Day 1

📅 WWU Launch Log – July 1, 2025

Before You Read the Update…

I will eventually write a true intro to why I am doing what I am doing, but if you are here because I sent you this link directly; then I am hoping you are able to shift your perspective for a moment as you navigate the beginning stages of what I think can make a measurable and meaningful impact on youth across Rochester and eventually, the rest of the country.

So I will ask, if you have made it this far, (clicked on the link and read to this point) as you continue, think about our interactions together and why I believe that what I am trying to create will be worth your time and interest.

Regardless of your thoughts, please provide me direct feedback no matter how negative or positive. I NEED this to work because I am convinced it will help so many, with significantly more impact than most “programs.” And if you are stilllllll reading, you know that I will do whatever it takes to make it work, so make it easier on me and provide honest feedback.

This is a ChatGPT version of what was done today that will have an additional personal narrative that is 100% my words. For now, this will be the daily structure we utilize going forward unless the people tell me otherwise…

Milestone: Formal Filing Submitted and official public announcement made: Today marks the official first day of Wealth Within U Inc. taking legal form as a nonprofit organization in New York State

Foundation Built Prior to Today on my own personal time:

Current Status: 5 post-secondary students confirmed to participate in the WWU program for the next 4 years+

Overall Program & Vision

• Structured WWU as a 6-year program (high school junior year → 4 years post-grad)

• Core outcomes include:

• Empowering students to make a living doing what they choose to do

• Financial literacy and real-world budgeting

• Completion of a GED or Regents diploma based on individual academic paths

• Paid, work-based learning rooted in student interest and community value

• Establishing foundational wealth tools (Roth IRA, savings, credit)

• Personal identity, direction, and accountability as central success pillars

Operational Blueprint

• Mission statement written and refined

• Curriculum aligned with NYS Adult Ed and College/Career Readiness standards

• Student expectations, attendance policies, and outcome assessments developed

• Reserve policy established: 3 years of cash per student secured before expansion

Legal & Strategic Setup

• EIN obtained and entity name solidified as Wealth Within U Inc.

• Initial board meeting held

• Next board meeting scheduled 8/5 @ 10:00 am at 348 Grosvenor Rochester, NY

• Bylaws and incorporation documents drafted

• Filing pathway for 501(c)(3) confirmed

• Squarespace site launched for outreach, transparency, and engagement

Outreach & Partnership Potential:

• Drafted student and family onboarding materials

• Working directly with School systems to serve their students

• Door-to-door student recruitment and grassroots fundraising

• Drafted student and family onboarding materials for proof of interest

• Public-facing updates and “build in public” strategy launched for transparency and momentum

Create Revenue Streams

• Student-run corporation assisted businesses as instructional components

• Sponsorship model connecting donors directly to student cohorts

• Serve as a Job Placement Agency

• Integration of donor-matching savings accounts

• Long-term potential for replication/licensing of WWU model

• Submission for available Grant funding⸻

What Was Completed Today:

• ✅ Finalized and submitted the Certificate of Incorporation (DOS-1511-f)

• ✅ Filed the Certificate of Assumed Name (DOS-1338-f) to publicly operate as Wealth Within U

• ✅ Included the Document Cover Sheet (DOS-2183-f)

• ✅ Emailed all forms to corporations@dos.ny.gov

• ❌ Fax submission attempted but failed

• ❌ Payment not yet processed — phone system unreachable after multiple attempts

• 🔁 Plan in place to reattempt phone contact at opening tomorrow (9:00 AM sharp)

• 📦 Mailing backup packet prepared in case phone access remains unavailable

⸻

Next Steps:

• Daily updates via this website and future social media sites

• Confirm successful state processing via email and/or follow-up phone payment for filing purposes

• Complete proposal for Golisano Business Institute. Ask Kim the name again, then also figure out how to send the same proposal to Ryan

• Create easier ways for people to donate

• Create relevant social media accounts and an action plan in using them

• Once State paperwork is approved, proceed to:

• Open business bank account

• Submit Form 1023-EZ for 501(c)(3)

• Begin onboarding process for board, school, and donors

⸻

Personal Narrative from today (NO AI used):

I also met with Kim McDowell at Canaltown Coffee Roasters for two hours as she will be serving on the board. I gave her a general update to Wealth Within U as a whole. I had presented the idea in the past to her but WWU has evolved quite a bit since then. Given how small my audience is right now, I will dive in to Kim and her involvement at a later time. Do know that I am very lucky as will everyone else involved, to have Kim McDowell on board. She has the vision, the experience and the patience (to deal with me).

Jumping in on the back end of this personal narrative after I wrote the closing for today and I just wanted to add how difficult it was for me to just click publish rather than nit pick everything like I always do. That is usually what has led to my failure to follow through. Luckily I have used personal accountability and the fact that I do not have employment right now to force me to do what needs to be done. As I have encouraged so many of my friends, family members, students and players through the years without saying it… embrace being uncomfortable.

This is Day One officially, but in reality, Wealth Within U has been in motion long before the paperwork as it is an embodiment of who I am. What began as an idea turned into a bigger idea that turned in to a purpose that I can no longer deny. I, like everyone want their time in this world to mean something, and for me (outside of being a great; brother, son, husband, father, friend, Wealth Within U is that.

I need support to make this happen, please join me in any way possible to help me finally make a difference that can withstand the current systems and structures that we have in place. If you know me, “grifting” like activities is something I struggle with, however, I do understand that every dollar counts. With that said, in the day of digital currency, every share, like and subscribe is just as valuable. Your input, your time, your attention, are just as valuable in my opinion.

I will continue to be fully transparent through the lifetime of this as I believe every public funded or non-profit organization should be, so please be as active as you feel inclined! I look forward to the journey ahead, as uncomfortable as it makes me…

It is now 8:30 pm and I have officially logged 12 hours of work for day 1. As so many have learned through the years, when I tell you I am all in, you will get all of me.

Together, we can change the world,

“Shaffer”

315-209-9643