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Date Published: December 3, 2023
The SHIELD Mentor Program, under the dynamic leadership of Founder and Executive Director Precious McKoy, achieved a remarkable milestone on November 16, 2023. The organization was bestowed with the prestigious Nonprofit of the Year award, presented by the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium and sponsored by DMJPS CPAs + Advisors. The grand event took place at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame in High Point, marking a significant moment.
Precious McKoy, reflecting on this momentous occasion, shared her sentiments, saying, "After 15 extraordinary years of community engagement, it's truly fantastic that the SHIELD Mentor Program stands out with this recognition. I'm incredibly grateful for the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium's leadership in fostering collaboration among various nonprofits, all passionately dedicated to fortifying our community. We eagerly look forward to our continued efforts, collectively steering towards an even more impactful future!"
The recognition by the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium is a testament to SHIELD's unwavering commitment to youth development and collaborative community initiatives. The award ceremony, held at the iconic American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, celebrated not only SHIELD's achievements but also the power of collaboration among nonprofits in Guilford County.
The award, sponsored by DMJPS CPAs + Advisors, acknowledges SHIELD's exceptional efforts in uniting diverse organizations, fostering unity, and positively impacting the lives of young people across the county. The collaboration has been instrumental in the success of the Youth Service Providers Collaborative (YSPC), bringing together influential organizations such as the YMCA of Greensboro, The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro, Black Child Development, Guilford Nonprofit Consortium, and Greensboro Parks and Recreation.
The Guilford Nonprofit Consortium's recognition reflects the community's acknowledgment of SHIELD's outstanding work in orchestrating events like the picnic table construction at Jackson Middle School. This initiative not only provided students with hands-on, skill-building experiences but also showcased the program's commitment to collaboration with organizations like Saf-Gard/SR Max, Lowes, Bosch, She Built This City, and Timberland.
In addition to local initiatives, SHIELD's impact resonates on a broader scale, as demonstrated by the co-founders Antonio and Precious McKoy, who shared their expertise at the Carolinas Youth Mentoring Symposium. Their discussion on "The Benefits of Youth Apprenticeship and Offering Youth-Led Initiatives" not only highlighted SHIELD's achievements but also provided valuable insights to other mentoring organizations on effective collaboration with the workforce system.
The "Catalyzing Pathways: Youth Mentorship Evolution Beyond the Pandemic" event, which took place in October 2023 in partnership with the YSPC, United Way Mentoring Matters Hub, and local youth-serving mentoring organizations, underscores SHIELD's commitment to inspiring meaningful conversations and actions in the field of mentorship.
The Nonprofit of the Year award is not just a recognition of past achievements but a catalyst for SHIELD's continued dedication to shaping the future of mentorship programs. As Precious McKoy eloquently stated, the organization looks forward to steering towards an even more impactful future fueled by collaboration, unity, and a profound commitment to the well-being of young lives in Guilford County.