2025 will mark the 19th anniversary of the founding of Planet Improv, Incorporated.

I was pondering recently (both internally and aloud to friends and colleagues) that upon retrospect I find it impossible to fathom a more challenging business to maintain than a nonprofit that attempts to help underserved students and communities with a spotlight on education, the arts, mental health, violence prevention, alcohol and drug education, social emotional learning, trauma healing and attempting to be a voice, provide a voice and lend an ear/hand in regards to the laundry list of every day challenges that underserved students are faced with these days.

Happy almost 19th anniversary to us!

As I discuss our/my journey with people I meet, I share our/my monumental evolution over these almost 19 years.

They say that ignorance is bliss.  I don’t know that I was ever blissful, but I sure was ignorant.

Most of you reading this post (thank you by the way) have the normal daily bumps and bruises of being a human and living your life.

Most of us have no idea the challenges that our underserved students and communities face daily.

Unfortunately, society and, specifically, those who would/should fund such programs for our underserved seem to be blissfully unaware as well, especially around education.

(Below) is a post from elevatenewengland.org discussing the importance of individual and corporate donations to education for underserved students.

Why you should donate to education for underserved children

In a world teeming with possibilities, education stands as the cornerstone of progress, the key to unlocking a brighter future for all. Yet, for many disadvantaged youth, this essential pathway to opportunity remains obstructed by barriers of poverty, inequality, and limited resources. Here at Elevate New England, we are on a mission to build long-term, life-changing relationships with the youth of our region, equipping them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through a blend of mentorship, education, and community engagement, our organization is rewriting the narratives of countless young lives, steering them toward a future filled with promise and potential.

However, building these support systems requires dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment of individuals like you. In this article, we’ll discuss why you should consider investing in education for at-risk youth. Your generosity as a donor empowers us to achieve this objective, fostering tangible change in the lives of underserved children. And together, we unlock doors of opportunity, nurturing their potential for a brighter tomorrow.

The impact of education on at-risk teens

Education is a powerful catalyst for change, providing teens from all backgrounds with a pathway to a brighter future. Especially for adolescents from marginalized communities, access to quality education offers the chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and fundamentally alter their circumstances. Education empowers them with the knowledge and skills to overcome life’s challenges, fostering a sense of confidence and self-sufficiency.

Ultimately, education empowers at risk youth by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. It unlocks doors to opportunities previously beyond their reach, enabling them to seize control of their destinies and dismantle systemic barriers that may have hindered their progress. Through education, students can unleash their full potential and foster a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their communities.

At Elevate New England, we’ve witnessed firsthand how 1:1 support and social-emotional learning allows students to access quality education and transform their attitudes so they can achieve academic outcomes. Seeing students from our own communities thrive as they embrace learning and envision brighter futures reaffirms our commitment to empowering every child with the tools they need to succeed.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

The cycle of poverty refers to a self-reinforcing pattern where individuals or families remain trapped in poverty across generations. It typically involves a combination of economic, social, and environmental factors that create barriers to upward mobility.

At its core, the cycle of poverty often begins with limited access to education and employment opportunities, which leads to financial instability. This can result in inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare, and insufficient nutrition, making it harder and harder for families to get out of poverty.

Moreover, the effects of poverty can extend beyond economic hardship, impacting mental and physical health, social relationships, and overall well-being. Children growing up in poverty face numerous challenges, including limited access to quality education and resources, they may be more likely to experience educational setbacks and struggle to break free from poverty in adulthood.

Without intervention or access to resources, the cycle of poverty can persist from one generation to the next, creating systemic inequalities that are difficult to overcome. Breaking this cycle typically requires targeted interventions such as improving access to education, healthcare, affordable housing, and economic opportunities, as well as addressing systemic barriers and social disparities.

Education provides kids and young adults with the tools they need to overcome the barriers of poverty. With access to support, essential knowledge, and skills, they can pursue higher education and secure better-paying jobs, ultimately lifting themselves and their families out of poverty.

Why invest in education for at-risk teens?

While quality education is the backbone of opportunity, it is frequently left out of reach for those in marginalized communities. Investing in education for these teens opens doors that may otherwise remain closed. It provides the youth with access to the resources and support systems they need to succeed academically and break the cycle of poverty. By investing in their education, donors can empower children and teens to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities as adults.

Transforming lives

For families and individuals in marginalized communities, education can have a near-immediate and profound impact on their lives. With improved education, our teacher-mentors help provide hope to our students that they too can access better job and education opportunities, which can lead to higher incomes and better financial stability. This, in turn, enables families to afford better living conditions, including adequate housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare helping to break generational traumas and cycles.

Moreover, better education can elevate an individual’s sense of dignity and self-worth, instilling a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment. It opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing individuals to envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. Overall, the immediate impact of better education creates a ripple effect of positive change, breaking generational cycles and toward a brighter future.

Investing in the future

If there’s one thing that we know, it’s that no one gets there alone. By helping us allocate resources towards education, innovation, and sustainable development, we sow the seeds for long-term prosperity and progress. Without investment in education, at-risk youth miss crucial opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

These missed opportunities can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, trapping individuals and communities in a downward spiral of limited prospects and unrealized potential. However, when we invest in education, particularly for underprivileged children, we break this cycle and open doors to a brighter future.

Making education accessible

Educational disparities can have severe consequences. When teens and other at-risk youth lack quality education, their potential remains untapped. This affects their quality of life and hinders economic growth. This inequality tends to breed frustration and tension, leading to social unrest. Providing education ensures a prosperous and harmonious society for all. All children deserve the right to a good education, no matter where they come from or what their families have.

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It is my and Planet Improv, Incorporated ‘s continuing honor and pleasure to do what we do, no matter the stress of, “Will we have the funds to keep doing this next year?”

At the risk of prominently displaying my rose-colored glasses and/or my naivete I must believe that helping our, and the work of our altruistic colleagues in the nonprofit community, underserved students will continue to strike a chord in those who help financially support organizations such as ours.

Should you, anyone your know, like, love, work with or have any connection with a corporation/foundation who shares our passions/calling wish to donate to Planet Improv, Incorporated, just go to www.planetimprov.org and hit the “donate” tab.

The tax year of 2024 is ending soon, it may provide a tax deduction, if applicable.

We thank you in advance for the generosity.

Have a safe and festive remainder of your holiday season.

And to all a good night!