BALTIMORE — The ink on the degree Catherine Trotter received from Morgan State University likely wasn’t dry when the then ambitious and motivated 22-year-old started the nonprofit New Beginnings Youth Development & Coaching Program.
(Photo: The Umbrella Syndicate)
Catherine Trotter family supporters: (Left to right):Yolanda Trotter, sister-in-law; Catherine Trotter, founder, New Beginnings Youth Development & Coaching Program (center); Mia Trotte, toddler ( center); and Catherine’s brother Andrew Trotter.
Trotter’s goal was to provide a platform for young individuals to showcase their talents and to make a difference in the lives of others.
“We wanted our young people to use language in a positive light and we wanted to provide a platform for youth and young adults to showcase their talents and use language in a positive way because a lot of what you see on television and hear on the radio isn’t positive at all,” said Trotter, whose House of New Beginnings organization stemmed from the implementation of a mentoring program.
(Photo: The Umbrella Syndicate)
Luther Wright, visual artist
In 2006, the organization expanded its services to offer transitional housing assistance to transitioning foster care youth. In 2009, the program expanded into NB Youth Academy.
Today, its development program provides wraparound services that include mentoring, career and life coaching, leadership and character development and community youth engagement projects.
The program is open to youth and young adults between the ages of 10 and 25.
Two years ago in 2013, Trotter added even more to the organization, initiating the Speak Life Tour where young performers are taken on the road to perform in places such as Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and New York. She said she also has designs on taking the tour as far south as Atlanta.
However, before that, Trotter has some major local plans.
(Photo: The Umbrella Syndicate)
Keon Myers, inspirational rapper
On Saturday, July 11, 2015 Trotter will hold the first Speak Life Tour Music Arts Festival at Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello Community Corporation, located at 3220 The Alameda on the campus of City College High School in Baltimore. The noon festival will feature live performances and visual arts. It will include boutique pop-up shops, a host of food, hair and other vendors, community information and 30 hair cut vouchers will be provided to young males between five and 12 years old.
“This coming Saturday is an opportunity for young people to be a part of the Speak Life Tour,” Trotter said. “The festival is a culmination of a lot local people coming together.”
Trotter said she’s hoping that 300 or more residents will attend Saturday’s event and a team of young volunteers have been busy at work handing out and posting fliers about the event, which is scheduled to run until 6 p.m. The event is free to attend.
Trotter said the performances at the event are specifically tailored toward motivating young individuals and to help strengthen their resolve to become leaders in their communities.
“The response has been very well for Speak Life overall,” Trotter said. “We average about 150 people coming to our regular shows so, at the festival; we are looking to double that.”