HAMPTON, Va. — Ragen Johnson was a staff member at Alternatives, Inc. several years ago when she learned that the group's executive director was planning to retire.
"I was encouraged to throw my hat in the ring," Johnson said. "It felt like a long shot, but I'm so happy that here I am and still leading the agency forward."
Alternatives serves children and families across Hampton, Newport News, and York County. The nonprofit also supports early childhood programs in Norfolk and Williamsburg-James City County.
"We provide during-school services and afterschool services," Johnson said, "focusing on the social and emotional development of young people and also youth leadership and civic engagement."
Alternatives' impact is inspired by the CASEL framework, which addresses competence, self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
Programs and community partners for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students, and their families have helped youth develop important life skills for more than 50 years, including its current leader.
"[I] really started in my middle school days here with the agency, volunteered while I went to Christopher Newport [University] to work on my education, and then became a staff member full-time," Johnson said.
Today, Alternatives is reaching more school-aged children and their families than ever. Programs like Pennies to Dollars, which teaches financial education, encourages kids and adults to learn and work together.
"This past year, we're projected to have served over 3,700 children, youth, and families here in Hampton Roads," Johnson said. "We look to our families to tell us what they need and where we can offer [support]."
The nonprofit is now looking ahead with plans to build on its impact in the community.
"We're gearing up for summer in that we're [going to] be serving elementary and middle school kids," Johnson said. "We are expanding our early childhood programs."
Johnson said the group is also working to expand its youth leadership and civic engagement programs for middle school and high school students, like World Changers and the Youth Leadership Academy, which promote youth advocacy and self-confidence.
"[Our youth leadership and civic engagement programs are] really two-fold-- one is to develop themselves as future leaders. So, learning about the qualities of a leader, learning about their own strengths.," Johnson said. "The other piece of that, though, is where they are looking at an issue in their community and giving voice and ideas to how to change that... These are issues that young people are picking that they care about. We're not, as the adults, dictating what that is."
A student named Keilani shared in a statement that the program helped her find her voice and realize she can bring about change.
"Alternatives doesn't just help you grow in skills and personality but shows you the opportunities you have as a young person that we were not aware of because of the limited perspective we have," she said. "I want more people to notice the power they have in their actions and words that they are capable of changing the world, if only they would attend a group like this one."
Another student named Kiegan shared in a statement that the World Changers group "means a safe space, a second family, and a place to be myself. Above all else, it means a place where I can make a difference in the world.”
A community supporter named Jana, who said she has been involved with Alternatives in a variety of ways over more than 30 years, agrees with the students. Jana shared in a statement that she appreciates the value the organization brought to her life.
"It was a powerful experience to be able to work with adults to show the value of youth partnerships," she said. "The skills I learned then helped me throughout school and my career. A few years ago, my children were able to join the Youth Leadership Academy and get a taste of what Alternatives provides for the community."
Johnson said Alternatives is constantly evolving, much like the kids and teens the nonprofit serves.
"We love that we're able to grow a little bit every year," Johnson said. "We are a nonprofit here that always works to give young people voices at community tables, in their school, council, school board, and develop them as future leaders, no matter how little they start with us."
Alternatives' programs and services are free for children and families. Click here to learn how your child can be part of the nonprofit.
You can also help Alternatives continue its mission by making a monetary donation, helping purchase supplies, signing up to volunteer, or serving as a community partner.