BB2C...the organization. Cheers to 2019!

What we do as an organization has expanded greatly in the last two years, but our mission has not changed.

We still strive to build community networks that can provide area youth with experiences in a variety of career fields and then we help them create and attain life goals. “Pathways” are the current buzzword for this work, so we are helping youth develop career pathways that include education/training of some kind and lead them towards gainful employment.

Although BB2C was founded in 2012, we just became an incorporated non-profit organization in April 2017. With this came all of the “official” organizational things like a governing board, by-laws, meeting minutes, etc. Does this still help us meet our mission? Yes, each board member comes from our community and is a part of our community network system that can be called upon to connect and network with area youth. Each board member has distinct knowledge and experiences that cannot be duplicated, which may light a fire of motivation and understanding inside of one of the youth we connect to him/her.

We are running a Small Business Incubator in the Epicenter in which we currently house four small businesses and an organization. Our Epicenter Director also coaches other small businesses in the region to help them grow and develop. Does this still help us meet our mission? Yes, each small business is run by people in our community and they can be called upon to connect and network with area youth. Each business owner has distinct knowledge and experiences that cannot be duplicated, which may light a fire of motivation and understanding inside of one of the youth we connect to him/her.

We are also running a community Makerspace in the Epicenter. Makerspaces are a phenomenon that exist in all parts of the country and each one is unique to their context and environment. The equipment and opportunities available in the BB2C Epicenter Makerspace were collected and created because of the people we know from our community networks. Does this still help us meet our mission? Yes, each community member that takes advantage of the Makerspace could be a potential contact for area youth. Each Makerspace member has distinct knowledge and experiences that cannot be duplicated, which may light a fire of motivation and understanding inside of one of the youth we connect to him/her.

As we move into 2019, we are yet again expanding opportunities in response to the needs of the communities we serve. The BB2C organization has been partnered with all schools in Washington County, and now we are partnered with Williamstown High School and organizations in Athens County. We have a new thriving high school internship program, small businesses will be able to take advantage of a revolving loan through the Epicenter, and we are adding more equipment and spaces to the Makerspace. We will continue to work with state-wide organizations to improve our efforts and to communicate the wonderful things happening in southeast Ohio to other regions of the state.

Here’s to a happy, healthy 2019 that is filled with opportunities to connect and make a difference! Stay tuned….

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Makerspace Series: Woodshop

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BB2C Partnerships: Ohio Training Committee of Ohio