistics”.
About the 4C Coalition Mentor Program
The 4C Coalition Mentoring Program provides committed mentors to youths, ages 13 to 17, involved in the court system. This movement is in response to the high number of youth that suffer with issues such as substance abuse, emotional, mental despair, crime, and poverty. The 4C Coalition Mentoring Program recruits, trains and supports people from the community who volunteer their time to act as a mentor for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The mentor acts as a role model and support for the youth as he or she navigates the court system, drug court and back to the community.
In March 2008, the 4C Coalition Mentor Program helped launch the Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement, part of a national movement
spearheaded by Susan Taylor, editor emeritus of Essence Magazine. The 4C Coalition Mentor Program is also teaming up with mentoring organizations across Washington State to engage in collaborative efforts to end youth violence.