K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization

In 1997, Joyce Hood founded the K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization in Cleveland, Ohio in the Union Miles area.  In 1997, she began tutoring two of her young cousins.  Her cousins brought their friends and the sessions began to grow into a club.  While engaging and nurturing the youth, Mrs. Hood discovered that there was a need for the youth to better understand the development of the community, as well as involve them in its growth in a positive direction. Today, K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. is about.... * Rebuilding the bridge between adults and youth * working with resident leaders collaboratively to share their knowledge of leadership * working with other established groups to teach the youth financial economics, * conflict resolution, peer mediation, nutrition, physical fitness and education. Our goals are... * To empower themselves and to develop positive leadership skills by grasping a holistic approach to building self-esteem and self-respect * Have the youth embrace the concept of “Community” and all that this entails such as {pride, honor and a caring and giving spirit towards your fellow neighbor} Our local Community Development Corporation (CDC) Union Miles Development Corporation (UMDC) has several resident committees that are working to rebuilding our neighborhood and if we are successful we should have youth representation on each committee.

As of April 2008 K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization through the executive leadership of Joyce Hood and many community volunteers, has been accepted in the New York Life in Governance 4-H Club Project with Ohio State University Extension in Cuyahoga County.  In March of  2008 K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization Executive Director Joyce Hood received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Organizational Service with Black On Black Crime Inc. by the Office of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich U.S. House Representatives 10^th District of Ohio and by Earnest Harris, President of Back On Black Crime Inc.

In August of 2007 Joyce Hood was presented the Governor Ohio Ted Strickland's Proclamation Award and she received the  2007 Mayor's National Night Out Against Crime Award in April of 2007 on behave of the K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization. Also in 2007 Joyce Hood and the K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Organization received a Certificate of Appreciation from Sen. C. J. Prentiss for their participation in Columbus in the Closing the Achievement Gap in the Graduation Rate for African American Males,

In 2006, Joyce Hood organization K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. was recognized by the U.S. Attorney Generals Office as a Provider of Services for Youth at High Risk of Gang Involvement. K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. ability to access a situation, develop a plan and implement a solution while utilizing the tools given has proven to be successful in sustaining a higher quality of life. By establishing this K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. has produce Cleveland a Legacy of Emerging Young Leaders

In 2006, 2007and 2008 Neighborhood Connection A Program of the Cleveland Foundation funded K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. and is presently in partnership with the Union Miles Development Corporation, of which K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. Youth Core Team headquarters is located. K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. is also in partnership with The Cleveland Foodbank.

K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. has received support from the Union Miles Development Corporation (CDC), Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Beech Brook and many of the area community business and residents.

 K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. presently provides community services, attend civic meetings, and talk through neighborhood problems and solutions. They are challenged to set higher standards and goals daily.  K.N.O.W.L.E.D.G.E. is involved with many community based programs and organizations.

For More Information Contact Us;

9250 Miles Park Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44105

 Office No. (216)341-1025   / Cell No.(216)571-4374

Email jhoodknowledge@aol.com

www.freewebs.com/knowledgeyouth