Photo courtesy of Olivet Boys & Girls Club
READING, Pa. – Two local organizations have partnered together to create a mural that represents the creativity and imagination of local children.
Olivet Boys & Girls Club and VOiCEup Berks collaborated on the mural titled Champions of Possibility.
According to the Boys & Girls Club, this mural is more than a public art project; it is a reflection of VOiCEup Berks’ Generation Impact initiative, which empowers young adults to build community through meaningful service, leadership, and civic engagement.
VOiCEup Berks says they invited Olivet alumnus and professional artist, Theron Cook, to return to the Club that helped shape his childhood and lead the project. Before the work on the mural began, Cook guided Olivet Club members through interactive art and storytelling workshops, encouraging them to explore what possibility means to them.
Cook says the kids’ ideas, artwork, and personal stories became the inspiration for the final mural, ensuring it reflects the voices of the young people who created it.
“Coming back to Olivet feels like coming home. 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,” said Cook.
Through VOiCEup Berk’s Generation Impact Initiative, East Penn Manufacturing interns worked alongside Olivet Club members to bring the mural to life, creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship, teamwork, and self-expression, says the club.
“Our kids didn’t just paint this mural, they helped imagine and design it,” said Olivet President & CEO, Rick Perez.
“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,” Perez added.
The club says 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.
“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,” Perez said.