WHO WE ARE
Product of the Project (POP) is an organization on a mission to empower and meet the needs of inner-city youth by providing them with strategies for character development, goal setting, and building positive relationships. Antwaun Banks, Founder and CEO of Product of the Project, is committed to offering the youth a fair opportunity to thrive and overcome any negative influences that may be present in their communities.
With a personal journey of transformation, Mr. Banks established POP to positively impact lives through mentorship, counseling, and coaching. Over the years, POP has forged vital collaborations with organizations like Peoria Public Schools, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, and Juvenile Probation. Together, we aim to shape a future generation of leaders with hope and forward-thinking perspectives.
POP Programs primary goals are to enhance personal and academic success by developing social-emotional skills, instilling responsible decision-making and character development, empowering students to set and achieve meaningful goals through self-confidence, and promoting healthy lifestyles for overall well-being. These objectives provide students with a solid foundation for a brighter future.
Our curriculum revolves around Social-Emotional Learning, emphasizing character development, goal setting, critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and building self-confidence. It equips students with the necessary skills and mindset for personal and academic growth, enabling them to tackle challenges with resilience and make informed decisions that shape their own lives and impact their
community.
At POP, our ethos centers around fostering a thriving community built on pillars of support, education, and empowerment. Guided by our vision to enact positive change, we have developed a range of initiatives designed to deeply impact lives. From our Annual Events and Community Pantry to the ongoing POP 365 program and Scholarships, our efforts encompass a broad spectrum of community outreach.
We invite you to join us in our mission to effect meaningful change, one life at a time. Together, let's cultivate a community that is resilient, informed, and empowered to succeed.
POP COMMUNITY PANTRY
Our pantry is the heartbeat of our community. It's a place where neighbors come together to support one another. From providing essential groceries to offering a warm smile, deliveries are also offerred. We're dedicated to ensuring no one goes hungry.
DEANDRE FOOTE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In memory of DeAndre Foote, a beacon of hope and inspiration, this fund is dedicated to enabling dreams. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and are committed to making it accessible to all deserving individuals.
Product of the Project (POP) annually host events dedicated to fostering community engagement and support. The POP Turkey Drive kicks off the holiday season with a heartfelt mission to provide families in need with a bountiful Thanksgiving meal. This event exemplifies our commitment to spreading warmth and nourishment within our community. Following this, the Toyz in the Neighborhood Series ushers in the festive spirit, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of receiving a gift during the holiday season. It is a testament to our belief in the power of small gestures to bring about immense happiness. Additionally, the Back 2 School Celebration gears up the younger generation for academic success by equipping them with essential supplies and an uplifting send-off into the new school year. These events stand as beacons of our dedication to uplifting our community and nurturing its growth.
POP'S ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness. Our Turkey Drive ensures that families in our community can gather around a table filled with warmth and delicious food. Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves along with hygiene bags are also available.
POP'S BACK 2 SCHOOL CELEBRATION
Education is a gateway to a brighter future. This event is a celebration of learning, providing students with essential supplies and a supportive environment to kickstart their academic journey.
TOYZ IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES
Spreading joy during the holiday season, this series aims to bring smiles to the faces of children in numerous neighborhoods. With gifts, games, and festive cheer, we hope to create lasting memories for our little ones.
