News Release

Lauderhill, FL – March 24, 2023 – 6:00 PM – City of Lauderhill Commissioner Denise D. Grant and Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers are gearing up to escort 17 children from the Youth Empowerment Village (YEV) to attend the State Capitol’s Annual Children’s Week.

YEV’s 2022 Summer Program, hosted at the City of Lauderhill’s Historical Museum, taught students ages 10-17 professionalism, entrepreneurship, etiquette and public speaking. The five-week program was transformative for the youth enrolled and now they are planning to experience this once in a lifetime trip to the State’s Capitol during Children’s Week in Tallahassee.

YEV Founder and CEO Jackie Vernon Thompson explains, “YEV has been in existence since 2017 and has had the continuous support of the City of Lauderhill from Mayor Ken Thurston, Commissioner Denise Grant, and former Commissioner Howard Berger. They have provided priceless opportunities for our students since YEV opened its doors. Our youth are our future and Lauderhill embraces this. We are extremely grateful for the support of Commissioner Grant this year and for years past.”

Prior YEV trips to Children’s Week included meetings with State Representatives, including former Representative Anika Omphroy, a visit to the House Chamber, a youth advocacy formal banquet, and a meeting with the First Lady. This year, the YEV students will leave on Sunday, March 26 to meet with Representative Daryl Campbell, Representative Lisa Dunkley, and Senator Rosalind Osgood who assisted in making this trip possible. The students will also engage in discussions regarding a proposed bill that, if passed, will provide personal hygiene products in public schools.  The State Capitol experience is designed to teach students how bills are made into law. Since the program's inception, the Kiwanis Club of Lauderdale Lakes and Broward County Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers have collaborated with the City of Lauderhill.

Commissioner Denise D. Grant explains, “I look forward to interacting with and getting to know the students on a more personal level. It is imperative the students understand how elected officials like myself are indeed advocates for them. I plan to show them just how important they are to me by spending quality time with them while we journey to the State’s Capitol.”

For more information, please contact Aide to Commissioner Grant, Stephanie Crooks at 954-777-2044 or email her at scrooks@lauderhill-fl.gov.