Nonprofit uplifting community youth with workshop, talent show

Jul. 2—A new nonprofit is allowing local kids to show off their talents and learn new skills this weekend.

Diversed Perspectives will host the Creative Minds Youth Workshop on Saturday, July 6, at Weston Rides at 3618 Charles St.

Demetrius Chance, founding director of Diversed Perspectives, said the event is a partnership involving Weston Custom Rides and Isaac Hoodstar that aims to teach kids ages 5 to 18 skills in the auto industry.

"From 11 (a.m.) to 1 (p.m.), kids will learn basic auto mechanics in a hands-on way," Chance said. "They will learn different parts of the car, how to change the oil and how to check tires while they hear about a profession they can start mastering even at their age."

These skills are another way the nonprofit wants to prepare kids to plan for their future.

"A lot of youth feel unseen," Chance said. "So workshops like this are about reestablishing their sense of purpose and value."

From 1 to 3 p.m., kids can participate in a talent show. The nonprofit has partnered with Baby Girl Entertainment and others to provide local celebrity judges, and cash prizes will be awarded. All kids participating will receive a free meal. Individuals and organizations have also donated free water, juice and light refreshments for those who attend.

"We want to show the kids that the community actually supports them," Chance said. "We also hope that youth see that they have potential and there are opportunities to develop skills and to learn a trade, whether they go to college or not."

Diversed Perspectives provides various mentorship opportunities and is networking with groups like the Bartlett Center and St. Joseph Museums to provide opportunities for the community to support kids — especially at-risk youth — in the St. Joseph area.

"It's all based on unity," Chance said. "When we take our similarities and start working together, that builds communities."

For more information on Diversed Perspectives and events, visit the group's Facebook page.

Watch an extended interview with Demetrius Chance here:

Charles Christian anchors the evening news for News-Press NOW and also serves as an ordained minister at United Methodist Churches in Union Star and Helena, Missouri. Charles can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter: @NPNowChristian.