The Bryce Project
LaVon Curtis has only one requirement for the young ladies of The BRYCE Project: Come with an open mind and a desire to give back.
BRYCE, which is named for LaVon’s –year-old son, is an acronym for Bright Resilient Youth Committed to Enrichment.
“I wanted to try to instill in my girls what I would instill in my own child,” LaVon said in a phone interview.
The project actually began, she said, as part of her participation in the Parent Leadership Training Institute of Alexandria
“After that,” she said, “it grew into a world of its own.”
Now a 501c3 nonprofit, BRYCE serves girls ages 14 to 19, encouraging them to engage in their communities, while also fostering self-esteem, friendship, etiquette and social-emotional skills. LaVon said she was inspired by her nieces and nephews.
“They were pretty selfish,” she shared, “and in their minds, the world revolved around them. I didn’t like it. I wanted them to become more involved in the community. I wanted them to be more aware of what is happening outside their little world.”
Indeed, community service is a vital part of The BRYCE Project. The girls of BRYCE have tutored at local elementary schools, completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, and volunteered at So Others Might Eat, to name a few.
“They didn’t realize people actually sleep on the streets,” LaVon said. “One of the girls cried.”
One of LaVon’s nieces, Kiana Jones, 16, said that participating in The BRYCE Project has taught her to count her blessings. “Not everyone has the chances I have had.”
The group has also allowed the girls to form friendships with peers they might otherwise not know well. The participants, LaVon pointed out, are a diverse group of young women.
“They’re all individuals, but when we come together, they have a great cohesion among them.”
They are also eager for leadership, and the desire for autonomy is more than welcome, as far as LaVon is concerned.
“They’ve exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I don’t feel like I do much. I feel like they do it all. They’re not afraid to lead… and I love it.”
MEET THE YOUNG LADIES OF THE BRYCE PROJECT
RUTHIE MARIN, 18
What has been your most meaningful or memorable experience with The BRYCE Project?
The most meaningful or memorable experience with The BRYCE Project has to be going to So Others Might Eat (SOME) in D.C. SOME helps the poor and homeless by providing food and other needs to these people. We helped prepare and distribute some of the food and refreshments. I saw how thankful the men and women were to have young women going out and taking time out of our day to give back. I could see how happy, thankful and grateful they were which in return made me even more content.
In her spare time she: Studies. I rarely have time to study during the week because I work at an after school program. If I do have time I like spending it with my friends just talking about random things over some delicious food.
Favorite subject in school: Sociology. “I have learned that the many actions that we do and the subconscious acts that we do have been socially molded. We have all been socialized into something one way or another.”
What have you learned from The BRYCE Project that you carry into the rest of your life?
What I have learned from The BRYCE Project is that volunteering is fun. All the places that we have gone to, I have had fun and learned that volunteering is awesome because it is one of the most selfless actions.
In ten years… “I see myself working for the city of Alexandria as a social worker.”
What is something about yourself that makes you unique? I am passionate about being a role model.
KIANA, 16
How did you come to participate in the program?
Mrs. LaVon is my aunt, and I was interested in supporting her. I also thought that it would be fun and a great opportunity to interact with other girls and make new friends.
What has been your most meaningful or memorable experience with The BRYCE Project?
My most memorable experience with The BRYCE Project would have to be when we went to the SOME (So Others Might Eat) kitchen in DC and (served meals to) the homeless. It was really sad, but at the same time it made me feel good to be able to give back to that community. It changed my whole outlook on my life.
In her free time, she enjoys: Listening to music and reading
Favorite subject in school: Math. “In math, I am confident about what I’m doing. It’s challenging, and I like challenges."
What have you learned from The BRYCE Project that you carry into the rest of your life?
Being in The BRYCE project has taught me that I should count my blessings. Not everyone has the chances that I have had being in The BRYCE Project, meeting these wonderful girls that all have great personalities and actually getting to call them all my friends. I've learned that there are people who actually care and reaching out to others is okay. The BRYCE project has taught me that life is what you make it.
In ten years… “I see myself as an attorney and married.”
What makes you unique? “I speak my mind, and I don't let people run over me. I'm also very independent”
AMEENA, 17
What has been your most meaningful or memorable experience with The BRYCE Project?
My most memorable moment with The BRYCE Project is when we went to D.C. to pass out lunches to the homeless. It gave me a one-on-one experience with those who have dealt with hardship and made me feel blessed for what I have.
What have you learned from BRYCE Project that you carry into the rest of your life?
I learned that giving back to the community that raised you is humbling and crucial to ones self -fulfillment.
Favorite school subject: Science, “because there it is always progressing and applies to the world in every way.”
In her free time, she enjoys: Running, watching her favorite TV shows, doing nails and makeup.
In ten years… “I see myself working in a hospital giving hope and being a positive person to those who need it.”
What makes you unique? “I'm an equal mix of analytical and artistic.”