by: Emily Rea

In a perfect world with perfect conditions, there would be no at-risk youth in unsafe, low-income communities. Parents would have jobs, and kids would daily physical activity as well as nutritious meals. Bad behavior at school and poor academic marks would not be an issue. But we do not live in a perfect. The needs are great among many of the youth right here within our own city and county limits. Thankfully, there are organizations that have taken measures to make a huge difference, offering volunteer opportunities for the public at large and hope for children at risk. Thankfully, there is WRAAP (Wilmington’s Residential Adolescent Achievement Place, Inc.).

Since 1997, WRAAP has been providing supportive and preventative after-school services and community-outreach opportunities to help children and families in New Hanover County. Its mission is “to bridge the educational and social gaps exist amongst our youth, families and communities” through such programs as journal writing, one-on-one tutoring, health education, basketball teams, meals service, character education and much more.

“The need for these type of programs is very great in the communities that we work in,” site director Emily Strittmater says. “I believe that youth need to start setting positive goals for themselves and work hard to achieve those goals. Too often we see children that are very behind academically and socially, and are not getting the support from home or schools that they need to become successful. Mediocrity is the standard, and there aren’t many forces that are motivating the kids to get out of their current environment and lifestyle. That’s what WRAAP aims to do: set high expectations, and then give youth the emotional and academic support they need to achieve their goals and become productive citizens to the community.”

With a total of 150 students being served in New Hanover County—60 at the elementary site and 90 at the middle school site—WRAAP is continually growing and shows no sign of slowing down. Beyond its after-school enrichment programs, the nonprofit also offers services to families such as a toy drive, food give-aways, reading and economic literacy workshops, fatherhood and grandparenting clinics, and more. “We hope to expand that area of our services in the future,” Strittmater says. “One day [we] would like to have our own center that houses the program, hosts community events and also serves as a shelter for displaced youth.”

To help ensure that the good work will continue, a second annual benefit concert, called Rock ‘N’ WRAAP 2,” has been scheduled for December 17th at Mellow Mushroom. Headlining the event are on-the-rise local hip-hop talent In Check Productions (www.myspace.com/incheckproductions). “When [we] take the stage, it’s gonna be a party,” Thomas Wortham of In Check promises. “We try and have fun with the performances cause that’s what it about. That’s why people come out in the first place—to get loose and wi’l out, so we try and facilitate that. Beats banging, DJ cutting, and thought-provoking, lyric-driven hip-hop.”

However, it’s not just about the music for these guys, who are huge supporters of WRAAP both on and off stage. “There’s nothing more pure and symmetric than people performing their art for the benefit of others,” he continues. “There is such a perfect balance in that, you know. Nonprofit organizations like WRAAP make a real difference in their communities. I have seen it first-hand. The looks on these kids faces are priceless when they realize that there are people who want to help them and invest in their future.”
Other bands rocking the gig will be Flute of the Condors and The Black Mambas.

For more ways to help out, if readers can’t attend the concert, a huge toy drive will be taking place through December 20th. All toys will be donated to WRAAP to help families in need this holiday season. “Almost any toy would be acceptable,” Strittmater reveals. “We would prefer them unwrapped so we can give out age-appropriate gifts. We will be giving the presents to the families on December 21st.”

Folks can bring their toys to Mellow Mushroom, located at 4311 Oleander Drive, through the 20th. On Thursday, December 10th, the toy drive will kick off at Mellow Mushroom with live broadcasts from the DJs of The Bone and The Penguin, followed by a Toy Jam featuring several bluegrass bands on Thursday, December 17th, to continue promotion of the toy drive. For families with young children, Santa Claus will be present all day at Mellow Mushroom on Monday, December 14th, listening to children’s Christmas wishes and accepting toy donations.

It will be a busy couple weeks for this hardworking nonprofit organization, one that relies heavily on volunteer support all throughout the year.

“We have opportunities at both the elementary and middle school sites,” Strittmater says. “Volunteers help with homework, academic- and social-enrichment activities, life skills, physical activity, etc. It is a hands-on experience for volunteers and a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to positive role models.”

Program hours are from 2:30-5:30pm, Monday-Thursday. Anyone interested in volunteering or acquiring more information may contact contact Emily Strittmater at (910) 352-3169 or at (910) 762-1441. Snail mail inquiries may be sent to P.O Box 4845 Wilmington, NC, 28406. The WRAAP central office and main site is located at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2929 Princess Place Drive.