Meet Jasmine

Jasmine, a 16-year-old from Grand Rapids, came to HOLA struggling with confidence and unsure of her future. She had recently aged out of foster care and faced limited opportunities for hands-on culinary arts training, STEM and STEAM workshops, and mentorship programs. Jasmine discovered a passion for cooking and problem-solving.

With guidance from HOLA staff, she acquired skills in food safety, event catering, and entrepreneurship, while also developing her leadership and teamwork abilities. By the end of the summer, Jasmine successfully catered a community event, earning income from her creations and gaining recognition for her initiative. Her confidence soared, and she is now enrolled in a culinary training program at her local college, with plans to start her own small catering business.

Thanks to HOLA, Jasmine not only gained practical skills but also hope, independence, and a vision for her future—an impact that will last a lifetime.

Hey Supporters,

Campaign Title:“Keep HOLA Open: Empower 100+ Youth Today”

Fundraising Goal:

$25,000 in emergency operational support

Campaign Story:

Blue Diamonds Training & Consulting, Inc. is on a mission to empower youth in Grand Rapids through leadership, workforce training, and entrepreneurship. This summer alone, over 100 youth participated in our Hands-On Leadership Academy (HOLA) culinary workforce program, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and life skills that prepare them for meaningful careers.

We are facing an urgent funding gap that threatens our ability to keep HOLA open. Without immediate support, our youth could lose access to:

Culinary training and workforce development for youth aged 14–24
Safe, structured spaces for youth in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from under-resourced communities
Mentorship and leadership development programs that foster confidence, employability, and entrepreneurial skills

Your donation will directly impact youth by keeping doors open, meals served, and learning experiences ongoing. Every gift counts.

Call-to-Action:

Donate Today – Keep HOLA running and youth on track for success.
Share Our Campaign – Help us reach more people who care about youth empowerment.

Donation Tiers:

One-Time Donations

Amount	Description
$1,000	Sponsor a full week of culinary training for one youth, including meals, ingredients, and mentorship.
$500	Provide 10 youth with hands-on workforce and leadership training sessions and certifications.
$250	Cover 50 meals for youth participating in HOLA programs this month.
$100	Supply essential culinary tools or classroom materials for one youth.
$55	Support one youth for a half-day of mentorship and leadership training.
$25	Purchase ingredients for one youth’s weekly culinary experience.

Monthly Donations

Amount	Description
$200/month	Sponsor one youth for one full month of culinary and workforce training.
$100/month	Provide weekly mentorship sessions for 2–3 youth each month.
$50/month	Cover snacks and meals for youth during program sessions.
$25/month	Provide ingredients for one youth’s weekly culinary experience each month.

Quarterly Donations

Amount	Description
$500/quarter	Fund 10 youth for quarter-long training and mentorship sessions.
$250/quarter	Cover meals and materials for 50 youth sessions over three months.
$100/quarter	Support one youth for quarter-long leadership and skill-building sessions.

Yearly Donations

Amount	Description
$2,500/year	Sponsor five youth for a full year of HOLA programming, including meals, training, certifications, and mentorship.
$1,000/year	Cover materials, meals, and mentorship for two youth for the full year.
$500/year	Fund one youth for a full year of program participation.

Impact Metrics:

100+ youth served in 2025 through HOLA programs
90% of youth report increased confidence, skills, and employability
60 Serve Safe Food Handlers certificates achieved
50+ meals served weekly through culinary programming
Safe, skill-building spaces for at-risk youth

Urgency Statement:

We need your support immediately to ensure HOLA remains open. Every donation makes an immediate difference in the lives of youth who are counting on us.

Engagement Opportunities:

Volunteer at HOLA: help with culinary programs, mentorship, or events
Sponsor a youth for training programs
Share this campaign with your network

Testimonials

“Before Blue Diamonds, I didn’t see a way out. Now I’ve got skills that are helping me earn money and feel like I have a future. I’m proud of where I’m headed.”
– Stephanie H., 19, Program Participant (January 2022)

“Blue Diamonds has helped me find my purpose. I’m building my business, and I’m not looking back. The mentorship here is everything.”
– Devon M., 22, Program Graduate (January 2023)

“I’ve been doing this work for a while now, and I can tell you this: the change I’m seeing in these youth is real. They’re learning, they’re growing, and they’re stepping up for themselves and their families. It’s beautiful to witness.”
– Maria L., Program Mentor (January 2024)

"Working alongside the youth in the library has been an amazing experience. Their enthusiasm for learning and personal growth is contagious. Together, we’re making sure these young people have the tools to succeed, and I’m excited to see the progress we’ll make in 2025.”
– Robert W., Library Mentor (January 2025)

Join Us in Changing Lives

We can’t do this without you. Our youth need this, and we need YOU to step up. By donating today, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving young people the chance to build a better future for themselves and our community.

Help us reach our $50,000 goal and make a lasting impact. Your support will create opportunities that will echo for generations to come as we lift up the leaders of tomorrow.

Donate Now!

Follow Our Progress
Facebook: Blue Diamonds Training & Consulting
Instagram: @diamonds7288
Website: BlueDiamondsGR.org

Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the young leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can build a future where our youth thrive, violence is reduced, families flourish, and the environment is cared for. Let’s do this, family!

Blue Diamonds Team and Volunteers

Keep HOLA Open: Empower 100+ Youth Today

By Blue Diamonds Training and Consulting, Inc.

Keep HOLA Open: Empower 100+ Youth Today

Empower Our Youth, Enhance Literacy, End the Violence, Build a Brighter Future Initiative

Team Members