CAHEC has completed its 2026 Youth Leadership Initiative, a program that provided educational resources and summer camp experiences to children from low-income families across its Southeast and Mid-Atlantic footprint. The initiative matters because it addresses summer learning loss and access to enrichment activities, which are critical for youth development but often out of reach for low-income families. By leveraging partnerships, CAHEC amplified its impact, serving nearly 300 youth through a summer book fair and sponsoring 330 weeks of discounted camp.
At the YMCA of Richmond's summer camp, nearly 300 youth received age-appropriate books, school supplies, and learning games at no cost. The book fair allowed campers to choose books based on their interests and reading levels, helping build home libraries and encouraging reading beyond the classroom. This effort was supported by CAHEC community partners including Bernard Robinson & Co., Center Street Capital Advisors, First Citizens, Harkins Foundation, Scott Insurance, Yardi, and Zeffert & Associates. Their contributions covered the costs, ensuring families faced no financial barriers to these resources.
The initiative also sponsored 330 weeks of summer camp for CAHEC youth residents through partnerships with various YMCAs. These camps offered character development, literacy instruction, athletics, and sometimes swimming lessons. Donations from Banc of California, First Bank, First Citizens, North State Bank, Mountain Housing Opportunities, Taft-Mills Group, Thomas and Amanda Boothby, and Urquhart Development made these scholarships possible. Stefanie Lee, Community Relations Manager at CAHEC, stated, "These strategic partnerships allow us to stretch every dollar further and serve more residents than we could through CAHEC alone – it's amazing what we can do when we come together to serve!"
The implications of this initiative extend beyond immediate benefits. By investing in youth, CAHEC is strengthening communities and fostering long-term success for residents. Access to books and camp experiences can improve academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being, breaking cycles of poverty. Moreover, the collaboration model demonstrates how community investment organizations can multiply their impact through strategic alliances with businesses and nonprofits. For more information on CAHEC's broader efforts, visit their website.
