From Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County and VOiCEup Berks have partnered to create Champions of Possibility, a vibrant new mural that reflects the creativity, imagination, and potential of Olivet Club kids.
More than a public art project, the mural is a reflection of VOiCEup Berks’ Generation Impact initiative, which empowers young adults to build community through meaningful service, leadership, and civic engagement. VOiCEup Berks invited Olivet alumnus and professional artist Theron Cook to return to the Club that helped shape his childhood and lead the project. Cook, a Muralist & Brand Strategist, is also the Founder of Don’t Quit Omniversity & TCA DQ Foundation.
Before the first brushstroke, Cook guided Olivet Club members through interactive art and storytelling workshops, encouraging them to explore what possibility means to them. Their ideas, artwork, and personal stories became the inspiration for the final mural, ensuring it reflects the voices of the young people who created it.
“Coming back to Olivet feels like coming home. This project is about more than creating a mural — it’s about creating something ‘with’ the kids. I wanted them to know their creativity matters and that their story is still being written,” noted Cook.
Through VOiCEup Berk’s Generation Impact Initiative, East Penn Manufacturing interns worked alongside Olivet Club members to bring the mural to life, creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship, teamwork, and self-expression.
“This project grew from the relationships we built through our MLK events,” said Katie Diamond Rothstein, Generation Impact Program Director for VOiCEup Berks. “We knew the right partners could turn a vision into a lasting reminder that anything is possible. We’re grateful to Theron, Olivet, and the East Penn interns for helping make that vision a reality.”
“Our kids didn’t just paint this mural — they helped imagine and design it,” said Olivet President & CEO, Rick Perez. “I hope every child who sees it is reminded that they are a champion of possibility and that, with the support of a caring community, they can accomplish incredible things.”
The project was made possible through the generous support of the Breidegam Family Foundation and the commitment of organizations and volunteers dedicated to investing in the next generation of youth leaders. Special thanks to Theron Cook and his team, East Penn Manufacturing, F.M. Brown’s, Sue Brown, Marc and Jane Althen, and the many volunteers who helped bring the project to life.
Perez stated, “Today, Champions of Possibility welcomed every child who entered the Clinton Street Club with a powerful reminder — your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your future is full of possibility.”
About VOiCEup Berks
Founded in 2016, VOiCEup Berks mobilizes and empowers young changemakers to shape more equitable communities through service-learning. Its flagship youth engagement program, Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading, engages youth ages 11 to 18 in meaningful service projects that address community needs while fostering leadership, life, and career skills. For young adults ages 18 to 24, VOICE Up’s Generation Impact initiative offers service-learning opportunities, volunteer experiences, and professional networking designed to build leadership capacity and strengthen community ties. For more information, visit VOiCEupBerks.org.
About Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County
Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as healthy, productive, caring, and responsible citizens. For more information or to support, visit OlivetBGC.org.
