Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) named Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy its Inspire Award winner at the 2024 Mission Conference on May 3.
The San Bernardino-based nonprofit earned the nod for its work with at-risk youth in the county, partnering with agencies like IEHP to create pathways to higher education and a successful career.
“We don’t chase awards, but we are always humbled and grateful when we get nominated for an award like this,” said Terrance Stone, Young Visionaries’ founder and CEO. “We never take it lightly when someone invites us to enter their space and acknowledge the work we do.”
The Inspire Award is given out annually to an IEHP provider, entity or community partner that exemplifies the health plan’s mission of healing and inspiring the human spirit by:
- Having compassion that extends to all the people they serve.
- Investing time and energy in their community through acts of service.
- Inspiring and motivating others to serve and be their best.
- Being a servant-leader that others want to follow and emulate.
Young Visionaries began its mission in the early 2000s and has since worked with more than 185,000 students from more than 35 campuses in San Bernardino County.
Through a satellite office at the IEHP Community Wellness Center (CWC) in Victorville, Stone and his team have created a direct link for High Desert youth to take advantage of its programs and services, from mentoring and homework assistance to youth homeless outreach.
“It’s a tremendous honor to witness the transformation of a youth in need from their very first visit with Young Visionaries staff to their second, fourth and even 100th,” said Delia Orosco, manager of the Victorville CWC. “I can’t say enough about this organization. I’m a huge fan.”
As for Stone, recognitions like the Inspire Award continue to fuel his drive, even on days when things can get a little hectic. “I’m always in awe of what God is doing with my life,” he said.
To learn more about Young Visionaries, go to yvyla-ie.org.
For highlights of the 2024 Mission Conference hosted by IEHP, visit missionconference.iehp.org.