In response to a 50% cut in government funding, My Brother’s Workshop has launched the “Double the Hope” campaign with a $25,000 matching pledge, aiming to sustain vital programs that serve at-risk youth across the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the VI Consortium, the campaign offers donors a chance to double the impact of their contributions thanks to a generous matching pledge from the Anasetti Family, who will match all donations up to $25,000 through August 30. Every dollar raised during this window will be matched, giving My Brother’s Workshop the opportunity to continue delivering holistic services to the youth it serves.
According to the St Croix Source, the organization currently serves 41 young people, both male and female, ages 16 to 24, by teaching valuable skills in construction, woodworking, agriculture, and culinary arts. The workshop focuses on building real-world experience that trainees can carry into the job market through the program’s job placement efforts.and has the capacity
The Vi Consortium said My Brother’s Workshop can reach more than 200 with sufficient funding and the organization’s model has proven economic and social benefits. According to federal data, programs like My Brother’s Workshop can save communities millions of dollars per participant by reducing rates of crime, poverty, and unemployment. Read the full Vi Consortium article here and the St Croix Source article here about the proven program.
If you are interested in donating to My Brother’s Workshop and help meet their $50,000 goal go to the organization’s page: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/705654/donate. The matching pledge (up to $25,000) runs through August 30.
Photo courtesy of VI Consortium