Liesta Sykes2012 League Address
Thank you for all your support of the Improvement League of Plant City (ILPC). We appreciate your involvement with and donations to the Improvement League’s past, current, and future projects.
As the elected President of the Improvement League of Plant City, Inc.,
I am pleased to tell you about the Improvement League’s past accomplishments, current programs and future projects that I believe will be of interest to you.
First and foremost I want to express our sincere appreciation to the entire Plant City Community for helping us raise the funds required to finally "open" the Bing Rooming House Museum. We invite the entire public to stop by, visit the museum and results of a community wide restoration effort.
ILPC has enjoyed a significant growth within the last ten years. During the past ten years, ILPC launched six new programs, which include fatherhood & teen conference, summer programs, a literacy movement, community liaison for the Coronet Mine Superfund Site, and the Bing Rooming House African American Community Museum. We delivered services to over 2,000 youth through teen conferences, youth sports and more and 500 senior citizens through computer classes, luncheons and more; an outstanding record of achievement.
The Improvement League has a worthy list of accomplishments that include;
- Acquiring initial investment for Westside Boys & Girls Club
- Raising initial funds for the Multi-Purpose Building/Concession Stand at the Plant City MLK Recreation Complex
- Implementing the Striving for Excellence Academy After-School site for seven years
- Awarding over $20,000 in college scholarships to local area high school students.
Our volunteer staff has allowed us to effectively administer our programs. Additionally, the use of volunteer services of a local CPA Company which conducts our annual financial audits ensures accountability. We are seeking additional volunteers to help us with the following projects:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Festival
- Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner
- Coronet Mine Superfund Site/Lakeside Station
Our efforts to support community development started initially 14 years ago when we successfully advocated the eligibility and use of CBDG funds for youth services; Boys & Girls Club, parks and recreation. Since that time over 4 million dollars has been invested in local Boys & Girls Clubs, youth park renovations, and historic preservation. Last year we were awarded a grant to be the community liaison on the historic research, clean up and land reuse of the former Coronet Mine now designated as a Superfund Clean-Up Site.
Support from you will allow us to continue our community programs and re-establish other programs that were put on hold due to the tremendous task of restoring the Bing House as a Museum. During the 2012 year we will attempt to address programs such as the Teen Conference and workshops, engage in collegiate mentoring of young males, as well as high mentoring programs such as Gentlemen's Quest; and the well noted Striving for Excellence Academy. Your support is a vital component that enables the ILPC’s to continue our success in youth leadership development, especially for those from the underrepresented minority communities.
Undaunted, ILPC is an organization committed to excellence, with a clear vision and a passion for delivering outstanding results. We ask you to work with us to capitalize on our growth and these strengths. Over the years the ILPC has proven the effectiveness of youth leadership development and community-based programs. The ILPC has helped to demonstrate that community outreach programs which are developed and managed by a community for a community make a striking impact. With your support our programs can continue to bring critically-needed social and, literacy skills to the neighbors, family members, and peers residing in Lincoln & Madison Park areas, and in so doing, will effect positive change in their own communities.
The challenge “right now”, is for you to seize the opportunity, to help the community. Help us realize the positive impact of our programs in Plant City by giving us your innovative, rewarding and productive ideas. We at the Improvement League of Plant City want/need you to help our community meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
The need for an African American Community Museum that preserves the history of local families as a past generational success stories cannot be overstated. This bit of history will change the lives of our youth and encourage positive mindsets only if we stay focused. The continuance of effective youth and family programs is vital to building a future, uplifting individuals, and creating self-sufficiency.
Thank you for your past support and contributions to ILPC, and the community residents it serves. We look forward to your consideration of future support and the opportunity to partner in the future. Please feel free to contact us at (813) 757-6760.
Liesta Sykes
President, Improvement League of Plant City, Inc.