HAMPCO’s Diamonds in the Rough: Empowering Young Lives from the Inside Out From January through May, Saturday mornings at HAMPCO’s Jackson Street once were transformed into a space of growth, connection, and empowerment for local youth in Senate District 34. The Diamonds in the Rough program welcomed children aged 10–17 to engage in an enriching journey of personal development, life skills training, and emotional resilience. Every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, participants explored topics that go far beyond the classroom:

-Basic Cooking for Teens – Encouraging independence and creativity in the kitchen.
-Telling Time & Counting Money – Practical skills to foster everyday confidence.
-Making Introductions – Building strong social habits and self-presentation.
-Bullying – Understanding its impact and empowering youth to speak up and support one another.
-Finances – Laying the groundwork for financial literacy and smart money management.
-Cursive Writing – Honoring a classic form of communication with elegance.
-Kindness & Gratitude 101 – Cultivating a mindset of generosity and appreciation.
-Grieving for Youth – Creating space for emotional healing and peer support.
-Table Etiquette – Reinforcing respect and poise in social settings.

Through interactive lessons, hands-on experiences, and thoughtful conversations, the program recognized that every child is a gem in the making—polished not only by learning but by compassion, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. HAMPCO’s commitment to nurturing the potential of Monroe’s youth continues to leave a profound mark on the community. Diamonds in the Rough is more than a program—it’s a movement toward empowering tomorrow’s leaders with tools they can carry for life. These experiences were made possible through the efforts of Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews, Senate District 34.