Golden Ciphers

(From Neighborhood Leader, Summer 2005 issue)

Project Leader: Pam Hubbard (NLC Class 17)

Project Description
Serving youth ages 12 to 18 in Cleveland and its inner-ring suburbs, Golden Ciphers aims to "reconnect family structures and recreate our communities." The organization's afterschool and school-based programming includes life skills, Rites of Passage education, and community service. In addition, participants learn about pregnancy and HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention.

Youth are referred to Golden Ciphers through their schools, by their peers, and sometimes by "self-referral." The organization also accepts referrals from the juvenile justice system and social service agencies.

Hubbard, the founder and executive director of Golden Ciphers, hopes to build the organization with the concepts of a sorority or fraternity: pledge as a youth and remain a member for life. Such an approach, says Hubbard, can build both intergenerational mentoring and ownership of the organization.

How the Grant(s) Helped
Established as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in 2001, Golden Ciphers has received a $5,000 grant from Neighborhood Connections in each of the past three years. The grants have paid for program supplies, stipends for guest speakers and visiting artists, and transportation for tours of Ohio colleges. The funds have also enabled Golden Ciphers participants to attend the annual Ohio Youth for Justice competition in Columbus. The grants have not paid for staff. Golden Ciphers is run by a committed, trained staff of ten volunteers and mentors.

Advice to NLC Grads
"Don't be afraid. You don't have to do the process yourself. The technical assistance from NLI has been extremely helpful. This is an excellent way for newcomers to get their feet wet and for people to get their dreams supported."