“I Always Call Myself the ‘In Between’ the Pastors, the Politicians and the Police”

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GRAND BAHAMA , THE BAHAMAS – This year, Reach Out Youth Organization marks 20 years of making an impact in the lives of young men and families across the island of Grand Bahama. It started off as a simple basketball game in the inner city and grew into an organization that meets of the needs of the whole family.

Our News anchor, Megan Shepherd has more in Tuesday’s grander view.

At a time when climbing murder rates were plaguing the country, Founder and President of Reach Out youth organization, Dudley Siede – survivor of a shooting himself- knew that to solve the issue, you had to go where the issue was.

He organized a basketball program in the Garden Villas area, attracting some 350 young men. Within a month, that number grew to 700 and then the young men began sharing more with Siede

However, Siede continued his work with the young men, developing a number of programs to meet their needs, year round.

Siede doesn’t only cater to young men. Following Hurricane Dorian, he expanded his efforts and now is assisting the entire island.

Seide assists between 70-80 families with grocery packages on a weekly basis all without the red tape, making it easier for families in need. Of course, it isn’t easy.

Seide said it takes almost $200,000 a year to keep the organization going.

As of now, Siede said he does receive a grant of $11,000 per year, from the government.

Despite the daily pressures, Seide says he truly a ministry of love.