Hundreds of kids participate every month at Bright Futures for Youth
Dances, jam sessions and open-mic nights.
Art and music classes.
Financial literacy, how to get a job and other life-skills workshops.
College tours and pumpkin patch visits.
And, of course, lots of fun with friends.
Back to school means back to Bright Futures for Youth’s after-school programs – The Friendship Club and the NEO Youth Center – for several hundred young people.
Programs are held at the Bright Futures for Youth campus, 200 Litton Drive in Grass Valley.
We want to create the best-possible classes, events and experiences – as the kids say “vibe” – for students. For example, a class on finding a job fits a high school student but may miss the mark for a middle-school student.
The NEO Youth Center is open for middle-school students 3-6 p.m. Mondays and 2-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
High school students are welcome 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Special events are planned for Fridays, when middle and high school students will share the space.
Students, regardless of their age, will have access on their respective days to the entire NEO Youth Center, from the café with its cool drinks and healthy snacks to the art and music rooms. The backyard and gaming area with board games, a pool table and video games will also be accessible.
The Friendship Club, which started in 1995 and is the founding program of Bright Futures for Youth, will hold a range of events during the first few weeks, including ice-breaker activities to help build a connection between the girls.
The after-school program includes life-skills classes, a visit to a pumpkin patch, college tours and numerous other activities during the first few months.
Nearly 100 girls are enrolled this year in The Friendship Club.
“We’re excited for the kids to return to The Friendship Club and the NEO Youth Center, and are looking forward to a fun year with new classes and workshops,” said Jennifer Singer, Executive Director of Bright Futures for Youth. “We’re always looking at how to meet the needs of more young people in the community. Of course, none of this is possible without our committed supporters, dedicated volunteers and hardworking staff.”
Changing times = an uncertain future
You’ve heard the news and seen the headlines, the road ahead is tough.
Significant budget cuts coupled with an uncertain economy are creating serious challenges for nonprofits, including Bright Futures for Youth.
Government grants are fading faster than long summer days, and the competition for the funding available is fierce.
Bright Futures for Youth has benefited from grants, but about half of our budget comes from individuals and small-business owners. The community helped build the organization and continues to invest in the next generation.
Grants have helped cover some of our costs, including paying interns that have been integral to program delivery.
Without funding from grants, Bright Futures for Youth will need to make some difficult but necessary choices. Some of our programs could be reduced. Such an action would have a dramatic effect on youth – and the community. We may not be able to provide vital services to hundreds of young people every month.
Today, the organization connects with one of every 12 young people in western Nevada County. But we are faced with challenges that could deprive youth with programs they depend on.
We are an after-school program that has expanded into multiple programs offering a range of services, from providing a safe and supervised space to serving healthy meals and ensuring access to health care counseling and even housing.
And you can help
If you’re already a supporter, thank you. Please consider increasing your investment in the future of our youth. Invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker, family member to visit us and get involved.
If you’re not a supporter, please join the effort in making the next generation, the best generation.
Every dollar empowers. Every dollar matters. Together, we are making a difference.
You can donate here.
Bright Futures Youth wants you! Volunteers needed
Hey, who doesn’t want to feel needed? And you are, a lot.
Bright Futures for Youth is looking for volunteers to help in numerous ways:
- Drivers. Drive girls to and from The Friendship Club.
- Kitchen crew. Bright Futures for Youth serves more than 13,000 meals per year.
- NEO Café: A fast-paced, fun-filled opportunity to encourage kids to eat healthy meals.
- Homework club: Your encouragement, energy and knowledge can ease the stress and lead to more success for students.
- Mentors: Connect with a young person and help them grow and mature – and focus on their future.
Bright Futures for Youth will offer orientation and training for new volunteers, who will also undergo a background check.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Evan Nielsen, EvanNielsen@BFFYOUTH.ORG or 530-265-4311.
