Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camille McIntosh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Camille, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Yes, we serve underserved communities in Brooklyn, New York, and Kearny, New Jersey.

Story Highlight:

Last summer, our organization helped over 80 participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program. One of these participants, Angel, was enrolled in our program and resided in an underserved community with limited resources. When Angel joined the program, she lacked professionalism and needed guidance. Through our summer program, which provided professional development workshops, Angel gained valuable skills and experience. By the end of the program, Angel was highlighted for being a team lead and a dedicated advocate for her peers. Today, Angel is working while attending Borough of Manhattan Community College, demonstrating the significant impact of our program on her development and success. By providing these resources and opportunities, we help break the cycle of poverty and empower young people to reach their full potential, creating lasting positive change in their communities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Camille McIntosh, the founder and chief executive of the Find Community Connection Project (FCCP). I hold a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College and have a deep passion for community service.

I was raised by my grandmother in the foster care system, in a community plagued by substance abuse, including my mother. Deprived of an education, I stayed home for several school years to help my grandmother care for my siblings. My journey into this field was fueled by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people from underserved communities, much like the one I grew up in.

About FCCP

FCCP is dedicated to empowering low-income youth in Brooklyn, New York, and Kearny, New Jersey. We provide training in financial literacy, professional development, and access to mentorship and internship programs. Our mission is to help young people become confident job seekers and active contributors to their communities.

Services and Impact

Our programs address the systemic barriers to career development faced by low-income populations. We offer professional development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and internships that help participants build the skills and confidence necessary for academic and professional success. One of our key achievements is the Summer Youth Employment Program, where we supported over 80 participants last year. Through this program, young people like Angel, who came from a community with limited resources, gained valuable skills and transformed into leaders and advocates for their peers.

What Sets Us Apart

What sets FCCP apart is our holistic approach to youth development. We not only provide career-related training but also focus on personal growth and community involvement. Our strong partnerships with over 20 local businesses and organizations enhance our ability to offer meaningful opportunities to our participants. Additionally, we strive to connect our participants to jobs in the nonprofit sector and community-based organizations, ensuring they can contribute positively to their communities while building fulfilling careers.

Proud Moments

I am most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our participants. Seeing young people like Angel thrive, work while attending Borough of Manhattan Community College, and become leaders in their communities is incredibly rewarding.

Core Values

At FCCP, we believe in leading with our hearts and always delivering our best. My mission is to inspire and support my community, and this creed has guided our work and left a lasting impact on many of our peers and mentees.

Conclusion

For those who may not be familiar with FCCP, we are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing essential resources, guidance, and opportunities to young people. We aim to help them reach their full potential and create lasting positive change in their communities. If you want to learn more about our work or get involved, we welcome you to join us on this transformative journey. Please visit www.findccproject.org

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up, my life was anything but easy. Raised by my grandmother in the foster care system, I lived in a community overwhelmed by substance abuse, including my mother’s addiction. From a young age, I had to shoulder responsibilities beyond my years. Deprived of a formal education, I spent my school years at home, helping my grandmother take care of my siblings.

Despite these challenges, I never lost sight of my dreams. I knew I wanted to make a difference, not just for myself but for others in similar situations. I taught myself as much as I could, grabbing every opportunity to learn and grow. Despite our struggles, my grandmother instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community.

When I finally had the chance to pursue higher education, I embraced it head-on with everything in me, eventually earning an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Medgar Evers and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College. But my journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by my personal experiences, I founded the Find Community Connection Project (FCCP) to help low-income youth overcome the same systemic barriers I faced.

Since its founding in August 2022, FCCP has achieved significant milestones that reflect our holistic approach and commitment to making a difference:

August 2022: FCCP was founded.

September 2022: Recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.

June 2023: Secured office space and launched our Summer Internship Program, impacting over 80 participants by providing them with valuable skills and confidence.

Summer 2023: Held one of our largest attended events, demonstrating the growing community support and engagement.

December 2023: Organized a Community Resource Toy Drive that attracted close to 2,000 attendees, spreading joy and support to families in need during the holiday season.

Each of these milestones represents a collective effort to empower youth and strengthen our community. Our programs not only provide career-related training but also focus on personal growth and community involvement. We strive to connect our participants to jobs in the nonprofit sector and community-based organizations, ensuring they can contribute positively to their communities while building fulfilling careers.

My journey has been a testament to the fact that no matter where you start, with perseverance and support, you can achieve great things.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life came when I was separated from my managerial position at Starbucks. This unexpected change left me at a crossroads, unsure of what my next steps would be. After some time, I was informed that the situation had been resolved and I was in good standing to reapply for my job as a manager.

However, during my time away from Starbucks, I had started to deeply reflect on my true passion and purpose. The idea of the Find Community Connection Project (FCCP) had been forming in my mind, driven by my desire to make a significant impact on the lives of underserved youth. My heart and faith in God guided me to a profound realization: this was my calling.

Despite the security and familiarity of returning to Starbucks, I decided to pivot and fully dedicate my time and energy to FCCP. It was a challenging decision, as it meant stepping away from a stable career to embark on an uncertain journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up. However, I was determined to follow my heart and trust in God’s plan for me.

This decision led to the founding of FCCP in August 2022, and since then, we have achieved remarkable milestones. From being recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization in September 2022 to launching our Summer Internship Program in June 2023, each step has reinforced my belief in the importance of our mission. Our successful events, including the Community Resource Toy Drive in December 2023, have shown me the profound impact we can have on our community.

Choosing to pivot away from Starbucks and invest in FCCP was not an easy path, but it has been incredibly rewarding. It has taught me the importance of following one’s heart, embracing faith, and being resilient in the face of uncertainty. This experience has not only shaped my career but has also strengthened my resolve to make a lasting difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.findccproject.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findccproject/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindCommunityConnectionProject
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/findccproject/?viewAsMember=true