"When I first hatched this idea, I took it to the Stake and quickly found that the great expense and distances involved with this undertaking precluded the official involvement of our ward or stake. So, I established a non-profit organization in PA with many of the youth leaders and bishopric members involved as officers and board members. As soon as I got the YW leaders involved, things really started to take off!"
-Isaac Erickson, President - Philly LDS Youth
"One thing that becomes pointedly clear in serving in an inner-city ward is the limitations that come from not having financial resources. Many of our youth come from single-parent families, take public transportation to the church (and to anywhere else they go), have never been on a plane (or have done so only as refugees from West Africa), are in sub-standard public schools and spend multiple hours a week caring for younger siblings and relatives. As a reward for their dedication to the gospel and also break from the harsh reality that is most of their lives, we are hoping with your help to send them to EFY in Provo this summer."
-Kelly Troutman, Former Vice President - Philly LDS Youth
"During a recent interview with Brother Greg Tanner, Director of CES Youth Programs, I was asked why it is that we do such great things for these youth. I responded by explaining that our efforts are completely driven by the great need that we see in the youth. I've worked with youth in other places, but I have never encountered a group of youth that have such great potential in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. We honestly can not do enough to try to strengthen these great spirits. If going to EFY is just one thing that can give them more spiritual power, then any amount of sacrifice is worth the possibility that it will keep these kids on the straight and narrow during these turbulent teenage years!"
-Isaac Erickson, President - Philly LDS Youth
