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Hello from Terrie Several weeks ago I called a quick staff meeting to advise everyone that a young man named Jovon would be joining the Agency family. Jovon is only 19, but has had to endure two lifetimes of challenges and hardship. Remarkably, he has managed to remain among the living even though the odds have long been stacked against him. His unstable life led him to the temptations of the streets, which eventually led him to jail. After he got out he was nearly killed in a knife attack and spent two months in the hospital. I was first introduced to Jovon through my work at Kaplan House, the outstanding New York City-based residential group home for young folks. I just knew that if something wasn't done for Jovon he would be heading right back to the streets. He had no job experience, no resumè, no high school diploma. And no support. What he needed was a new lease on life--a new beginning, a new environment, and a chance to take advantage of the great potential I saw in him. We all know there are never enough hours in the day to get things done. And when Jovon came on board, we all had to take time out of our schedules to work with him and teach him the ropes--even the most basic of office duties like answering the phones properly, using a copy machine, fax machine and the computer. Sure, we're busy. But we made sure to make time for Jovon. Because it's all about caring, and sharing, and giving back. We can't afford not to find the time for others. And I'm very proud to say that everybody eagerly pitched in. Rachel, the Agency VP, took Jovon out to get his hair braided--and she even paid for it out of her own pocket. My assistant, Tola, called Jovon prior to his first day at the Agency to share a kind word and let him know we'd be there to support him. Syisha, our intern, helped him create his first resumè. The talented artist and writer Sir Shadow took the time for a good heart-to-heart, man-to-man conversation, and shared with Jovon a host of life lessons. Malaak Compton-Rock, founder of styleWORKS (the organization that helps folks make the transition from welfare to the workplace), and John Green of BOSS Designs donated some clothes for Jovon. Our friends Lisa Cash (VP of Soul To Go and The Shark Bar) and Shermyn (the general manager of Mekka Restaurant) gave Jovon the chance for stable employment. My son Rocky literally gave Jovon the shirt off his back as Jovon was heading down to his new job. Literally…Jovon didn't have the right color shirt, so he wore Rocky's. And the list--and the outpouring of support--goes on and on. Everybody has been giving of their time and their talents, and it's been amazing. The point here is simple…When the opportunity arises, give it your all to help someone else. You never know when the cycle will come back to you. Today Jovon continues to learn, and grow, and work hard. He still has to take care of some business with the courts, and he's not foregoing that responsibility. He's quicker with a smile, more trusting, eager to do better. He's working toward his GED, and he's been a big help around the Agency. He's even passing on to another brother needing help some of the life lessons he's learned over the last few weeks. (see the letter he wrote to me below) I couldn't think of a more heartwarming and fulfilling "circle of life." Remember to pass it on. Do what you can for others. It does wonders for the soul, and the world we live in! Letter from Jovon to Terrie (and to everyone) I'm in court right now and it doesn't feel like my last court date. But I got here on time and I feel real good. I have too many people on my side to lose right now. It's like basketball--if you have a good team that works together and is there for you, even when you're having a bad game you can't lose. I'm looking around the courtroom right now and I see a kid with his pants hanging down and his hair out looking crazy. So I call him out of the courtroom and asked him if he knows where he is. He said, I'm in court, why you ask me that? I said, Then why are you dressed like that? He said, Because I just don't give a f--k. So I told him a story about how I used to come to court and how these special people changed my life. He was shocked. I took the scrungie out of my hair and gave it to him. He pulled up his pants and said, Thank you. And he walked back into court. And I was saying to myself in my head, These people really changed me! I love you Terrie. Jovon Let's Talk! | Press Room | Contact Us Privacy Statement |