Edward Frank
Dumfries, VA (USA)
Role(s):
Other
Dumfries Youth Center
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Startup
Location:
Dumfries
Industry:
Non Profit
Year Founded:
2009
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Description:
Dumfries Youth Center is a non profit organization. Our mission is to provide the surrounding youth academic enrichment, character development, life skills training and motivation for youth in middle and high school. The goals are to reduce high school dropout rates and prepare young adults to become productive members of society. DYC will focus on the immediate community and surrounding areas of Dumfries, Virginia. The community identified that the youth center will serve is a lower income area where dropout rates are more prevalent. Many of the youth in the Dumfries, Virginia area do not participate in extracurricular activities because of either the distance to a particular place of interest or lack of transportation.
The youth center provides local recreation where the youth could come and participate in leisure activities and various programs that will enhance their level of personal and academic skills. DYC's purpose is to provide a positive environment for the youth to have a recreational area and a place to grow socially and academically. By providing an organization such as DYC, it will assist in lowering high school dropout rates, reduce teen pregnancy, train the youth in the community to develop conflict resolution skills, decrease illegal drug use and reduce juvenile incarceration rates. DYC will address the needs of identified youth by specific curriculum objectives, providing academic support through mentoring and tutoring, providing career development, job training and character development workshops and at the same time providing a safe, fun and enriching environment for middle and high school youth on Friday and Saturday evenings.
DYC’s purpose and programs fall within the themes of American Express’ Community Service. We also have an annual walk a thon fundraiser which is scheduled for October of this year. This walk’s theme will be centered on the community inspiring area youth to achieve their academic goals and empowering youth to take charge of their future. Local businesses, school, sponsors and interested parties are solicited to contribute, participate and help organize this event. DYC’s programs for the youth are ongoing and financial support is something that our center is currently looking for to provide DYC’s much needed services to our area youth. Our budget for 2009 is currently $327,256.00. DYC seeking funding to assist in covering the cost of operating the center. DYC has actively submitted grant proposals to several entities for financial assistance. As of today’s date, they are all still pending.
While the content varies from program to program, we will measure our success in achieving the program’s goals in the following ways: By keeping attendance sheets, class journals and portfolio’s for each program, weekly reports will be compiled. Journals will be written by the program coordinators and electronically stored to measure the outcomes of each program. These journals will be accessible all staff, board members and funders for purposes of program improvements and/or adjustments. Further, at least quarterly, an assessment will be done by participants, parents and/or staff to assess the program’s effectiveness and enhancements to the programs will be adjusted accordingly. DYC looks forward to a response on an opportunity to build a long lasting community partnership with American Express. We know that the efforts and investments we put forward now, will only better our youth’s chance for a brighter future.