A West Midlands charity that specialises in engaging young people from Black and Ethnic Minority communities, has held an official launch event in the region.
First Class Foundation hosted an audience of employees, patrons and partner organisations at Spring Grove House, West Midlands Safari Park on 7 August 2021.
The event featured a three-course Caribbean-themed meal, traditional African dress, live music and entertainment, and an address by the charity’s founder, Nathan Dennis and its chief executive, Sabrina Dennis.
First Class Foundation delivers services on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, the Youth Justice Board and youth offending services across the West Midlands, including a new project focused on reducing serious youth violence.
It was also consulted by Dr Justin Varney, head of public health at Birmingham City Council, regarding the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities and is currently delivering Birmingham’s Holiday Activities and Food programme to young people in Aston.
Formed in 2018, the charity has expanded during the pandemic and moved into its first office location at the former Carillion House building in Salop Street, Wolverhampton earlier this year. It employs seven staff.
Sabrina Dennis said: “We are so pleased to have finally been able to host a face-to-face event to mark the official launch of First Class Foundation.
“We’ve been incredibly busy since we formed the charity, despite much of our work having to be undertaken remotely in that time. Our roots are very much in youth and community engagement and our team have successfully established our programmes as a vehicle for tackling issues including youth violence, knife crime and mental health resilience.
“We look forward to supporting many more young people, their carers and families in the years ahead.”