Strengthening Youth Development
Strong youth development supports health as well as social well-being. When young people have trusted relationships, support for identity and growth, and opportunities to learn, lead, and belong, they are more likely to build the resilience and emotional well-being that aid in their development over time.
The Foundation supports programs that help adolescents and young adults build life skills, form strong relationships, and get the support they need as they move into adulthood. That means showing up for young people in ways that meet their needs holistically — through education, job readiness, housing, basic needs, mental and behavioral health support, and relationship-centered models of support.
2024 grantee spotlights
- Appalachian Children Coalition
- Community Renewal International
- DBG-Detroit
- YMCA and NAMI
Appalachian Children Coalition
Elevating youth voice through prevention leadership
In Appalachian Ohio, where families in rural communities can face uneven access to care and support, the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is advancing a collaborative, community-driven approach to improving outcomes for children and families. Working across 32 counties, ACC brings together schools, health care providers, and community organizations to strengthen prevention efforts, expand access to supports, and build a more connected system of care.
With Foundation support in 2024, the Appalachian Children Coalition launched and expanded the Appalachian Youth-Led Prevention Council (AYLPC) to 35 leaders who are speaking up for mental health, substance use prevention, and well-being in their schools and communities. Youth participated in leadership development sessions, engaged in statewide and national prevention networks, and began co-creating peer education content to bring back to their schools. Members also represented ACC at events such as the Youth-to-Youth International Conference and contributed to community storytelling initiatives, strengthening both their individual leadership skills and their collective voice in prevention efforts.
Beyond the council itself, this work helped catalyze broader community engagement. The Appalachian Children Coalition convened eight county-level prevention coalitions and reached more than 450 youth-serving professionals through statewide professional development and Youth Well-Being Summits and trainings — showing how much youth voice, local relationships, and community-based support matter in rural prevention work.
“Being in AYLPC has given me the agency to try to fix the issues I see in my community. AYLPC has uplifted my voice, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
–Isa B., Athens High School
The project also generated important insights about what drives effective prevention in rural communities. ACC found that youth leadership is a powerful catalyst for cultural change, with young people deepening peer engagement, shaping prevention messaging through storytelling and peer education, and accelerating momentum in schools. At the same time, the work reinforced the importance of local adaptation and sustained relationship-building to ensure prevention strategies reflect the realities and strengths of Appalachian communities.
Youth voice in action
“I loved being a part of AYLPC. I got a deeper understanding of the sphere of prevention! It also helped me start a prevention club at my high school!”
–Abby L., Athens High School
“Being an AYLPC member means attending trainings, sharing ideas with others in open conversations, and learning about important topics like mental health, substance use, violence prevention, and more. After you learn, you take what you’ve learned to help advocate in your community and prevent violence and dangerous outcomes. You use your knowledge and voice to help make our communities and world safer and more accepting.”
–Margaret M., Athens High School
“Being an AYLPC member has brought me immense knowledge, self-confidence, and passion. This past summer, I was able to attend the Youth-to-Youth International Conference with the council, which absolutely broke me out of my shell. I gained so much faith in myself as a leader. If AYLPC hadn’t covered the expenses of this experience, I would not have been able to go, and I would not be the person that I am today."
–Zoey C., Eastern High School
Community Renewal International
Building safe communities through relationships that empower youth
Community Renewal International’s Friendship Houses are transforming outcomes for children and youth by creating safe, relationship-centered spaces in some of Shreveport’s neighborhoods with the highest need. Rooted in the belief that strong, consistent relationships are foundational to healthy development, Friendship Houses serve as community hubs where individuals of any age can lean on the space for resources, safety, and a place to connect with neighbors. Through this model, Community Coordinators live and work directly in the neighborhoods they serve, building trust with families and creating a steady “third space” between school and home.
Over the past year, across 10 Friendship Houses in six neighborhoods, more than 450 young people ages 5 – 18 took part in after-school programming through Kids Club, Youth Club, and Operation H.O.P.E. Ninety-six percent avoided chronic absenteeism, 94% were promoted to the next grade, and 88% of seniors graduating with a post-secondary plan reflected increased stability and connection to school. That same relationship-centered approach also helped families feel more connected through parent gatherings, local partnerships, and adult programs, while some surrounding neighborhoods saw major crime drop by more than 50%. By approaching challenges like absenteeism and performance through a relational lens, working closely with both students and parents, Community Renewal’s Friendship Houses help young people stay on track and build confidence in their future pathways.
While youth are at the center, Friendship Houses take a whole-community approach that strengthens families and promotes safety. Parent relational meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and partnerships with schools and local organizations create a strong support network that reduces isolation and builds resilience. Adult programs, including the Adult Renewal Academy, provide GED preparation, workforce development, and life skills that help caregivers strengthen economic stability and model positive pathways for their children.
By investing in youth, strengthening families, and building meaningful connections across neighborhoods, Community Renewal International is creating safer communities where children and families can thrive.
DBG-Detroit
Empowering youth through trusted relationships
DBG-Detroit creates a relationship-centered environment where Detroit youth build strong social connections with trusted adults and peers while strengthening the social and emotional skills they need to thrive. Through its Shared Power Mentorship Methodology, DBG combines credible long-term mentorship, academic intervention, athletics, STEAM enrichment, and student voice to help young people build self-efficacy, adaptability, sense of agency, and self-regulation.
The organization also helps reduce key stressors to increase family stability. Students and their families receive free, reliable out-of-school-time care, transportation to and from the program, daily meals and snacks, take-home food, access to behavioral health supports, annual physical and vision and hearing exams, and technology resources that help prevent learning loss. These supports are tailored to the needs of each student and family through individualized plans and wraparound services. This holistic approach ensures that participants can fully engage and succeed.
DBG’s model extends beyond participation to leadership and long-term success. Students help shape enrichment offerings, serve on a student council, take part in job shadowing and internships, and engage in college and career readiness programming that prepares them for life after graduation.
This comprehensive approach produces measurable results for the 250 students DBG annually serves. In 2025, DBG-Detroit provided more than 12,000 service deliveries and 21,950 meals to help students and families stay supported. That support showed up in meaningful ways: students showed statistically significant growth in confidence and self-control, gained an average of 5.5 reading levels, and 84% improved in math. Over time, the program has also seen lasting results, including a 100% high school graduation rate and 98% of students going on to college, training, or work. Given its success, the program is in demand: there are over 3,000 students on their waitlist because the program is at capacity.
By pairing immediate supports with trusted relationships, leadership opportunities, and long-term skill-building, DBG shows how a comprehensive youth development model can lead to healthier outcomes and stronger academic success for young people, families, and the broader community. Its model demonstrates that when youth are connected to meaningful relationships, concrete resources, and opportunities to grow, they are better positioned to thrive in school, at home, and into adulthood.
The organization was also a grant recipient in 2023.
YMCA and NAMI
Helping children and families heal after Hurricane Helene
After Hurricane Helene, Foundation grants helped YMCA of Western North Carolina and NAMI Western Carolina reach children and families who were trying to cope with loss, disruption, and displacement. Leaning on the expertise of local leaders and trusted community organizations, the grants were designed to make youth and family mental health supports more accessible at a time of great need. These projects complemented immediate disaster relief efforts and promoted a foundation for healing in the year that followed.
Part of that support came through the YMCA, which adapted Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) for Spanish-speaking communities. Using translated materials, live interpretation, and community information sessions, the YMCA certified nearly 100 adults as YMHFA trainers, creating a network of trained, trusted adults equipped to support youth before challenges escalate into crisis.
At the same time, NAMI brought school- and family-based support to Madison, Yancey, and Mitchell counties, rural communities with limited clinical infrastructure. This included the Ending the Silence curriculum, a school-based mental health education program and the Family Support Group for parents of teens.
Ending the Silence was delivered to 550 youth ages 13 – 18. The program was implemented primarily in Madison County, a rural area where there is a high prevalence of substance use disorders among youth and limited access to behavioral health providers. Presentations were often led by young adults with lived experience, further helping reduce stigma and encouraging middle and high school youth opening up to peers, staff, and family. Four young adults were trained as program facilitators and are continuing facilitator development to lead other NAMI programs.
In the Family Support Group, over 50 parents and caregivers were supported through peer‑led groups focused on adolescent mental health. Core to NAMI’s model as a volunteer-led organization, these sessions were facilitated by local, trained parents.
In moments of community disruption, strengthening trusted adults, family supports, and culturally responsive mental health care can help reduce the longer-term impact of trauma on children and families.
2025 grantees
In 2025, the Foundation supported several organizations focused on youth development. Together, they show what’s possible when young people have caring relationships that meet them where they are; comprehensive supports; and space to heal, grow, and build on their strengths.
- Safe spaces and stability
- Trusted relationships and belonging
- Mental health support and family connection
- Skills, opportunity, and future pathways
Safe spaces and stability
AYA Youth Collective and Youth Oasis help young people find stability by creating safe, welcoming spaces and connecting them to housing, mental health support, and basic needs. Together, these organizations ensure young people can regain a sense of security, stay connected to care, and begin moving forward with confidence.
Trusted relationships and belonging
Beyond the Bars and FAN-DC build strong, trusted relationships with young people through mentorship, creativity, and culturally grounded programming in spaces youth already know and trust. Together, they create opportunities for young people to feel seen, strengthen their voice, and build meaningful connections within their communities.
Mental health support and family connection
FYIdaho helps young people and families better understand and navigate mental health support while strengthening connections at home and in the community. Through education, coordinated resources, and youth-centered spaces like the Boise Brick House, the organization helps young people feel supported, less alone, and better equipped to move forward.
Skills, opportunity, and future pathways
Reconcile New Orleans and NeighborGood Partners help young people build skills and explore what’s possible for their future through workforce development, academic support, and leadership opportunities. From hands-on job training at Café Reconcile to tutoring, college exposure, and career pathways in Central Delaware Thrives, these organizations help young people build confidence, gain real-world experience, and take meaningful steps toward long-term independence.