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Konscious Youth Development and Service [KYDS] has quickly established itself as a city staple, growing its holistic youth programs organically.

In the two years since Monmouth University graduates Mychal Mills, 29, of Neptune [below left] and Rodney Salomon, 29, of Marlboro [below right], launched the nonprofit’s open mic night entitled ‘One Mic One Soul’ at Kula Café on Springwood Avenue, attendance has not only grown but a meditation component was added to help participants channel energy in a positive manner; the organization’s edict.

The nonprofit now administers a second open mic night in Red Bank in conjunction with Project Write Now and Lunch Break, and has added three other Asbury Park based programs in order to target all age groups.

Their mantra – We are the change we wish to see in the world – is a part of the narrative at all their events, Salomon said.

KYDS is defined as a conscious youth development program that creates and prepares future leaders through holistic intervention, Mills said. One Mic One Soul remains an essential program in bringing awareness to the community.

On Dec 10, KYDS will celebrates One Mic One Soul’s two-year anniversary with a Holistic Fair featuring activities and giveaways, a mindfulness meditation, art exhibit, and nutritional smoothies courtesy of event sponsor Dean’s Natural Food Market of Ocean Township. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the open mic kicking off at 6:15 p.m. at Kula Café.

A positive platform for poets, singers, hip hop artists, and dancers to share a piece of their life, “many participants are first time performers that have felt a level of comfort to openly express themselves,” Salomon said. “Open mic events have been an evening for learning about health and nutrition, mindfulness, with many conscious awakening conversations.”

KYDS six-week Konscious Light program aims to provide high school aged students with a deeper sense of inner-balance by using key topics like Gratitude, Kindness and Compassion.

The Journey Summer Program is a six-week yoga, meditation and lifelong character development program for middle schoolers.

And this year the duo, who also obtained their master’s degrees from Monmouth University, began administering the Junior Entrepreneurship Training [JET] program created by Interfaith Neighbors The program provides practical entrepreneurship training to Asbury Park based middle school students via a team of volunteer mentors who guide them from idea to the fruition of a product that is sold at the annual Made in Monmouth market fair.

“Lives are changing right before our eyes,” Mills said. “One Mic One Soul has become a platform for openness and vulnerability. There is an undeniable energy in the room when we all feel connected. I leave each open mic a changed person, inspired.”

KYDS obtained its 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, and the duo say they are looking forward to future growth and expansion.

“The support of Dean’s Natural Food Market and Interfaith Neighbors has been instrumental in the success and growth of KYDS,” Salomon said.

Kula Café is located at 1201 Springwood Ave. For more information, visit KYDS website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

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