Transform teens who have family in prison

On March 6th, we celebrated Dream Catchers, POPS the Club's seventh anthology from Out of the Woods Press, with a book launch and silent auction. Attendees enjoyed an evening of music, poetry, dance, and stories, with imaginative performances by POPS students and grads. The silent auction featured artwork by club members, offering an opportunity to the public to purchase a unique piece. We appreciate everyone who joined us to celebrate our club members' brilliant achievements.

Also, in March, POPS partnered up with SNAP Inc., and volunteers from Snapchat spoke at some of our virtual clubs. Our students were able to get a glimpse into the tech world and ask about the career opportunities available in the industry. Speakers talked about positions in marketing & finance and also about their work experiences before SNAP. One speaker shared that she created her own POPS club at SNAP, where they meet every week and hold a safe space to talk about anything on their mind. Our students loved hearing about the many different possibilities, and volunteers shared that after their experience at Snap, they're ready to go on to college.

POPS held an ALL-DAY Virtual 5K on June 19th in honor of Father's Day and recognition of incarcerated fathers. Participants were able to walk or run at their preferred location at their own pace with the support of donors to reach our fundraising goal. All participants wore customizable POPS runner's bibs to show their support while out in their communities. Our goal of $5000 was met and exceeded by the generous donors in support of participants. We thank all who participated or donated to this vital cause, as this support means everything to us and our club members.

POPS Summer Clubs began meeting virtually on June 22nd and will run through August 10th. Clubs meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 - 1:30 PM for special marketing and design workshops, mindfulness classes, and more. On July 6th, Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch will join the club as a guest speaker. An advocate for criminal justice reform, Branch was crowned Miss USA 2020 and made history as the first Black Miss Mississippi and the first Miss Mississippi to win the crown.

POPS is currently compiling submissions for the eighth anthology from Out Of the Woods Press, Dear Friends. Current club members and graduates have submitted various works, including poetry, prose, photography, and other artwork that will be released in April 2022. This collection will focus on how club members and graduates are coping during the Covid 19 pandemic.