M-POWERHOUSE was organized as an unincorporated association in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1995 to address the etiology of youth violence and poverty in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Harry P. Marshall, MD., and Terry Smith then Chief Anesthesia Technician focused on creating a revolutionary model to develop economic, education, and health strategies that address the root cause factors for youth violence. They developed an M-Powerhouse model to address the physical, psychological, educational and environmental needs of urban youth.
Harry Marshall M.D. who is currently a trauma surgeon at UNC Hospital of Chapel Hill and Terry Smith, now a anesthesia technician supervisor at Durham Regional Hospital have teamed up with local community leaders to form M-POWERHOUSE of The Triangle. The Board of Directors is comprised of Dr. Theresa Wahome with the Durham Public School System, Lt. Winslow Forbes with the Durham Police Department, Ira Smith, M.D, Harry Lightfoot M.D also at Durham Regional Hospital and Thomas E. Spivey, CPA, PA.
M-PowerHouse Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) 3. M-PowerHouse Inc. acts as a clearinghouse for the community by developing partnerships and collaborations with organizations. M-PowerHouse has set up specific sets of modules and provides speakers for various venues and organizations.
On March 26th, 2008 M-POWERHOUSE held a Youth Symposium at Durham Regional Hospital titled “Bridge to the Future” in the hospital’s auditorium in which 170 youth attended and participated in a “Circle of Life Series.” The youth symposium discussed gang violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and a countless number of soci-economic conditions that negatively affect youth including smoking cessation and tobacco usage, teen pregnancy, healthy eating habits, investing money for the future and the importance of voting. The program is designed to challenge youth’s critical thinking process through non-violent conflict resolution skills, health awareness issues, career goals and life style changes.
Students from all over attended including: City of Medicine Academy at Southern High School, Southern High School Engineering Academy, Hillside High School Finance Academy, Hillside High School Tech Program and others.
Special guest included Cy Young of Foxy 107/104 and K97.5 radio stations, Lieutenant Howard Alexander of the City of Durham Police Department, Grammy award-winning producer and recording artist Ninth Wonder; Ira Q. Smith, MD, of Harris & Smith OB/GYN, Kawachi Clemons, coordinator of NCCU’s music industry, and keynote speaker Christopher “Play” Martin.
M-POWERHOUSE has future plans to have symposiums and educational venues throughout North Carolina and focus on the future M-POWERHOUSE Enrichment Center.
Remember, M-POWERHOUSE is tax deductible non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Give and get back in return. The seeds you help plant will become a fruitful harvest.
