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WINDSOR – Two local nonprofits, Eustress Inc. (Rwenshaun Miller) and the Bertie County YMCA (Casey Owens), teamed up for the Without Fences Collaborative, which took six Bertie County student-athletes to Chicago to tour the city and participate in a 28-hour lock-in hosted by Chicago organization ProjectSwish.

Miller and Owens are former student athletes from Bertie County, class of 2005.

Without Fences Collaborative is a transformative program designed to take youth from the underserved communities on immersive trips to major cities, exposing them to new possibilities, experiences, and pathways to personal and economic growth. This initiative aims to break the cycle of limited exposure that often defines their environment by introducing participants to multidimensional opportunities—spanning career exploration, cultural enrichment, and leadership development.

For many of these children, their families have lived within the same circumstances for generations, without access to the experiences or networks that could shift their trajectory. Without Fences Collaborative serves as a bridge to new horizons, igniting their imaginations and showing them that their dreams are not confined by their zip code. Whether it’s touring universities, meeting professionals who share their background, or participating in workshops focused on entrepreneurship and technology, these young minds are given a glimpse of what is possible beyond their immediate environment.

Traveling at an early age fosters curiosity, adaptability, and a broader worldview. It allows children to see life beyond their current experience and inspires them to aim higher academically, socially, and professionally. When youth see firsthand that success can take many forms, they begin to believe in their own potential for achievement and can more confidently map out their futures. These experiences cultivate independence, creativity, and the resilience necessary to navigate their unique journeys.

Ultimately, Without Fences Collaborative is more than a travel program—it’s a catalyst for change.