Seven youths — Taniya Day, Amir Deshazor, Saiyduri Hubbard, Ta’ Liah Palmer, Ta’ Miah Palmer, Tai’ Mek Palmer, and Tion’ Dre Palmer — were recognized this week for completing the orientation phase of the City of Danville’s Project Imagine program, marking an important first step toward personal growth and future success.

Project Imagine is a youth initiative focused on helping young people avoid gang involvement and community violence by providing mentorship, life-skills development, and structured goal-setting support.

During the orientation program, participants completed life-skills training and strength-based assessments using the Casey Life Skills and CliftonStrengths tools. Through these exercises, teens identified their individual talents, set meaningful personal goals, and began building a foundation for long-term success.

The program is designed to promote positive outcomes, including improved academic performance, school completion, employment readiness, and avoiding contact with the justice system. Each participant is matched with a dedicated outreach worker who provides one-on-one mentorship and guidance for at least one year.

Last month, five youths — Shala Ballard, Ashley Morales, D’Andrew Morton, Jaylen Nelson, and Kameron Pritchett — were honored. Since its launch in 2018, more than 235 youths have gone through the program.