On Tuesday, Nevada County Supervisors recognized Bright Futures for Youth and the organization’s 30 years of outstanding dedication and commitment to the needs of young people.
With a certificate of recognition, Supervisors thanked members of the organization for their exceptional service and commitment to empower young people and provide no-cost, life-changing programs to meet growing and diverse needs such as mental health, social isolation and housing and food instability.
“I’m so impressed by the longevity and perseverance of this organization. The collaboration that you have shown over the 30 years is really beyond anything that I have seen with the many nonprofits in our community. You are really a model for how to bring the best to the youth of Nevada County,” said District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout.
How it started
Bright Futures for Youth was formed in 2020 when two organizations merged - The Friendship Club and NEO (New Events and Opportunities) - bringing together 30 years of experience serving youth in Nevada County.
“Back in 1995, The Friendship Club started as a summer pilot program,” with 15 girls in a donated classroom at Deer Creek School in Nevada City at a time when Juvenile Hall was receiving one to two referrals for girls per day, explained Bright Futures for Youth Executive Director Jennifer Singer.
“There was definitely a crisis going on for young women in our community,” said Singer. Girls needed a place to connect with each other, have fun, learn skills, build positive relationships and have role models to look up to.
Today, The Friendship Club has grown to serve 100 girls in middle school and high school and many former graduates come back as board members and community leaders.
“They are the roots of Bright Futures for Youth,” said Singer.
How it’s going
Bright Futures for Youth provides academic, emotional and social support after school, through summer camps and year-round opportunities. Participants learn life skills and build confidence for their future while also making sure their basic needs are met such as access to health care and healthy meals. Since its inception, the program has supported nearly 1,000 girls and young women.
Built on this foundation, Bright Futures for Youth continues to meet the needs of several hundred children and young adults every month – from 40 - 60 boys and girls who “drop in” to the NEO Youth Center and the 117 youth experiencing homelessness who come to the SAFE (Stability, Access, Foundation, Empowerment) program to get help accessing community resources for things like food and housing.
One in 20 youth in Nevada County is facing homelessness, according to the California Department of Education and there is no shelter for people 18 years and younger in Nevada County.
“I know you are changing lives in a real way for young people. You’ve done a tremendous job,” said Chair of the Board, District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall.
Learn more: https://bffyouth.org/