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In January 1989 A group of professional
African-American women met to discuss common concerns about the
plight of children in our communities. A multitude of
concerns were expressed including concerns over the alarming
statistics of teenage pregnancy, high school dropout rates and the
high rates of poor academic performance.
Recognizing that the scope of these
problems was formidable, but having a strong desire to be an
active part of the solution, The Friends of Hampton Roads was
created.
The organization is committed to
scholarship, encouragement of African-American youth to achieve
their full potential, and to provide leadership, inspiration, and
positive role models in our communities.
Our first endeavor was fund raising
for scholarship monies. The Friends of Hampton Roads, Inc.
Annual Scholarship Ball was conceived as a vehicle to achieve this
goal.
The funds raised from the first
Scholarship Ball netted $3,140 and allowed us to give a
scholarship to a college-bound graduating high school senior.
We have been blessed with increased success over the years,
awarding $400,000 in scholarship monies with a growing
endowment fund.
In addition to the annual scholarship
program, Friends of Hampton Roads is actively addressing other
areas of concern in our community. Career Day programs have
been held for high school students and a year long Rites of
Passage Program was initiated for girls in 1993. The
organization has also worked with area adopt-a-school, tutoring,
and abused women's programs.
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