Changing the lives of Nevada County youth today
Serving sixth-graders to those in their mid-20s through four programs
1 in 12
Estimated number of youth in western Nevada County that Bright Futures for Youth connects with every month
17,860
Healthy meals served to youth in 2024-2025 school year — almost 60% of the meals are for the NEO Youth Center
5,000
Volunteer hours for our three core programs, plus in our kitchen and at special events. The organization has 10 types of volunteer opportunities, from drivers to mentors.
Our News & Stories
Jennifer Singer to step down as Executive Director at end of year
Community leader Jennifer Singer is stepping down as Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth, an organization that she cofounded more than 30 years ago.
Bright Futures for Youth – formerly known as The Friendship Club – started as an after-school program for a handful of middle-school and high school girls has evolved into serving several hundred young people every month. The Friendship Club merged with the NEO Youth Center to become Bright Futures for Youth in 2020. Today, the organization serves about one of every 12 young people in western Nevada County.
Singer, 51, is stepping down to spend more time with her family and become a consultant for other nonprofits and businesses in the community. She will serve as a strategic adviser for Bright Futures for Youth.
Sienna Crawford, currently the Development Director, will become Executive Director on Jan. 1, 2027. She has been with the organization since 2022.
Leah Ellis named Friendship Club Program Manager
Welcome Leah Ellis, a former local substitute teacher and basketball coach with an educational background in clinical counseling and psychology. Leah oversees daily activities for The Friendship Club.
How the community is coming together to address youth homelessness
Community leaders, experts and youth experiencing housing instability discussed the challenges and impact of youth homelessness on our community at a half-day conference at Bright Futures for Youth.
More than 100 people gathered and panelists and speakers shared their concerns and detailed how we can improve community-wide efforts.
How Bright Futures Has Helped Youth Along the Way
