Olivet Boys & Girls Club and VOiCEup Berks have created a mural at the Clinton Street Club that officials say reflects the creativity, imagination and potential of Olivet Club kids.
The mural, Champions of Possibility, is a reflection of VOiCEup Berks’ Generation Impact Initiative, which empowers young adults to build community through meaningful service, leadership, and civic engagement, officials said in an announcement.
VOiCEup Berks invited Theron Cook, an Olivet alumnus and professional artist, to return to the club that helped shape his childhood and lead the project. Cook, a muralist and brand strategist, is also the Founder of Don’t Quit Omniversity & TCA DQ Foundation.
Kayla Franchetti, an East Penn Manufacturing intern who was part of VOiCEup Berks’ Generation Impact Initiative, right, works with Olivet Boys & Girls Club members on the mural. (Courtesy of Maddy Fratis, VOiCEup Berks marketing manager)
Before the painting began, Cook worked with club members through interactive art and storytelling workshops, encouraging them to explore what possibility means to them. Their ideas, artwork and personal stories became the inspiration for the final mural.
“Coming back to Olivet feels like coming home,” Cook said. “This project is about more than creating a mural — it’s about creating something ‘with’ the kids. I wanted them to know their creativity matters and that their story is still being written.”
Through the Impact Initiative, East Penn Manufacturing interns worked alongside club members to bring the mural to life, creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship, teamwork and self-expression.
“This project grew from the relationships we built through our MLK events,” said Katie Diamond Rothstein, Generation Impact Program director. “We knew the right partners could turn a vision into a lasting reminder that anything is possible. We’re grateful to Theron, Olivet and the East Penn interns for helping make that vision a reality.”
Rick Perez, Olivet president and CEO, said the project sends an important message.
“Our kids didn’t just paint this mural — they helped imagine and design it,” he said. “I hope every child who sees it is reminded that they are a champion of possibility and that, with the support of a caring community, they can accomplish incredible things.”
Officials said the project was made possible through the support of the Breidegam Family Foundation and the commitment of organizations and volunteers dedicated to investing in the next generation of youth leaders. They thanked Cook and his team, East Penn Manufacturing, F.M. Brown’s, Sue Brown, Marc and Jane Althen and the volunteers.
“Today, Champions of Possibility welcomed every child who entered the Clinton Street Club with a powerful reminder — your voice matters, your ideas matter, and your future is full of possibility,” he said.
Featured in the Reading Eagle