The Rites of Passage Program celebrated Black History by highlighting the lasting impact of Maya Angelo, Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. Participants discussed Maya Angelo’s powerful voice in literature, Malcolm X’s advocacy for black empowerment and self determination and Parks, courageous stand against segregation. The conversation encouraged mentees to reflect on leadership, resilience and the importance of [...]
Derrick Brooks Charities, including members of the Young Ladies Rites of Passage Program and Youth Programs, enjoyed participating in the annual MLK Parade on Monday.
Santa Fest came to town, and Derrick Brooks Charities Rites of Passage Mentoring Program had a ’tis-the-season-to-be-jolly great time! 🎅✨ The young ladies were full of holiday cheer as they strolled through the Christmas parade in the streets of downtown Tampa. Then came ice skating with a few not-so-graceful landings, and a whole lot [...]
Our first session with the young ladies was filled with excitement and meaningful activities. To kick things off, we engaged in a series of fun icebreakers that not only broke the ice but also helped foster a sense of openness among the group. It was a great way for everyone to connect and feel comfortable with [...]
Derrick Brooks Charities Rites of Passage Registration Calling young ladies ages 9-18 years to participate in engaging educational experiences led by caring and dedicated mentors! Monthly meetings include various life skills topics and activities! Location: Brooks DeBartolo High School (10943 N Central Avenue) Registration: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Time 9:30-11:30am For More Info Contact: dbcropp28@gmail.com OR [...]
Who knew dining etiquette could be so much fun? The Rites of Passage Mentoring Program wrapped up its last session before summer with a fun and educational Mother-Daughter Etiquette Class. The young ladies had the opportunity to learn about essential table manners, proper introductions, first impressions, and various styles of etiquette, all while spending quality [...]
The Rites of Passage Program is off to a great start again! Self-confidence, teamwork, social etiquette and communication skills are the topics we’ve covered thus far in the 2024 monthly sessions. We also squeezed in some fun to kick off the holiday season! [...]
We are welcoming young ladies, ages 9-18, to participate in engaging educational experiences led by caring and dedicated mentors. Enjoy monthly sessions filled with impactful life lessons. Meet new friends and acquire knowledge and skills that will enhance your future! Topics: Life skills Social etiquette Self-esteem building Goal setting Community service & much more! When: September [...]
During January and February, Derrick Brooks Charities Rites of Passage Program mentor meetings focused on Black History and the importance of working together toward a common goal. We also managed to squeeze in some fun and games as well!
Congratulations to Derrick Brooks Charities Rites of Passage Program’s graduating Senior Class of 2023!
During the last three months, we have continued to focus on life skills modules. The modules prepare young ladies to cope with and handle everyday life. The topics covered thus far are building positive self-esteem, stress management, and recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships. The young ladies also had an opportunity to attend Count on Your Future [...]
The best way to handle an emergency is to prepare! Thank you, Angela Vickers (CPR/ First Aid instructor), for providing lifesaving skills to the young ladies of the Rites of Passage Program! Congratulations to our 2022 graduating senior, Savannah Maultsby! We are so proud of you! We wish you all the best as you continue [...]
There is nothing more empowering than having the confidence to protect yourself in dangerous situations, and a young lady should always have the skills to defend herself. This month, Officer James White demonstrated effective strategies to fight off attackers and the appropriate time to use self-defense. We had a fantastic time learning and [...]
Our mentoring program is off to a wonderful start, and we are excited to get back to a sense of normalcy as we continue to stay safe and sanitized. Despite the COVID circumstances, we will continue to provide empowering experiences for young ladies in the Tampa bay area. Our discussions and activities included health and hygiene, [...]
Presenting the Rites of Passage Program’s 2020/2021 high school graduates! Congratulations, ladies, and GOD'S blessings to you all! Jordan Fields - Graduate of Riverview High School. Attending Florida A&M University. Zakaya Green - Graduate of Tampa Catholic High School. Attending Florida State University. Prayse Bailey- Graduate of Tampa Bay Tech. Attending Santa Fe College. Briana Morris- [...]
Derrick Brooks Charities Rites of Passage Program dedicated their last meeting giving back to the community. The young ladies decorated masks for a local elementary class in Hillsborough County. The girls want to help students stay safe over the summer, and what better way to encourage them to mask up by making their face coverings a [...]
One of our goals in the Rites of Passage Program is to help young ladies take an intentional step towards improving their personal development. In the past two months, we’ve focused on life skills. Personal grooming, hygiene, proper dining etiquette, social, organizational, and communication skills were the topics of conversation. In addition, the young ladies [...]
Allow your choices to be your actions to write your legacy! What will your story read? Former high school Social Studies teacher Curtis Sails spoke with the Rites of Passage Program's young ladies about their ability to make meaningful, responsible decisions and how their actions today determine their tomorrow. Mr. Sails based his discussion on [...]
Allow your choices to be your actions to write your legacy! What will your story read? Former high school Social Studies teacher Curtis Sails spoke with the Rites of Passage Program's young ladies about their ability to make meaningful, responsible decisions and how their actions today determine their tomorrow. Mr. Sails based his discussion on a [...]
Greetings and Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new! As we all know, 2020 presented many hardships for us all, but by the grace of GOD, we made it through! And, the Rites of Passage Mentoring Program weathered the storm. While adhering to the COVID guidelines, Derrick Brooks Charities continues to [...]
Greetings and Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new! As we all know, 2020 presented many hardships for us all, but by the grace of GOD, we made it through! And the Rites of Passage Mentoring Program weathered the storm. While adhering to the COVID guidelines, Derrick Brooks Charities continues [...]
Preparing for the future! The young ladies of the Rites of Passage Program will have the voting process nailed to perfection when their time comes to vote. The mentors and mentees had a lengthy and informative discussion about the upcoming election, current candidates, platforms and the importance of voting. After the conversation, the future voters had [...]
Welcome back to the Rites of Passage Program! Our kick-off meeting was held at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School on September 15, 2018. The agenda for the day consisted of welcome, introductions, program overview, rules, guidelines, and registration. Also, in preparation for our visit to the 2018 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair, we took [...]
We are grateful for the Moffitt Healthy Kidz program for inviting the young ladies to participate in another wonderful event. Thank you, Nikki Inda, for exposing our girls to STEM education!
