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READY BY 21
Keith Landecker is a United Way giver who believes that kids just need direction, guidance and productive activity to enhance their chance for success. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Keith works as operations manager for Chattanooga's Brewer Media Group. Working in that position for nearly two decades, Keith has ingrained himself into the community, and became passionate about seeing youth in our community succeed. "I really feel the issues that so many of these kids face, because I grew up around them all of my life," says Keith. "I was lucky. Growing up in Detroit, I had a support system, family, friends of the family, my friends and even their parents. There was lot of structure and expectations, and that's ultimately what's helped me succeed." Keith believes that's part of the problem kids face today -- a lack of support. "Education an absolute must to get ahead, but it takes more than good schools to promote good education. It takes support from parents and the community," says Kieth. "Everyone who is in a position to have an influence on a child, it's their job to help that child succeed." Keith played baseball in college at Eastern Kentucky University and was good enough to play professionally in the minor leagues afterwards. Baseball is a passion for Keith, and so are the youth of our community. Two years ago, on his own, Keith decided to marry those two passions into what is now a very successful youth baseball league. His mission is to help keep at-risk youth productive and focused, so they can stay on track and succeed in school and life. Keith is an example of someone who LIVES UNITED at an extraordinary level, by giving his time, passion and resources to make a difference in the lives of children. Keith's program, now part of the City of Chattanooga Recreation Department, is part of Chattanooga's Ready By 21 initiative, convened in Chattanooga through United Way. Ready By 21 is an initiative of nonprofit, businesses, government and individuals working together to assess our community's support system for children and youth and determine how we can build an "asset-rich" environment of support for children on the road to adulthood. Ready By 21 has set some big goals that envisions a community where all children
It takes an entire community working together to achieve these goals -- organizations, businesses and people like Keith Landecker. We believe that by looking at the bigger picture of available supports for children and youth, we can determine how to work together in a smarter, more strategic way to improve their chances of staying on track to become, successful, productive adults, keeping Chattanooga's economic prospects bright for years to come.
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