IN THE NEWS
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OCTOBER 26, 2024 - KCTV 5 (Read full article here)
Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. recently hosted its annual Youth Right to Life Wellness Retreat and Revival Weekend, bringing together middle and high school students to focus on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Held at the Hilton Hotel and Mill Creek Park, the retreat provided an opportunity for young people to develop resilience, self-care skills, and a strong sense of community.
For over a decade, founder Janay Reliford has been dedicated to helping youth navigate life’s challenges in a positive way. “I do these experiences to educate young people on things about life that they probably think they have a clue about, but they really don’t,” she said.
Throughout the weekend, students participated in interactive workshops covering topics like violence prevention, financial literacy, and emotional wellness. The retreat, sponsored by the Kansas City Health Department, also received support from organizations such as Black Philanthropy KC, KC Mothers In Charge, and Dads Against Crime.
In light of rising youth violence in Kansas City, Reliford emphasized the importance of empowering young people with tools to create positive change. “13 is 13 too many,” she said, referring to the number of youth homicide victims this year.
The weekend’s impact was clear, as youth mentor and photographer Ameer Abdul-Rahman highlighted the retreat’s role in fostering meaningful connections. “People are opening up about things they need to work on, and we’re in a community where everyone cares for each other and wants to see each other succeed,” he said.
The retreat concluded with a grounding session at Mill Creek Park, where students reflected on their goals and personal growth. As Markeese Maiden, a participant, shared, “You always have to stay true to yourself.”
Through events like this, Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. continues to equip Kansas City youth with the skills and confidence to build a brighter future.
AUGUST 2, 2024 - THE VOICE (Read full article here)
On August 3, 2024, Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. Inc. successfully hosted another African History Saturday at the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center, drawing a diverse crowd eager to learn and engage in discussions about African American history and contemporary issues.
A Day of Enlightenment and Inspiration: The event featured thought-provoking presentations from four esteemed speakers, covering crucial topics such as healthcare advocacy, prison reform, Black business development, and youth leadership. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of history’s impact on today’s society and actionable steps to drive positive change.
Key Highlights:
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Evangelist Ester Holzendorf shared the history of the ‘Medicaid 23’ and her role in advocating for Medicaid expansion in Missouri.
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Bev Livingston shed light on the current state of prison conditions and the ongoing work of Mothers of Incarcerated Sons and Daughters (MISD).
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Gary Mitchell emphasized the significance of Black philanthropy and economic empowerment.
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Lawson Small captivated the audience with insights into the role of youth in the Black liberation movement.
Community Engagement and Exciting Prizes: One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the $100 prize raffle for youth attendees, creating enthusiasm and motivation among the younger audience. A delicious lunch sponsored by KC Health Initiative and Gigi’s Vegan Cafe further fostered a sense of community and connection.
Looking Ahead: Under the leadership of Janay Reliford, founder of Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. (Children Having Opportunities in Creating Environment), the organization will continue its commitment to educating and empowering youth. African History Saturdays will now take place on the first Saturday of every month at the DuBois Learning Center, ensuring ongoing opportunities for learning and engagement. Additionally, the group is gearing up for the much-anticipated Right to Life Youth Summit in October.
The success of this event reaffirms the importance of fostering discussions about African American history and its relevance today. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this initiative!
A group of teenagers from Kansas City and the Metro East gathered at East St. Louis City Hall for Camp C.H.O.I.C.E.’s Right to Life Summit, a two-day event focused on crime prevention, youth empowerment, and community healing. Held during National Crime Prevention Month, the summit provided young participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and address violence in their communities.
The camp featured impactful discussions with East St. Louis’ mayor, the city coroner, and local mothers who have lost children to violence, reinforcing the real-life consequences of crime. Attendees explored topics such as epigenetics, understanding how generational trauma affects families and communities, and ways to de-escalate violence at home and among peers.
“As young people, we have to know, and knowledge is power,” said 15-year-old Lawson Small, who attended from Kansas City. “Since we know these things, we can take action towards them.”
Since its founding in 2006, Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. has hosted transformative experiences like this to equip youth with life skills that benefit their spiritual, physical, educational, and social well-being. Founder Janay Reliford emphasized the urgency of addressing structural family and community violence, stating, “There is an epidemic of homicide and violence across the nation.”
During the summit, participants engaged in vision board creation, historical discussions on crime, and interactive advocacy planning to bring solutions back to their own communities. The weekend was another step in empowering youth to become leaders in crime prevention and social change.
Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. continues to shape young lives, ensuring they leave with knowledge, purpose, and a plan for a safer future.