Protect Yourself 1, Inc

I was part of they're volunteer team and their programs were informative and entertaining at the same time. They captured the children's attention and left them feeling good about themselves.

I like new challenges and I am thrilled by the opportunity to launching innovating programs, such as Protect Yourself1 programs, dedicated to youth. In the French Caribbean Islands, there is a high level of unemployment among the youngest people, and the AIDS and drugs epidemics are reality. The Martinique’s population is getting to be the oldest of all French departments and there is an urgent need to educate youth to face those issues by using innovating tools,such as virtual reality, which are not yet developed in this part of the world.

Diane Heckel

As a volunteer, I saw during Project Arrowhead program the happiness on the face of youth approaching horses and going over the fears . Also the organic garden and yoga classes left them with a sense of self confidence and self discipline in regards of the healthy choices they made.

I love volunteering for PY1 because it delivers on all of its promises and provides so much for so little money. I can't imagine another learning experience for urban youth that matches this program. I am gratified when I see all of the students who participate in the program changing before my eyes when they experience nature in such a personal way - interacting with horses, learning to garden organically, experiencing yoga, hiking in the woods and receiving educational lessons on how to maintain good health and make wise life choices are all incorporated in a unique and memorable way. I am so honored to be a part of this program.

I have been a supporter and contributor to this wonderful organization for quite some time now. As a member of the team at it's fledgling beginnings, it has been a joy to see the extent to which it has grown and the impact it has had on so many lives.

From the start, the concept of "edu-tainment" was at the core of activities and development. Educational Entertainment. Using the foundations of multimedia to create a bridge into the community to deliver much needed and potential life saving information. To create media that helped raise awareness about the FACTS regarding HIV, and to erase the taboos and stigmas that were so prevalent in the community.

Utilizing music, videos and graphics has an immediate impact. I was one of the earliest producers involved in creating that media content.

I am incredibly proud to see how PY1 has grown and flourished from those early days. And for the incredible support from so many individuals and areas that were inspired by PY1's mission and dedication to that mission.

PY1 has come far, but there is still work to do and they need YOUR help and support to continue this important work.

Thank you!
L. Battle
Multimedia Producer

Project Arrowhead served youth since 2006 and has an opportunity to offer youth an extraordinary experience abroad through horses. As Project Arrowhead Founder, I am very proud to announce a partnership between our organization, PY1 and the Veloo Foundation. A project for an equine cultural exchange between disadvantaged youth from Baltimore City, MD, and youth from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

i first encountered PY1 when they brought their puppet show to my son's school. The kids always get bad information about that stuff, or none at all, and i was really impressed by how much he picked up from the show. I've watched them since, and a couple of other kids i know went up to their farm for the Project Arrowhead program, and really had a great time. I think they are an important part of the community, and i recommend them highly.

A fine hardworking little organization, always finding ways to care for those who need it most. Project Arrowhead is such a wonderful program, a giant breath of fresh air and community for kids from hard neighborhoods. They really deserve to break out and do so much more. Tough times for everyone, really glad there's people like this helping out.

My experience with PY1 began in 2014 bringing a group of inner city students out to their Horse Farm to participate in their Project Arrow program.The work they do with kids through horse training,organic gardening and yoga provides a unique holistic approach to instilling trust,self confidence and good decision making in our Youth. Over the 5 years I have continued to see their work have an impact throughout the Baltimore/Washington DC region.

This organization is managed by a group that truly is making a difference in kids’ life. They are impacting their future in such a positive way - doing so simply, without wasting in overhead. Keep doing this fantastic work!!!

Protect Yourself 1 is a wonderful organization which deserves to be supported for their work with those who represent the future of our world. Their Safe2Live, Project Arrowhead and "Be a Protector" life-changing entertaining programs, have been beautifully designed to provide awareness to the most vulnerable populations, and education in the protection of our planet.

Protect Yourself 1 is a great program! Using horses for therapeutic purposes is ingenious and provides many with an opportunity to get outside of city limits, and gain an experience that many others are not privy to.

I am so impressed with the level of professionalism shown by the PY1 team. All of them have a heart to serve with excellence. Their approaches are innovative and relevant to a variety of audiences. We are looking forward to collaborating with PY1 in the future.

As the Youth Services Director for United Planning Organization, located in Washington, DC, I was thrilled to have our early high school students participate in the PY1 Project Arrowhead program. The content was far greater than what I imagined when we originally signed up. The incorporation of yoga, horse training, ecology, and art provided our students with an unimaginable experience. They enjoyed themselves so immensely, that we decided to return the following year for an extended stay.

Our first group of students has recently graduated from high school and are off to college. We've since established our second program cohort and cannot wait to reconnect with JAR (the Horseman), Monique, and others as part of our program offering.

Over the past year, I have learned a lot about Protect Yourself1 and the team there. There is a great need for the inner city youth to gain experience, knowledge and assistance. Protect Yourself1 and Jar make this a reality. We truly appreciate all they do for the community and look forward to growing our relationship throughout the upcoming years.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in various diciplines with children and young adults. They would use horses, art, music or another animal such as dogs to work with kids and I saw how successful this was. PY1 and Project Arowhead should have places throughout the United States. There are so many kids that need help, need recognition, need to feel empowered in a positive way which changes their lives for the better. Many of which will go on as adults to help others. Horses and animals in general do not judge. They do not care what your background was or is, what color you are, what sex you are or your political views. Children are not under pressure to perform, they are aloud to just be. In watching this charity and it's work many of these kids would have ended up in juvenile hall or jail or worse. They have been given the opportunity to see another world free from gang pressure, sex, drugs or other substance abuse. And when they do they also find out how great it feels to see the world and their life in a completley different way. It is my hope to see PY1 and Project Arrowhead become offered worlwide and funded. They changes we make in a childs life today will become tomorrows dreams and accomplishments. Thank you PY1 and Project Arrowhead foryour outstanding committment to bringing change-one child at a time!

The children are our future and it's our responsibility to help guide them along the way. No organization understands this better than Project Arrowhead. This outstanding program helps to take at-risk youth and redirect them through the power of education. Young lives are being changed everyday through the tireless efforts of PY1. As a filmmaker, I look forward to the opportunity to document how Project Arrowhead continues to help do their part in changing the world one youth at a time.

I learned about PY1 last year when I met the Executive Director of the program. I took an interest in the program for at-risk youth called Project Arrowhead. I am part of a production team covering the great work that this program does in working with the children. They offer an invaluable experience to children who may never otherwise have the opportunity to learn and grow in the way that PY1 encourages. I look forward to a continued partnership and work with PY1.

I am involved as a volunteer with PY1 through their Be A Protector program. By introducing life-changing information about wellness and health in an entertaining way the program engages participants from all walks of life to be responsible, to change their behaviors and generate the change to protect our planet. Great organization to support....

I am a professional in the private sector and have collaborated with PY1 on an informal basis for the past several months. During that time I’ve been thoroughly impressed with their vision of leveraging digital and interactive technology for AIDS and HIV education. As I’ve also dabbled in philanthropic work I can attest as to how important this vision is, especially for the younger generation for whom digital technology is almost a native language.

I hope others will support and get involved with PY1 and help them realize this vision.

I was very honored that Project Arrowhead program that I founded became a part of the Bme Community. Project Arrowhead program was selected as a recipient of the 2013 Miami Foundation Black Male Engagement Fund. This award provided scholarships for 52 Baltimore City youth to participate in Project Arrowhead and acquire the knowledge and skills vital to becoming future leaders in our community. Since 2006, Project Arrowhead has served 320 adolescent at-risk youth from numerous organizations. Future plans are to develop Project Arrowhead as a turnkey educational program of national prominence for at-risk youth advancing HIV/AIDS prevention and preserving Mustangs throughout the U.S.

Protect Yourself1 has helped us push our prevention program to the next level by putting our program in a youth attractive format. What is better than to find the right and best channel to convey one’s message to the audience? Thanks PY1 and keep up the great work…

Protect Yourself 1 has developed programs designed to educate youth concerning the numerous issues concerning AIDS and HIV diseases, including educational and responsibility training Its team has designed state of the art interactive lessons that can be learned individually or in group settings. Their desire is to expand these programs to a much larger audience. Unfortunately, finding funding to further expand their efforts is difficult to come by.

I became aware of Protect Yourself 1 when they joined the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life. They have shared information during regular, weekly meetings in addition to hosting in world events to educate and increase awareness of their mission and goals for their organization. They are able to share information and their mission with others around the world through using a virtual platform.

It has been an honor for me to serve on the board of PY1, Inc. I have seen the educational programs for prevention and awareness created by the in house staff make a positive impact on the youth in the city schools. More of this outreach needs to be provided to youth all over the world. PY1, Inc certainly has created a vehicle that works, via their diverse media presentations, that clearly sends a message to the youth. Lets plow forward to continue to educate these kids in preparation for a responsible and healthy future!

We are an organization that provides academic residential housing for at-risk youth in Baltimore, MD. We have partnered with Protect Yourself 1 which has given our scholars a tremendous awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention through youth-friendly technology. Also, it gave them an opportunity to have hands-on experience in nature (gardening, yoga, horseback riding, and overnight camping).

I am the organizer of TechSoup's NonProfit Commons in Second Life community of nonprofit practitioners , NGOs, and those who support social good organizations. Protect Yourself 1, is a valuable, long-time member of this community, who have shared their best practices and wisdom gleamed through the amazing work they do. They have also hosted numerous networking and awareness raising events for their professional peers. They are a community asset, doing great work, and share back freely to the community-at-large.

Humanbe and Protect Yourself 1 are partners since 2013 to develop the Be A Protector Campaign – A social media and distance learning campaign to promote environmental education and sustainability, and provide community-level solutions for under-served, under-represented vulnerable populations to live healthier lives.

It is a great pleasure to work with the PY1 team comprised of professionals and share our goals to educate youth about a healthy lifestyle and environment protection...

PY1 is great initiative and I see complete team fully dedicated to the cause. I wish I could have been of more help to them.

I've helped the organizers of PY1 get started in their virtual office at the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life (www.nonprofitcommons.org) and they were very professional about all the little details to ensure their office was inviting and informative because they are dedicated to their cause. They are innovative and wanting to make a difference, and I know will be very successful in reaching their goal.

PY1 is such an amazing program! The team of professionals there helped me and a group of students complete a SWOT analysis of their program. Not only did we find their program to be strong and fluid, but the connection and relationships we gained with them is unforgettable! Thank you PY1 for the great work that you do! Your community is very blessed to have you!

PY1 is no ordinary non-profit organization I have come across.Being from Africa,and specifically Kenya,where there are so many NGOs working on issues concerning on youth education,I am confident to say PY1 has stood out for me as quite unique. PY1 exhibits that helping young people is not just about giving them information, but making them be part of what they acquire. For example the use of horses,appreciating the environment, use of social media for youth to share experiences, these are elements that guide the young people to appreciate what is around them. That life is not just about problems and what you don't have, but embracing what is around you.There are many gifts around us but we do not easily identify them.
Molding young people in different ways to discover themselves and that's how they get to identify their strengths.In this way,the weaknesses and vulnerability are overshadowed by the wonderful discoveries.That is what PY1 has taught me.To me, PY1 is a guide who journeys with the young person to get to that destination of total discovery and empowerment.
As a youth educator in a faith based organization, I feel blessed to be associated with PY1 and for being such a source of innovative ideas for educating young people.
PY1, keep building this vital foundation by educating the youth,as you will be securing a great tomorrow.

Protect Yourself 1, Inc. is such an innovative and engaging nonprofit, as they have utilized immersive environments to educate and create advocates by actively participating in the virtual world of Second Life. Their staff has outreach that is beyond borders through community meetings, special events, and educational seminars. They are professional and passionate about how they help those with HIV and have effectively expressed the way we all are impacted by HIV while teaching us how we can make a difference on a local and global scale.

My experiences with PY1 have been with them at the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life and I have showcased their successes at many community events. They are an amazing team to work with and support! Please visit their virtual office at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aloft%20Nonprofit%20Commons/236/169/24

During 7 years, I was involved in PY1's organization as the Events Director. The corporate team is a small, tight-knit, organized, highly creative and motivated team of professionals working to develop programs and services aimed at increasing PY1's presence in the national fight against HIV/AIDS.

PY1 has developed programs such as Safe2Live or Project Arrowhead to engage youth living in high risk communities for HIV infection in the Washington- Baltimore corridor. The programs consist of state-of-the-art, culturally relevant, age-appropriate, and engaging educational productions to contribute to an AIDS-Free Generation.

PY1 deserves support and funding, the organization is transparent and is investing more than 90 % of their funding in these programs. I am very proud to have been part of such a great organization.

PY1, Inc. uses cutting-edge technologies and innovative programming to provide education about HIV and other sexually transmitted infection to young people of color. Its team of highly experienced professionals and cost-effective programs let PY1, Inc. offer donors the most "bang for their buck." I have been working as a journalist and consultant on HIV-related issues for more than 25 years, and can say from lots of experience that PY1, Inc. stands out and is worthy of funding and a five-star ranking.

PY1 has been helpful and very prompt with services. They have encouraged and mentored Encouraging The World, a start up non-profit that received the same BMe 2013 Leadership Award as PY1 . They are dedicated to HIV awareness and building community. Go book a stay at the ranch! The horses are amazing!

As a Board Member I continue to be amazed by the outreach and impact of this organization. With limited resources of finances and manpower they still reach a wide audience through all forms of media and word of mouth. PY1 is always in an education and awareness mode. Teaching and instructing about ones personal responsibility in life, safe sex and HIV/Aids through printed material, speaking engagements, puppet presentations in schools and equine riding and training at the ranch reaches children and adults of all ages. They do a wonderful job of keeping the public informed and current on these issues. PY1 lives up to their mission and vison statements.

PY1 has developed an innovative way to engage and educate youth. Their programming is entertaining and fun to participate in, while at the same time delivering positive messages and good advice that the audience can use.

PY1 is a great organization because they promote HIV awareness in under served communities. My nephew was a part of project arrowhead and loved every minute of experiencing horses. It gave him a different perspective on all of the possibilities life has to offer.

Protect Yourself 1 has made tremendous contributions in Baltimore for infectious disease education and related programs. I have personally seen the tireless efforts of the President of this organization to make a difference in the life of kids and youth of Baltimore.

Protect Yourself 1, Inc. [ PY1 ] is currently working with youths in the Baltimore City Schools system this year and next due to a generous grant from the Annie Casey Foundation...I had a chance to volunteer my services at their booth at the recent Global Aids Conference in Washington DC [ July 2012 ].I am very familiar with the organizations and the work they do in this region. What I witness was the amazing reactions that PY1 was recieving from men and women from all over the world. Everyone from Africa and Europe to the Caribbean and Latin America were amazed at the accomplishments of the organization andit reaches out to a diverse populations. People [ Gayand straight ] recognized how important and valuable that these type of programs reach young kids before they reach High school. Many testify how alot of kids in their country are bullied or cast out by their friends what for the unwanted pregnancy to STD's and HIV. They talk about the stigma is overwhelming. People all acknowledge that PY1 is a program that can reached out to their youth and I was recieving orders and inquiries on how they can bring PY1 to their village , tribes , provinces, urban cities, and countries. They view PY1 as a 5 "star" organizationwith a program as a 5 "star" Safe Sex educational program. My experiences was of true amazement. I went away that evening totally blown away as to how many people of all ages and skin colors were affected by the mission and the dedicated staff of PY1. My experience as a professional in this field and a volunteer that week far PY1 far exceeded my expectation.

Protect Yourself 1 is a dedicated educational group that seeks to present highly sensitive science information about HIV, STIs and other illnesses in a framework and medium that is both portable and palatable for children of all ages. PY1 has been accepted in local schools to conduct activities and full school presentations at all class levels. PY1 takes learning through skits and puppetry to a whole new level. Extremely enjoyable, highly interactive - bottom line, kids LEARN!

ProtectYourself1 has proven to be one of the best tools for reaching an important market across the nation which is very important to those of us who are health professionals. I am a Senior Fellow in Social Marketing with the National Center for Health Behavioral Change (www.nchbc.org) which is funded by the Kellogg Foundation, and the one responsible for bringing PY1 to the attention of our Principal Investigator, Dr. Jay C. Chunn. We write the curriculum for the school of publichealth at MOrgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and advise other schools of public health across the nation. At the time (2004) we were preparing to participate in a national conference on HIV & AIDS in Atlanta, GA (a city known for men on the "down low", and the home of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By partnering with PY1, and making PY1's club video available to night clubs in the city, and using it as an incentive to get conference attendees to visit our table, we were able to get the HIV prevention message distributed to over 100 cities in less than six weeks. In addition NCHBC was able to grow its mailing list for future collaborations with health care professionals all over the nation. PY1 is an important organization in the effort to keep attention focused on HIV & AIDS because now that people are living longer with the infection disease many have retruned to risky behavior. PY1's music, and video format is perfectly tailored to educate without being intrusive, or condemning. The message resonates, and is free of stigma. PY1 has my vote. John Milton Wesley

I have witnessed an amazing group of people who are dedicated to educating our youth about risky behavior and the danger of HIV/AIDS. The cutting edge technology in which they communicate their message keeps children interested and excited in learning. PY1's team has used imagination and shown extreem effort in making a difference in young people's lives.

Protect Yourself1 has a strong and vibrant track record of utilizing leading edge technology to adress long term health needs of adolescents. PY1 has received accolades from AIDS.gov and other groups who are planning for the next coming wave of health related social media. They are an ethically governed organization that is a good conservator of their resources. Simply put, they implement innovative HIV/AIDS programs for youthi with minimal capital. They are worthy of strong support

this is a very important organization the work they do to educate the youth will help them tremendously remember the youth is our future and education is the way

I volunteered over two weekends with Project Arrowhead, a project of Protect Yourself 1, in the summer of 2011. I watched Jean Albert Renaud, or JAR, work with youth from Washington, DC, and teach them how to respect, handle, and ride horses. JAR is magical to watch, with both kids and horses. He speaks their language. It was clear that the experience was transformative for the young people -- their faces lit up as soon as they climbed atop a horse! The program also included education on AIDS prevention., and the youth seemed to be quite engaged with this educational piece. PY1 and Project Arrowhead provide a unique and inspirational adventure for the youth and for everyone involved.

Protect Yourself 1 is an organization doing work of the highest importance, and one that is finding innovative ways to do so. One such way is with their Safe2Live project, in which they engage the community around HIV prevention and awareness in the virtual world Second Life. Their executive director, Monique Richert, is a forward thinker and a pleasure to interact with.

I have been a Board Member of Protect Yourself 1, Inc. since 2005. I have personally observed the effectiveness of its program and its social marketing media campaign and services. In my capacity as Board Treasurer, I can confirm that PY1 is a financially healthy organization in good standing.

It has been a great inspiration to work alongside the volunteers and regular staff of PY1. The enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to service they bring to the struggle to eliminate HIV makes me feel this is something we can surely accomplish in my lifetime.

I've had the pleasure of serving as an board advisor for PY-1 for the last couple of years.
During this period I have observed the critical and valuable assistance the PY-1 organization provides to the Maryland community, in providing essential help and education to those in need.
As long as PY-1 continues to extend itself to servicing the needs of others, I will eagerly offer my available resources in assisting the group in achieving their short and longterm goals.

As the social media consultant for Protect Yourself 1, Inc (PY1), it has been a pleaure working with the leadership and staff. It is always refreshing to see an organization embrace new media tools to enhance its mission and spread its message. I am indeed impressed with PY1's level of passion and efforts to reach their targeted populations in the most effective ways.

As a board member for PY1 Inc. I am pleased and excited about the number of outstanding programs we have to offer the community and the world. PY1 continued efforts to participate in the community makes a difference in the fight against AIDS. Protect Yourself 1, Inc.'s partnership with church, government, community and business leaders enables the development of PY1 HEALTHSCAPE as an Event that focuses on HIV/ STD testing, as well as other health issues affecting Inner City community residents.
As a Board Member with this group, my hope is that we will develop grow and have an impact on many Communities both locally and abroad to encourage positive health behavioral changes among all people.

I am the Founder/Executive Director of LIGHT, Health & Wellness Comprehensive Services, Inc. a Baltimore City community based organization that partners since 2010 with Protect Yourself, Inc. PY1 Educational and Entertainment Program features a social marketing media campaign which was implemented in Baltimore City where the HIV infection rate is still very high. PY1 produced the Safe2Live© Mobile Puppet Theater, a lively, dynamic, and informative puppet show, featuring characters from the music video/PSA, as well as live vocalists and performers, and pre- and post surveys to help monitor the effectiveness. It also includes many free educational materials, such as t-shirts, tile puzzles, and posters. The Safe2Live© Mobile Puppet Theater is approved by the Baltimore City Public School HIV and Human Sexuality Advisory Board/Panel, as well as the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration (IDEHA) Community Review Panel (CRP). Safe2live is a successful HIV Awareness, Education and Prevention Campaign needed in Baltimore City.

I am very impressed with the work of ProtectYourself1. The program is able to use innovative strategies to really reach youth around HIV prevention. As we look at ways to ensure that our next generation is healthy and productive, ProtectYoursel1 uses technology and strategies that very few use. Virtual programming is the way of the future. Thanks for stepping up to the plate to save our youth.