7 Weeks of Fun in the Biz Builder Sports NJTL Summer Tennis Program

Over the past 7 weeks, Family Biz Builder worked in collaboration with Tunica Parks and Recreation and USTA Southern in their Biz Builder Sports and Fitness NJTL Tennis Program at Robinsonville Community Center with Center Coordinator Barbara Fell.  For some of the children, this was the first time they had a chance to learn to play tennis, they were introduced to the Net Generation curriculum, and they had fun. Many of them said they would like to learn to play tennis just like Coco Gauff one day. The program was a huge success. The leadership were provided by Tavya Hall, coaches Rivers Humber and Thed Jackson. Intern Faith Morton assisted with each tennis workshop in addition to data entry of registration forms, sign in sheets and surveys.  Community volunteers (Tunica Youth Development Workers) assisted the coaches where needed. The last day of the camp was a “Day of Fun at Tunica National Golf & Tennis Center”. They toured the facility, received lunch and had the opportunity to walk the clay courts with Coach Donny Flowers.

Youth Heritage Blues Camp, Robinsonville, MS

Family Biz Builder and Jus Blues Music Foundation 1st Youth Heritage Blues Camp Fundraiser

Family Biz Builder and Jus Blues Music Foundation sponsored its 1st Annual Youth Heritage Blues Camp One Day Workshop. The workshop was filled with education and entertainment. The education included music history, careers in music and working behind the scenes.

Blues Camp Youth learn from some of today's most prolific Blues professionals in the music industry about opportunities available in the music business. "Blues Got A Soul" educational programs bring in guest musicians and music educators.

Mentors Yella P and Toni Green were both entertaining and informative. Yella P shared his history on when he gained interest and learned how to play the harmonica. He created sounds of different genres: Blues, gospel and even pop music using his harmonica and digital gadgets. Toni Green shared her international experiences and then mentored one of the young singers on stage presence. Those few minutes of coaching created confidence, excitement, and hope.

We were also joined by other entertainment that included Saint Luke Church keyboard player, Darius Smith; Rev. Dailey, bass guitar; Coria Williams, singer and praise dancers from Saint Luke Church.

Allen Johnson gave a full presentation on the history and careers in music. Classroom workshop topics include writing, voice, performing, possibly recording their own songs, technology and how it is used in today's music industry. Classroom setting allowed us to show how today's popular music styles and sounds connect to the Traditional Blues sounds of yesterday.

Family Biz Builder Luncheon

Pictured left to right: Shirley Hall and Peggie Henderson of Family Biz Builder; Rivers Humber, Local Leader Liaison USTA Southern; Emilia Viljoen, Tennis Service Representative, USTA Southern, and Vivian Thompson, owner of Vivian Thompson Allstate Agency, Atlanta, GA, a Family Biz Builder sponsor.

On December 6, 2018, Family Biz Builder held its 2nd Annual Community Fundraising Luncheon at the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Center. Sponsors, donors and supporters enjoyed a festive atmosphere where they were presented with an informational presentation on the remarkable success of the organization since its inception in 2014. One of the highlights of the event was receiving a $24,000 Blue Print for Success Grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation. Family Biz Builder was one of eight exceptional National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) organizations chosen to receive the grant and was the 6th from across USTA’s 9 state Southern Section.

The NJTL network is a nation-wide group of community tennis organizations which seeks to develop the character of young people through tennis and education. NJTL's network offers a variety of on-court tennis programming as well as educational and life skills components which were designed to enhance the overall development of participants.

According to Executive Director, Peggie Henderson, FBB provides three training programs for children who attend the Tunica County School District ranging from ages 7 through 17:

1. Biz Builder Sports and Fitness Program (BBSFP): Provides professional instruction in tennis and golf while connecting character and life skills.

2. Biz Builder Literacy Program (BBLP): Provides educational and training activities that leverage technology. The program was developed to support the social, intellectual, and physical development of underprivileged elementary through high school children within reading and math.

3. Biz Builder Workforce Training Program (BBWTP): Provides employment training services to participants ages 13-17. The youth receive employment opportunities and assist the administration team while mentoring others and assisting coaches in both tennis and golf.

“Our success as an organization depends on the citizens in the community. Family Biz Builder is building relationships with the community to educate them about our vision so we can change the future for the children. We are so thankful for the people who believe in the mission and who continue to support FBB and the children of Tunica County and the north Mississippi delta,” says Henderson. “We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to come see what these amazing children are capable of. When given an opportunity to develop the life skills, it is crucial for success.”

For more information about Family Biz Builder, visit their website at www.familybizbuilder.com. To learn more about the USTA and the USTA Foundation, please visit www.usta.com.