A grassroots organization in Painesville aims to give back to the community.
“I keep hearing about crimes involving youth and I was looking for a solution to the problem,” Zakiya Jackson-Boyd said. “So, I prayed about it.”
Jackson-Boyd said she received a revelation from God and discussed it with Karyn Gant and Damon Sams, who both attend New Hope Baptist Church in Painesville.
As a result, Ground Zero Elevated was developed.
“We were all talking about how this organization can have a great impact in Lake County,” said Jackson-Boyd. “We especially want to work with the at-risk youth and have them do something more positive. We want them to express their skills, their talents and their energy to something positive.”
Therefore, Ground Zero Elevated decided to offer free performing arts classes to students in first grade through 12th grade.
“It’s open to all the kids in Lake County,” she said. “This was just a great way to keep the youth off the streets.”
Chris Lee choreographs and instructs the dance lessons. The lessons are held from 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at Heritage Middle School in Painesville.
The students will learn mime and praise dance, he said.
It is a faith-based initiative.
“It is a great way for them to express themselves,” said Gant, who is the organization’s CEO.
The first class was March 17 and over 30 children and teenagers participated. While Gant was pleased with the attendance, she hopes more children sign up.
“Our goal is to get 100 kids involved,” she said.
Parents can still sign their children up for the free lessons. Forms and waivers are available at the practices.
The group is also planning a major event at Harvey High School on May 19.
It is an empowering event designed to bring the community together, she said.
The students will perform and it will feature guest speakers.
In addition to giving Lake County students a positive outlet, Ground Zero Elevation is collecting donations for Project Hope for the Homeless. Some of the needed items include toilet paper, toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, tooth brushes, tooth paste and infant diapers. As spring and summer nears, sunscreen is also needed. Donations will be accepted from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at Heritage Middle School, at Morley Library on Sunday at 2 p.m. and at the event from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 19 at Harvey High School.
“It’s really all about giving back,” Gant said.
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