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About Us

The mission of OYM is to create and enhance resources for youth through educational preparation, leadership development, and community involvement.

OYM was established in 2008, with three goals in mind:

  1. To Serve youth in need.
  2. To Equip Leaders and Youth with resources and skills
  3. To Educate all OUR YOUTH MATTER.

Our Youth Matter, Incorporated (OYM) is organized exclusively for charitable purposes. OYM is a youth organization demonstrates love to youth through seminars, events, training and programs. OYM was established in 2008, to spread the word that OUR YOUTH MATTER. Our youth have a voice, purpose and is important to listen to. We became incorporate in February 2009. OYM took on the role as youth advocates because we believe our youth’s voice should be heard and research indicates that time with parents and other forms of parents’ involvement in a child’s life is crucial to positive development for children and adolescence.

What makes OYM unique compared to similar youth organizations is we go where the youth are; we do not wait until they find us. Rather at a park, library, apartment complex, recreation center, juvenile, faith or community based organization; we demonstrate love to our youth in their environment and neighborhoods. Although our future plans are to obtain our own building we will always keep our outreach component. We want to be available to those youth unable to get to us and continue our presents in the neighborhoods to help build healthy communities.

In over six years OYM has been offering services we have come in contact with over 500 children, youth and adults who work with youth. We have held many events, seminars and spoke at various functions. To stay connected with youth and others we send out a quarterly e-newsletter; Birthday, Valentine’s, Graduation and Christmas cards; and through social media such as FaceBook and Twitter.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list or receive or weekly encouraging text please fill out the contact us form (Click Here)[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

Staff Info

The Our Youth Matter team, all shares the same passion for youth. We believe you cannot reach the youth with the same old tactics. That new out- of -the- box approaches have to be made in order to encourage, empower and reach our youth to connect and impact our leaders of today!

You heard the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” so partner with Our Youth Matter TODAY! So we can begin to reach and help our youth together. Together we can strengthen our village to consist of people who love beyond mistakes and care beyond distance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Overall what does OYM DO?

Our Youth Matter holds yearly outreach events usually outside in a park or recreation center. Our goal is to reach the community and supply items to help meet their needs. Currently our yearly events consist of:

May
Day of Glam makeover’s for mothers on Mother’s Day.

August
Back to School Bash annual event where backpacks, school supplies, hygiene kits, book and more is given out.

November
Thanksgiving in the Park day where we feed those in need a hot meal in the park. To-Go plates are also delivered to homeless encampments and hygiene kits and a treat bag is given out.

December
Adopt-a-Family with the help of supporters 5 – 10 families are chosen to adopt for the holidays and give gifts as much as possible to their wish list.

Toy Giveaway toys, treat bag and books are given out.

What services do you provide?

Our services include:

College Connections Matter
Like Love Letters from Home, students receive “We Care” Packages to college students twice a year

Project Touchstone
“From your hands to theirs” we’ll place your donation in the hands of people in need. We receive donations from various people, organizations and companies. We make sure the donated items get into the hands of the people who need them. Donations can include hygiene items, clothes, coats, socks, household items, non-perishable food items etc. We rarely turn down donations. We always have someone in need.

Seminars
We offer a variety of seminars for youth, youth leadership, churches and non-churches on a variety of topics. Click here for more info.

Consultations
We are available to offer help with starting a children’s, youth, or girls’ ministry, starting a non-profit, or planning outreach events.

What does OYM mean?

OYM is the abbreviation for Our Youth Matter

What areas do you serve?

All of our yearly events are held in Oakland, CA. However we can travel to any area.

What ages do you serve?

Our Youth Matter events are normally catered to Preschool – High School students. However we have events for the whole family, homeless, and mothers.

What are the benefits of following OYM on social media?

The benefit of following Our Youth Matter on our social media sites is for real time information of upcoming events, services, contests, blogs, tips, just for fun and more. See it first when we use Facebook Live and Periscope videos. Voice your opinion, give suggestions and recommendations.

Why should I sign up for OYM monthly newsletter?

The reason you should sign up for Our Youth Matter monthly newsletter is to receive the latest news on what’s going on. We will share with you the outcome of past events, let you know about upcoming events, and giveaways we are having and more.

What is OYMcares?

OYMcares are the services we provide under Project Touchstone. We care about children, youth, parents and people. All our services cater to 1 or more of them.

How can I support OYM?

You can support Our Youth Matter in several ways:

1. With an In-kind donation
2. Volunteer at one of our events
3. Join the team
4. Make a monetary donation
5. Tell someone about our events and services
6. Follow us on Social media
7. Sign up for our newsletter
8. Request us to do a seminar at your church, event, organization or company
9. Buy something out of our shop
10. Sponsor a child or adopt a family
11. Name OYM as a beneficiary in your will or trust

What are your immediate needs?

Our Youth Matter is always in need of new to gently used books, clothes, coats, socks, sleeping bags, blankets, towels, knit hats, gloves and scarves, backpacks, bags and pursues etc., hygiene products and non-perishable food.

How can I sponsor a child?

There are many ways to sponsor a child, such as:

  • College Connections Matters program
  • Adopt a family program
  • Toy Giveaway event
  • Back to school bash event

In order to make a monetary or In-kind donation: click here

How can I book a consultation, seminar or have OYM come to one of my events?

If you would like Our Youth Matter to come to your event for a consultation or seminar, please contact us via email or call us (510) 436-7OYM (696)

Do you partner with other organizations?

Yes, Our Youth Matter loves to partner with organizations. We have partnered with churches, motorcycle clubs, Oakland Parks & Rec, other non-profits and companies.

How can I help plan the Back to School Bash for OYM’s 10th year anniversary in August 2017?

If you would like to help us plan our largest event, the Back to School Bash for our 10th year anniversary where we plan to give out 1,000 backpacks, please fill out the contact information: click here

Is my donation tax deductible?

All donations made to Our Youth Matter are tax deductible. We are a 501c3 non-profit. Our tax ID is available upon request.

How can I place an order?

  1. Click on Shop
  2. Select the items you need
  3. Click cart and pay
  4. Purchase items via credit or debit card

What is the turnaround time for receiving my order?

If your item is in stock you will receive in 7-10 business days.

If you live in the Bay Area of California, we could meet you so you can receive sooner if needed.

Do you ship orders?

Yes, we ship orders anywhere in the United States.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processing site, PayPal.

Itonya Conner

Itonya Conner, Founder
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Dr. Beverly West

Dr. Beverly West, Supporter
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Zechariah

Zechariah, Staff
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TaShandra Bellamy

TaShandra Bellamy, Staff
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Myia Moore

Myia Moore, Staff
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