Inner Changes Brings Life To St. Croix Through Laughter And Magic

ST. CROIX — The John H. Woodson auditorium was filled with children and their parents as Comedy Illusionist Reggie Rice brought tears of joy, awe and wonder to an attentive and often boisterous gathering on Saturday, performing tricks and delivering jokes that kept attendees on the edge of their seats, not wanting to miss a beat.

Organized by nonprofit Inner Changes For Girls and Boys Council, Inc., the event, dubbed ‘Magic of Laughter’, was produced to aid in the organization’s continuing efforts of providing quality after-school programs for children, ages 5-19.

And what a success it was. The school’s parking lot contained no parking space as vehicles could be seen lining the side of the road across from the educational institution. Rice performed a host of tricks in a comedic twist that everyone could appreciate. At times, he would intentionally execute tricks that the audience laughed at — not because the tricks were exceptional — but because they weren’t magic tricks at all. Coupled with more serious illusions, for example piercing one’s hand with a piece of metal engulfed in fire, the show was money well spent.

“Kids, don’t try this at home,” Rice warned. “Try it at your friends’ house.” The audience burst into laughter. The event sold out.

From Left: Comedy Illusionist Reggie Rice and Melanie Johannes-Titre, founder of Inner Changes for Girls and Boys Council, Inc.

Melanie Johannes-Titre, Inner Changes founder, spoke to VI Consortium about the organization she founded in 2007.

Johannes-Titre said she was in search of certain programs that would aid in the social and academic development of her children, however, she found none locally. The chief executive said she realized that she could either be part of the problem, “but I decided to become part of the solution.”

Inner Changes, Johannes -Titre added, is not solely for children who are underperforming; but also for those doing well and need to be challenged further.

After-school tutoring, an intensive program which involves visiting school teachers and working with children on homework assignments, is one of many offerings from Inner Changes. “We basically take the role of the parent to make sure that the child is successful,” Johannes-Titre said.

Being a nonprofit, Inner Changes is completely reliant on grants through contracts with various government agencies. Because of this, the organization occasionally falls short in funding, and must utilize innovative means of raising money. One such event was The Magic of Laughter. The selfsame event was held in St. Thomas the Thursday preceding Saturday’s successful affair.

The organization’s physical location is 140 B, Estate St. Georges, in the Espior Business Center, where they’ve been situated for the past six years. Staff ranges from 5 to 20 “depending on how many schools we’re servicing,” Johannes-Titre said.

The facility is 3000 sq ft and includes a lower and upper level. The organization also has social programs that teaches proper etiquette, swimming, cooking, proper nutrition and more. “We even take them on college and career tours to the mainland. We have done several university and trade school tours to help get the children’s minds career-oriented,” she added.

The Elite Charm School, for example, which is specifically geared towards girls, offers courses in helping young girls become virtuous women, according to a description on the nonprofit’s website. “It is designed to teach young ladies how to become excellent in the presentation of their best selves,” it adds.

Since government contracts are not available consistently, Johannes-Titre said her organization could use some of the community’s help through donations.

“Right now we’re in dire need of computers,” she said. “We moved our curriculum from hard copy books to online, which calls for two things: a computer, and funds to purchase software to 1), assess the children when we first get them, and 2), prepare the tutorials online that would make it easier for them be able to learn,” the founder added.

Inner Changes is well-known among the schools. However, Johannes-Titre says there needs to be a heightened effort to raise awareness among members of the community.  It’s an achievement she hopes will be accomplished through efforts like Saturday night’s magic show.

“I like to bring unique events to the island for the children that we don’t get to see or get to do because of our geographical location,” Johannes-Titre said. “So I thought that a magic show mixed with comedy for kids would be nice.”

For more information, visit Inner Changes through any of the above links, or call 340-719-1725.