OUR HISTORY

Manterfly Youth Development (MYD) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization initially established in Northern Virginia in 1999. In 2007, Manterfly Youth Development relocated to 2500 Chamberlayne Avenue in Richmond, Virginia and began offering mentoring and prevention services to youth throughout the city. MYD operates with the philosophy that positive caring adults are the conduits that provide youth with the optimal environment allowing them to make thoughtful decisions, to mature, and to reach their full potential.

The vision for establishing Manterfly Youth Development was born out of a tragedy.  The founder of the oranization, Rudi Jackson was inspired to create the organization after attending the funeral of a childhood friend who was senselessly murdered while on break from college.  During the funeral of his friend, Rudi Jackson noticed a butterfly flying around inside the funeral.  The image of the butterfly signified transformation, strength, spirituality and a connection with nature to Mr. Jackson.  The image also brought a great deal of comfort and a knowing that everything was fine with his friend.  Mr. Jackson wanted to honor the spirit of that image as he began to establish a youth development organization in 1999.  He came up with the name Manterfly, which is a play on words for (Man to Fly) and soar above adversity.  Also, Manterfly was initially an organization established to work with at-risk males so we had to put a masculine twist on the butterfly.  The organization has grown over the years to serve male and female children and adolescents from the ages of 4 years to 18 years.  We also serve adults at our mentoring center where we provide an array of services.  Manterfly has become an archetypal symbol that inspires hope, encourages children and adults to think unlimited and reach their full potential.  Manterfly Youth Development is a servant leadership organization that looks for needs in our community and work to meet those needs.

OUR MISSION

The mission of MYD is to ensure that at-risk youth have the opportunity to reach their full potential and become productive members of society. We provide assistance to families by providing a safe stable and nurturing environment for youth through a series of prevention and a selection of mentoring services.

The name Manterfly symbolizes the spirit of the organization which is to help others soar above their present situation. We are committed to assisting young people and their families as they work through their issues while encouraging them to reach loftier goals.