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.
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.
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My experience with Protect Yourself 1, Inc. as Events Director has been to organize events such as PY1 HEALTHSCAPE which is a great forum for PY1 to participate in the Community‘s efforts to make a difference in the fight against AIDS. Protect Yourself 1, Inc.'s partnership with church, government, community and business leaders enabled 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. My role is to develop partnerships that PY1 HEALTHSCAPE will grow to have an increasing impact on many Communities and encourage positive health behavioral changes among African Americans from neighborhoods where the HIV infection rate is alarming.
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.
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.
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.