About Us
Overview & Mission
As I Plant This Seed was organized in 2012 under the leadership of founder and CEO, Ryan Harris. Beginning as a simple desire to give back to the community, Ryan’s vision quickly developed into major annual events and weekly programming. As I Plant This Seed consistently services over 500 youth each event and enrolls over 70 kids each program cycle. Ryan’s vision for As I Plant This Seed is to provide youth and families with the resources and skills necessary to change their outlook on life and equip and empower them to ultimately decide their own outcomes.
As I Plant This Seed seeks to promote youth development and community advancement; to provide access to education, information and training; to provide relief to the distressed and underprivileged; to lessen neighborhood tension; to mitigate trauma and combat community deterioration, juvenile delinquency and at-risk behaviors in the urban context.
Talk To Me Mentorship Program
The Talk to Me Mentorship Program services middle and high shttps students in grades 5-12. Groups meet weekly, for ten-week cycles, addressing relevant topics such as self-efficacy, financial literacy, civic responsibility and more. Additionally, various professionals, community members and other accomplished individuals come out to speak to the mentees to offer a more practical application of the week’s topic. Talk to Me serves as a safe space, providing youth the opportunity to engage in discourse with trusted adults, where they can feel supported, not judged.
30K Experience
In November 2018, Ryan Harris, Founder and CEO of As I Plant This Seed, declared a bold statement of faith and commitment to the community, by taking on the seemingly impossible task of raising $30,000 in three short days. Ryan, with his team close by, stood at the intersection of Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue, committed to forego eating or sleeping, in an effort to raise funds for the new community center. Though a daunting task, Ryan weathered the storm and was able to reach his goal by the end of the third day. His accomplishment is a direct result of his personal faith and the belief that He can do all things through Christ who gives him strength.