By Nicole Dupes | March 17, 2008

Every month the Orlando Magic and Fifth Third Bank select a community member as the Fifth Third Bank Orlando Magic Maker for their dedication and significant contribution to the Orlando community. This month Shantae Stubbs, founder of the New Image Youth Center, is recognized for her commitment to improving the youth of the Orlando community.

At the age of 21, Stubbs founded the New Image Youth Center (NIYC) on Parramore Ave in downtown Orlando with a vision of providing a safe haven for the youth of the community, while at the same time helping each child become a better citizen.

“Our motto for the center is “Where there is nothing less than the best,’ which is quote my dad raised me on,” said Stubbs. “He always said no matter what, I had to strive to be the best in everything that I did or it didn't count.”

With the vision of providing each child a family atmosphere in the center, Stubbs incorporates life lessons and practical teachings into what each child who comes to the center experiences. The children learn about the responsibilities of work by visiting banks and stores located in the community and seeing firsthand how the employees and the managers work hard to make a difference.

The sense of responsibility is nurtured even further as each child is taught their importance in making a difference in their community. On several occasions, the children of the center organize car washes in order to raise money for the center and other causes in the community.

“I teach the children to surround themselves with positive people, because then positive things will happen,” Stubbs said. “I teach the children that they become who they are surrounded by, and it's important to be around people who believe in your dream, and think as you, that way it's easier to stay focused and stay out of trouble.”

The NIYC is typically comprised of about 25 children from the surrounding neighborhoods, between the ages of five and 15, who need a place to go to just be kids. Along with offering tutoring to children who need help with their homework, the center also has a state-certified counselor on hand to offer the children counseling for mental health issues, teen drug use, teen pregnancy and rape victims, while also teaching teens about premarital sex and the consequences of giving in to peer pressure.

At just the age of 25, Stubbs has received her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Columbia University and is expected to graduate with her master’s degree in mental health counseling, with an emphasis on family and marriage, in 2009 from Webster University. Although the center does receive some outside funding from other organizations, the majority of the expenses come straight from Stubbs’ own pocket.

Earlier this month, the center was presented a $10,000 check from the Orlando Magic to purchase new computer software, school supplies, educational games and books. The event was part of the Magic’s commitment to assisting local community centers with reading and learning programs. In addition, Fifth Third Bank will be donating $500 to the NIYC in Stubbs’ honor for her commitment to the youth of Central Florida.

Nicole Dupes in a communications intern for the Orlando Magic.