2B Successful Youth Brochure

As Founder and Director of “2B Successful Youth,” a non-profit educational and enrichment after school program, the goal is to acquire resources and put into action services that will enhance the ability of our youth to move into their future with confidence in their identity, what they can accomplish, to become self-sufficient, and to become an asset to their family and their community.  The Program primarily emphasizes Education and Health.  The Organization is located within the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Matt Garcia Learning Center, located at 230 Atlantic Avenue, Fairfield, CA.  (Formerly Amy Blanc Elementary School)

It was more than 35 years ago while working as a Deputy Clerk at George Carroll Superior Court in Richmond, CA; I was able to see the collation of illiteracy, poverty and crime.  Later as a Deputy Sheriff, it was not uncommon to arrest repeat offenders because of illiteracy, poverty and crime.  My participation in the “Never Alone Juvenile Hall Ministry” and as a “Solano County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commissioner,” it was evident that underachievement in school and dropping out were major factors leading to poverty and crime.  Now, I want to work to improve the education process so underrepresented children will have the opportunity to choose a path to success, graduate and be successful at a post-secondary institution of higher learning, without the elements of crime being a major distraction.

Cynthia Phillips

Executive Director

2B Successful Youth

Incorporation History

2B Successful Youth, Academic Enrichment Program held its first youth meeting in November 2006 at the Cottage Square Apartment’s Community Center, 1189 Tabor Avenue, Fairfield, CA.  This low-income community has been named South PACE by the City of Fairfield.      

 Cottage Square Apartment resident Traci Penny arranged a meeting with property owner Ken Shaw and Cynthia Phillips regarding holding youth meetings in the community center.  The meeting was held and owners Sidney and Ken Shaw granted gratuitous meeting space in their community center.  Aiesha Aponte, Property Manager, volunteered to open and close the facility for the youths evening meetings.   

The volunteer team consisted of Cynthia Phillips, Aiesha Aponte (Property Manager), Traci Penny (parent), Crystal Moses (parent), Barbara Nelson (tenant), Linda Lands (tenant), Harold Hill Jr. (MSW Social Worker) and Michael Phillips (college intern). The majority of the youth participants and their families were residents of the South Pace Community which includes Cottage Square Apartments and the surrounding community.  By 2007, the focus of the meetings had transitioned from simple gatherings to sessions that included homework, math, and reading assistance for the youth.  The volunteer staff had expanded to include Belinda Bush (Biology Professor).   In 2008, Ann Davis (retired teacher), James Eskridge (Registered Nurse) and Niesha Price (parent) joined the league of committed volunteers.    

On March 3, 2009, 2B Successful Youth was awarded its Article of Incorporation for charitable purposes. The specific purpose of 2B Successful Youth is to acquire resources to be able to put into action the kinds of services that will facilitate the ability of our youth to move into their future with a strong confidence in who they are, what they can accomplish while preparing them to be self-sufficient and an asset to their family and community.  The programs emphasize Education and Health.  The volunteer Board of Directors was established to include: Cynthia Philips, Chairperson; Venita Davis, Vice Chairperson, Michael Phillips, Secretary; Carol Simmons, Treasurer and Norma Thigpen, Member at Large.  On May 12, 2010, 2B Successful Youth was awarded its 501c3 tax-exempt status.

 October 8, 2010 was the last date for 2B Successful Youth at 1189 Tabor Avenue, Fairfield, CA. The program closed with a celebration for the students and community.   The organization is scheduled to reopen on October 18, 2010 at Fairfield Suisun Unified School District’s Matt Garcia Learning Center School, 230 Atlantic Avenue - Room 8, Fairfield, CA 94533.