Voices, Inc.

Voices, Inc., works with youth ages 14 to 21 in afterschool and summer programs that mentor youth in the documentary arts. Voices’ mission is to provide young people with the safe space, positive relationships and skills training to document real-life stories and the platform to share those stories with the world. Not only are stories an agent of change, but through learning the documentary arts, Voices youth improve their self-efficacy, critical thinking and literacy skills.

Building Strength
SVP Partners helped Voices build its board of directors, develop fundraising expertise, and strengthen its capacity to serve youth. SVP also helped lead a nationwide search for a new executive director.

Year after year, the Voices program provides youth the responsibility of participating in its programs and, as a result, the opportunity to be a published author. These experiences change negative behaviors into behaviors that prepare them for college, the work world, and being engaged citizens.

Success Story
Felix came to Voices last year struggling to find a connection at his school. Felix had the highest recommendations from his teachers, but because he felt like he wasn’t being challenged enough in school, he often underperformed.

At Voices, Felix’s first published piece was a radio story on KXCI about why he had such a “bad attitude.” He wrote a holiday radio story about New Year’s at his aunt’s house on the reservation, where he and his family “ate soggy bologna sandwiches and drank liquor in plastic McDonald’s cups.”

Over the next few months, he wrote and photographed a magazine story and a story on downtown; two radio stories aired on KUAZ, and he was the subject of an Arizona Illustrated segment about Native American students attending college.

Building Leaders
Felix’s success is a result of being asked to perform to his full potential. He took on more responsibilities, often coming in early and staying late to finish stories, take care of the Voices equipment, or help other youth. Felix’s attitude improved, and he is now in his senior year. Felix has transformed into a leader, is connected to his peers and his community, and is optimistic about his future.


For further information about Voices: voicesinc.org