About GIFTED
God's Intelligent Fortified Talented and Educated Dreamers — a mission born in 2005, launched in 2009, and still growing strong.
Kathy D. Horry
President & Founder
A Mandate to Reach Back
My name is Kathy D. Horry, President and Founder. GIFTED fosters youth with the essential belief that they are God's Intelligent Fortified Talented and Educated Dreamers. With GIFTED, it's all about the next generation.
GIFTED began brewing in my heart in 2005. The vision became clear for me to initiate a platform whereby Performing Arts, Education, and Sports would meet to save our youth of tomorrow.
Our mission is to foster positive connections for all youth with an emphasis on the underserved through our 3 pillars of Performing Arts, Education, and Sports.
GIFTED instills life-changing self-awareness and deposits knowledge and skills to build self-esteem and increase purposeful productivity in youth ages 5–21. GIFTED has been in operation since 2009, serving over 200 youth from St. Charles to St. Louis, Missouri, and their surrounding communities.
My mandate is to oversee an organization that reaches back to the upcoming generations, encouraging them to succeed in life. It is extremely rewarding to share relevant skills through Performing Arts, Education, and Sports, while providing opportunities to optimize performance for participating youth.
I welcome the road ahead to lead this awesome program which promises to make a difference in the lives of our youth, our homes, and communities.
Our History
The Vision is Born
The vision of GIFTED began brewing in Kathy D. Horry's heart — a platform where Performing Arts, Education, and Sports would meet to save our youth of tomorrow.
GIFTED Launches
God's Intelligent Fortified Talented and Educated Dreamers officially begins operations, serving youth in St. Charles and St. Louis, Missouri.
GIFTED Scholarship Established
The first GIFTED Scholarship is created to reward youth demonstrating academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
GEEM Scholarship & Major Milestones
The scholarship becomes the GEEM Scholarship in memory of Executive Board Members Greyland Banks, Earl Rice, Eric Cummings, and Gladys Mathis. New leadership coordinators added. Social media platforms refreshed. Virtual "Tea" Luncheon and Scholarship Gala introduced.
Growing Stronger
200+ youth served. Three pillars strong. Vision toward an all-purpose GIFTED Complex Center — with private music rooms, a recording studio, computer lab, banquet room, and gym.
4 Key Elements of Youth Development
Research shows that when youth programs combine positive experiences, relationships, and environments, youth experience essential elements that serve as the foundation of positive development.
Belonging
A positive relationship with a caring adult. A safe, inclusive, emotional and physical environment where every youth is seen and valued.
Mastery
Engagement in learning with real opportunity for mastery. We believe every young person has a gift worth developing.
Independence
Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future. Self-determination, identity, and the confidence to lead.
Generosity
Opportunity to value and practice service to others. GIFTED youth learn that giving back is part of their purpose.
Board of Directors
Kathy D. Horry
President & Executive Director
Rose A. Lucas
Executive Secretary & Grant Writer
Barbara Robertson
Board Member
Amanda Mathews
Director of Education
Program Coordinators
Oneita Murphy
Volunteer Coordinator
Demetrius Davis
Technical Coordinator
Sandra Harrell
Scholarship Coordinator
Alfreda Robinson
Activities Coordinator
Advisory Board
Eric Freeman
EF DARTHOUSE
Kelvin Broughton
Kelshan Productions
Rev. Linda Matthews
The Milt Matthews Foundation
Lenard C. Hood
President, Omega Supply Services, Inc.
Our Community Network
GIFTED collaborates with local community stakeholders who share our commitment to youth development and positive community impact.
Boys & Girls Club
St. Charles County, Missouri
Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA)
St. Louis, MO
National Health Care
Maryland Heights, MO
Children Enrichment Center
St. Louis, MO
Our Strengths & Growth Areas
Strengths
- Well-trained Executive Board governed by nonprofit law
- Leaders who generate innovative ideas and solutions
- Deep-seated passion and purpose behind our work
- Educational, cultural, and health programs for youth & families
- Genuine youth-centered practices that challenge and empower
- Welcoming of diversity and individual expression
Growth Areas
- Need to grow community awareness of our impact
- Developing strategies to increase youth retention
- Seeking additional funding to fully execute mission
- Building external partnerships and influencers
Opportunities
- Host workshops to attract internal and external investors
- Collaborate with similar youth organizations for best practices
- Build GIFTED Complex Center — a full youth development hub
Awareness
- Monitoring changes in IRS codes governing nonprofits
- Remaining competitive with similar organizations serving youth
Nondiscrimination Statement
GIFTED (God's Intelligent Fortified Talented and Educated Dreamers) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected class in its programs, services, or activities. For accommodation requests, contact contactus@giftedorg.com.