TLC Youth Services Terry Carlile (903)261-3311

Youth Centers: 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. BASICS1) Research and learn about youth centers. My story is about The Refuge that served over 100 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 relationsa) intro information brochureb) web sitec) news releasesd) public meetingse) civic clubsf) community groupsg) neighborhood groups

3) media a) make listing, including main contacts, email addresses, etc. b) send monthly news releases

III. FUNDING.1) funding: short & long term2) identify local charity giving groups

3) get the word out with your detail listing of needs4) find sponsors for various projects5) find grant writers who will only be paid IF/when they secure the grants6) consider United Way process7) get commitment from neighborhood churches8) get enrolled in good grant websites email listings  IV PROGRAMS.1) AWANA crosstrainers?  (may have to go through a church)2) new scout units3) 4-H clubs4) homemakers group5) career readiness6) financial budgeting7) resource center for community agency brochures (don't duplicate what's being done - form

partnerships/referral service)8) forming a youth team9) points & awards10) games (arcade, computer, sports, etc.)11) craft supplies12) after school (bus drop off, parent permission, math homework, etc.)13) free food14) Summer all day long operations15) Friday/Saturday night hours?16) Alpha Omega homeschool math workbooks (find sponsors, tutors, etc) http://www.aop.com/lifepac/Subjects_Math.php 

V. ADMINISTRATION.1) day-to-day operations2) the barriers to overcome: timelines!3) youth behavior standards/guidelines4) insurance5) will it be “faith-based”? boys/girls club? Big Sisters/Big Brothers?6) city/county codes7) developing a volunteer staff, job descriptions, background checks8) paid staff? 9) estimated monthly budget10) Board of Directors, responsibilities/duties11) forming 501(c)3, non-profit recognition12) accounting/finance person, someone volunteer? KEEP DETAILED RECORDS!13) get Memorandum of Understanding when partnering with any agency to list details, assume

nothing (ask about our Christian Camp example!)