named programs · 11 · from sources
What they call their work
Creative Writing Program
Youth writing program focusing on poetry, short stories, and journaling, culminating in published anthologies
Dance Program
Hip-hop, African, and Latin dance instruction promoting physical health, self-esteem, and cultural awareness
Family Social Night
Monthly family engagement events to strengthen parent-youth communication and family bonds
Karate Program
Martial arts instruction focusing on self-discipline, self-protection, and physical fitness
Step Program
Percussive dance program teaching rhythm, teamwork, and leadership through African American cultural traditions
Summer Camp Program
Seven-week affordable summer camp offering arts education and performance opportunities for youth
Summer of Opportunity Program
Internship and workforce readiness program for youth ages 14-20 in partnership with local organizations
The Sandbox
Arts and mentoring program for children ages 8-12, running three months with daily sessions and biweekly family engagement activities
The Village
Arts and mentoring program for youth ages 13-16, running three months with daily sessions and biweekly family engagement activities
Theater Program
Acting and performance training to build confidence, communication, and interpersonal skills through MIB&G productions
Visual Arts Program
Program using painting, drawing, and visual expression for personal and community development
activities · 5 groups
What they do
-
Education Policy Advocacy & Reform 1 activity
- Advocacy for public education fundingEngages in advocacy by traveling to Albany, NY to lobby for increased state funding for the Rochester City School District, aiming to improve educational resources and opportunities for underserved youth.
-
-
After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- After-school and evening academic support programOffers a free after-school and evening program for youth Monday through Friday (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.) featuring Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reading classes to support academic development, alongside mentorship and tailored engagement based on individual learning styles.
-
-
Youth Workforce Readiness Programs 1 activity
- Summer youth programs and employment preparationOperates multiple summer programs including a 7-week affordable summer camp and the Summer of Opportunity Program, which engages over 250 youth annually. Also runs a summer employment preparation program for youth aged 14 to 20, supporting workforce readiness and identity development through dance, public speaking, and talent showcases.
-
-
Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Youth arts and cultural programming in Black cultureProvides youth with structured arts education centered on Black cultural expression through programs in step, dance, theater, music, spoken word, and creative writing. The organization produces annual performances and co-authors published anthologies of youth literary work, including titles such as 'My Voice' and 'Young Gifted and Going Places.'
-
-
Youth One-on-One Mentoring 1 activity
- Youth mentorship and family engagement programmingProvides long-term mentoring for youth, some participating continuously from elementary through high school, with structured programs like "The Village" (ages 13–16) and "The Sandbox" (ages 8–12). Includes biweekly Saturday sessions and monthly Family Social Nights that engage parents and mentors in activities designed to strengthen communication and family bonds.
-
financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$189K
Contributions & grants$189K100%
Program service revenue——
Investment income$920%
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$200K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$120K
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$51K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$33K
3 years on record · 2022–2024 · YoY revenue +146.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBERT RICKS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $70K |
board members · 4
- ISAIAH SANTIAGO — BOARD PRESIDENT
- MAI HO — BOARD OF DIRECTORS - VICE
- SABRINA LAMAR — BOARD VP
- WALIDA MONROE — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 30
Who they work with
- 45 school Partner — School where a MIB&G mentor worked with a student starting in the 3rd grade.
- Baber AME Church Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Baber AME Church.
- Boys and Girls Club Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by the Boys and Girls Club.
- Citizen Action of NY Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Citizen Action of NY.
- City of Rochester Partner — Collaborates on the Summer of Opportunity Program, which places youth in internships.
- City of Rochester Partner — Recognized by Mayor Lovely Warren in a tribute to MIB&G and Robert Ricks.
- City of Rochester Department of Youth Services Partner — Partnered with Mr. Robert Ricks to deliver youth arts and mentoring programs.
- First Genesis Church Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by First Genesis Church.
- Helping Hand Missionary Baptist Church Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Helping Hand Missionary Baptist Church.
- Kingdom Word Power Praise & Worship Center Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Kingdom Word Power Praise & Worship Center.
- Kumba Consultants Partner — Collaborated with Mr. Robert Ricks in delivering theater and creative writing instruction to youth.
- Local 1199 food service and housekeeping union Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Local 1199.
- Monroe Community College Partner — Hosted performances of the play 'Down in the Dirt' as part of community engagement and educational outreach.
- Monroe Community College Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Monroe Community College.
- Monroe County Legislature Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by the Monroe County Legislature.
- Mr. Ricks Partner — Mentor and father figure to youth participants, supporting academic and personal growth.
- Nazareth College Partner — Hosted performances of the play 'Down in the Dirt' as part of community engagement and educational outreach.
- Nazareth College Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Nazareth College.
- Peace Baptist Church Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Peace Baptist Church.
- Potsdam University Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Potsdam University.
- Rise Up Rochester Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Rise Up Rochester.
- Robert Ricks Partner — Mentor and program leader who works directly with youth in the MIB&G program.
- Robert Ricks Partner — Mentor who worked with a student at 45 school and taught emotional expression and communication skills through a play.
- Rochester City School District Partner — Worked with Mr. Robert Ricks to provide theater and creative writing programming for youth.
- Rochester City School District Partner — Youth have performed at multiple schools within the Rochester City School District, including Schools #8, #2, #45, and #54.
- SUNY Potsdam Partner — Hosted performances of the play 'Down in the Dirt' as part of community engagement and educational outreach.
- St John Fisher Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by St John Fisher.
- St. John Fisher College Partner — Hosted performances of the play 'Down in the Dirt' as part of community engagement and educational outreach.
- Strong Hospital Partner — Youth have performed at events hosted by Strong Hospital.
- Writers & Books Partner — Collaborated with Mr. Robert Ricks in teaching theater and creative writing to youth.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Arts-Based Youth Development 351 orgsmethodology: arts_based_youth_developmentBy engaging youth in diverse art forms such as theater, creative writing, dance, and performance, we develop life skills, self-expression, and confidence because creative expression fosters emotional regulation, transferable competencies, and personal empowerment that support success in school, work, and community life.shared approach: Arts-Based Youth Empowerment →
- Youth Expression through Publication and Performance 351 orgsmethodology: youth_expression_publication_performanceBy publishing youth literary work and integrating public performance opportunities into training, we validate youth voice and build confidence because public recognition of creative output reinforces self-worth, skill development, and connection to community audiences.shared approach: Arts-Based Youth Empowerment →
- Culturally Affirming Mentorshipmethodology: culturally_affirming_youth_developmentBy centering Black history, ancestral knowledge, and cultural identity in education and mentorship, we empower African American youth with pride and purpose because culturally responsive practices strengthen self-concept, belonging, and motivation for personal and community growth.
- Long-Term Mentoring with High Expectationsmethodology: long_term_mentoringBy building sustained, one-on-one relationships with trusted adult mentors—particularly father-figure role models—and setting high behavioral and developmental expectations, we foster academic persistence, personal accountability, and societal contribution because consistent relational support combined with aspirational standards promotes resilience and long-term positive outcomes.
- Prevention through Structured Engagement and Workplace Learningmethodology: prevention_through_engaged_learningBy providing structured artistic activities and real-world internships, we prevent at-risk youth from criminal involvement and promote job readiness because meaningful engagement builds professional responsibility, work ethic, and alternatives to street-based risks.