United Way partners with Wilmington

The city of Wilmington is teaming up with United Way of Delaware for a three-year partnership designed to prepare the city’s young people for success.

More than 300 people, ages 14 to 20, from the city’s summer employment program will participate in the “Life Map Experience.” They’ll work interactively with the nonprofit’s staff and youth facilitators to talk about future goals, past and present life experiences as well as hardships they’ve endured along the way.

Excited about the partnership, Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams said identifying what resources helped the city’s young people overcome past challenges will prepare them for future success.

“This program provides a positive outlet and can play a fundamental role in helping to develop and guide our young people,” Williams said. 

Life Map’s goal is to empower its participants through storytelling and to encourage them to become “change agents” in their communities. 

“Youth are at the heart of our work throughout our communities, as we are building tomorrow’s leaders today,” said Michelle Taylor, president and chief executive officer of United Way Delaware. “I am pleased with our partnership with the City of Wilmington that has helped us positively affect the lives of so many youth within our communities.”

Now a sophomore in college, former Life Map participant Macquan Higgin described the experience as an eye opener. 

“It is allowing me to see my past successes and failures and reminds me of what I’ve been been able to overcome in my life.”