Imagine a group of individuals, churches & organizations pulling together to open a youth center in the heart of the most desperate communities of their city. What differences can a youth center make for the kids, neighborhood and community? 

 I. BASICS

1) Research and learn about youth centers.

My story is about The Refuge that served over 100 at-risk youth every Friday and Saturday night for 3 ½ years, plus offered other programs. All I want to do is be able share what we learned back in 2000-2003. Whatever God has blessed me in with experience, is free to you and your organization.

2) What is the real purpose of your center? What will be that motivating factor that energizes you and helps you persevere through everything....

3) The right location  I understand you have two locations to consider. Fortunately, it sounds like they are easily accessible to the neighborhood kids.

4) What sort of building, pre-existing?

5) The right person heading up the project?

II. COMMUNITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS.

1) effective partnerships with any and appropriate youth service organizations

2) public relations

1. find grant writers who will only be paid IF/when they secure the grants
2. consider United Way process
3. get commitment from neighborhood churches
4. get enrolled in good grant websites email listings

IV PROGRAMS.

1. AWANA crosstrainers?  (may have to go through a church)
2. new scout units
3. 4-H clubs
4. homemakers group
5. career readiness
6. financial budgeting
7. resource center for community agency brochures (don't duplicate what's being done - form partnerships/referral service)
8. forming a youth team
9. points & awards
10. games (arcade, computer, sports, etc.)
11. craft supplies
12. after school  (bus drop off, parent permission, math homework, etc.)
13. free food
14. summer all day long operations
15. Friday/Saturday night hours?
16. Alpha Omega homeschool math workbooks (find sponsors, tutors, etc)

V. ADMINISTRATION.

1. day-to-day operations
2. the barriers to overcome: timelines!
3. youth behavior standards/guidelines
4. insurance
5. will it be “faith-based”? boys/girls club? Big Sisters/Big Brothers?
6. city/county codes and regulations
7. developing a volunteer staff, job descriptions, background checks
8. paid staff?
9. estimated monthly budget
10. Board of Directors, responsibilities/duties
11. forming 501(c)3, non-profit recognition
12. accounting/finance person, someone volunteer? KEEP DETAILED RECORDS!
13. Obtain Memorandum of Understanding when partnering with any agency to list details, assume nothing (ask about our Christian Camp example!)

a) intro information brochure

b) web site

c) news releases

d) public meetings

e) civic clubs

f) community groups

g) neighborhood groups

3) media

a) make listing, including main contacts, email addresses, etc.

b) send monthly news releases

III. FUNDING.

1. funding: short & long term
2. identify local charity giving groups
3. get the word out with your detail listing of needs
4. find sponsors for various projects