About Us
HISTORY
Penn’s Civilians was founded in 2001 as a volunteer-based educational outreach organization with a mission to increase the social and academic achievements of low income students throughout Pennsylvania. Originally, we provided tutoring and mentoring services intended to enhance academic performance and thus considered ourselves an “Educational Organization". We initiated our services in the Steelton-Highspire School District and have been providing youth development and mentoring services throughout central and southeast Pennsylvania.
PROGRAMS
Currently, the services rendered reflect stewardship and leadership programming designed to promote civic engagement. We use Community Supported Gardening and/or Community School Gardens (CSG) as the primary platform upon which to pursue our mission. The programs are designed to inspire children to explore relationships with food and the natural world, engage in self-discovery, and contribute to the health and well-being of their communities.
The Pre-Seeding
Our seed starting/nursery activity that engages younger (elementary) students in preseason planting and the preparation of produce to be grown in a CSG.
The Pro-seedyore/Community Supported Gardening
The maintenance of any CSG or E.A.T. Enrichment project that engages students in the agricultural process from seed(ling) to fruit. Students are encouraged to EAT the fruits of their labor.
EAT 5 Enrichment/ Fruit and Fun
A program that promotes and/or brings fun-filled nutritional activities and fresh produce to children at various locations to inspire them to EAT at least 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables every day.
The Jessup Wagon:
Penn’s Civilians’ outreach educational vehicle (and actual automobile/vehicle) employed to promote, maintain, and administer EAT enrichment programs and activities. The vehicle(s) provide(s) transportation to project sites to deliver programs, services, or supplies.
The Produce Pentathlon
A student-athlete led challenge to eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables (per the USDA) over a 5 day competition. Registration required to enter.
The CSG Food Share
A Penn's Civilian version of a CSA food share offered by Farmers and/or commercial food producers. In our version, we provide a weekly portion of locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables to students and community members eligible to receive the service.
Fare Demonstrations
Seasonal food prep/cooking exhibitions that feature locally produced fruits and/or vegetables.
Who We Are
Rick Sayles
The Athleaders
The Athleaders
Co founder and visionary of the Penn's Civilian community, Mr. Sayles has more than 25 years of experience working with youth and community service
organizations. As a McKeesport native, he was raised in low socio-economic conditions and made his way to and through college by excelling in athletics. Soon after graduating from Penn State, he and former teammate Troy Drayton, of Steelton raised in similar circumstances, formed Penn's Civilians to advocate for low-socioeconomic youth. They turned to their Alma Mater for leadership and expertise, As the mission ensued, Mr. Sayles realized that agriculture and gardening related projects provide phenomenal opportunities for students to affect their environment.. Mentoring meetings grew into natural science discussions that lead toward school beautification and community service projects. The projects required the participating youth to interact with nature. Mr. Sayles firmly believes in the transformative potential of connecting youth with the natural environment. He believes it teaches students some of the most valuable life lessons and skills, i.e.; Self-sufficiency, Cooperation and Community, Connection to the Earth/Environment, and potentially life-altering knowledge for people growing up in economically disadvantaged communities. Through Penn's Civilians, he envisions a world where every person has access to the resources they need to live a healthy, happy, and productive life.
The Athleaders
The Athleaders
The Athleaders
Steelton-Highspire
- Alex Erby
- Eugene Green
- Durrell Ceasar, Jr.
- Andrew Erby Jr.
- Amari Williams
- Jaeion Perry
- Kam Chisholm
- Javius Dent
Woodland Hills
- Ziare Williams
- Jarred Dantrassy
- Jaydan Jones
- Earl Nelson
- Stephon Martin
- Raymar Hawkins
- Darius Lacy
- Landon Akins
- Ashton Jones
- Dom Wilson
- Lloyd Russell
- Chy'Neze Crosby
- Earl Perry
- JoJo Wolford
- Shawn Saunders
- DJ Walker
- Khalil Valcin
- Christian Pierce
- Anthony Code
- William Ferguson, Jr.
- Andre Barlow
- Mario Parker
- Jared Wilson
- Bryce Miller
- Grant TOdd
- Terrill Wilson
- Tymir Walker
- Sama Cromer-Ware
- Amir Smith
- Elijah Nesby
- Donshae Mosley
Our Team
The Athleaders
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in our communities. We work tirelessly to ensure that our programs and services are meeting the needs of those we serve.
Current Executive Committee
- Troy Drayton
- Traci Hall
- Willie Slade
- Holly Blanks
- Todd Jessup
- Heather Vedell
Ex Officio
- Curtis (CJ) Johnson
- Curt Marshall
- Richard Fisher
- Marty Rager
- Brian Leister
