Dear Friends,
The COVID-19 pandemic and shelter in place order is challenging youth – and all of us – in new ways, as we contend with isolation and uncertainty. For pre-teens to young adults with little control over their lives, this isolation can lead to dramatically increased anxiety, stress and despair – and the need for mental health support.
You can count on The Friendship Club, which recently merged with NEO Youth Center, to create opportunities for our youth, and in turn, for our community to thrive.
Soon to be known as Bright Futures for Youth, the nonprofit is expanding to provide comprehensive academic, emotional, and social support to several hundred girls and boys ages 11-25 throughout the greater Grass Valley/Nevada City region.
Our life-changing programs are in full swing, five days a week, with numerous activities, support services and connection to meet needs of nearly 200 youth, double the number from a year ago. Efforts include:
- Providing after-school classes and hands-on programs, fun activities, on-site counselors, mentors, tutors, access to internet and distance learning coaches.
- Making mental health support available via telehealth to address more needs – a 10 percent increase in just the first few months of the pandemic.
- Assisting unhoused 16-24-year-old young adults through the SAFE program, with basic needs, rental assistance, career paths, community resources and more.
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness with student management system software to tailor services for young people, including coordination with care providers.
Be assured, Bright Futures for Youth is following COVID guidelines for all in-person activities.
This needed and valuable expansion requires the collective financial support of the community. Your support is a gift to our youth and to our community.
Please consider supporting this most worthy endeavor to invest in youth, today and tomorrow. Donate online at https://bffyouth.org/donate/ or by check to The Friendship Club (200 Litton Drive, Suite 308, Grass Valley, CA 95945).