Youth engaged in community service
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Community Action

Empowering youth to identify community needs and implement service projects that create meaningful, lasting change.

Impact Dashboard

Measuring our community impact and program success

450

Youth Engaged

Young people actively participating in community projects

12,500

Service Hours

Total volunteer hours contributed to community initiatives

18

Communities Served

Neighborhoods and communities impacted by our projects

32

Projects Completed

Successful community action projects implemented

7,500

People Impacted

Community members benefiting from our initiatives

24

Partner Organizations

Organizations collaborating on community projects

Project Categories

Environmental
35%
Food Security
25%
Education
20%
Housing
20%

Quarterly Progress

Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Projects

Participant Age Distribution

20%
12-13
35%
14-15
30%
16-17
15%
18+

Geographic Impact

18 Communities
Top Area
Eastside District
8 projects
Emerging Area
Westview Community
3 projects

Program Overview

The Community Action program empowers young people ages 12-18 to become agents of positive change in their communities. Through a combination of education, service learning, and project implementation, participants develop civic engagement skills while addressing real community needs.

Our approach is youth-led and community-focused, with participants identifying issues they care about, researching root causes, and designing solutions. With guidance from mentors and community partners, youth develop and implement service projects that create meaningful impact while building leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Ages 12-18
Quarterly projects
3-month cycles

Program Highlights

  • Youth-Led Service Projects

    Design and implement community service projects based on identified needs and interests

  • Civic Education

    Learn about social issues, community systems, and how to advocate for positive change

  • Community Partnerships

    Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies

  • Reflection & Recognition

    Process experiences, celebrate achievements, and recognize community contributions

Impact Areas

Our community action projects focus on these key areas, addressing critical needs while allowing youth to pursue their passions.

Environmental Stewardship

Projects focused on conservation, sustainability, urban greening, and environmental education.

Example Projects:

  • Community Garden Creation
  • Park Clean-Up Initiatives
  • Recycling Awareness Campaigns

Food Security

Addressing hunger and nutrition through food drives, community gardens, and meal programs.

Example Projects:

  • Food Pantry Support
  • Meal Delivery for Seniors
  • Nutrition Education Workshops

Education & Literacy

Supporting educational success through tutoring, mentoring, and resource development.

Example Projects:

  • After-School Tutoring
  • Book Drives
  • Digital Literacy for Seniors

Housing & Homelessness

Addressing housing insecurity through advocacy, direct service, and resource connection.

Example Projects:

  • Care Package Assembly
  • Shelter Improvement Projects
  • Housing Resource Fairs

Featured Projects

Explore some of the impactful community projects our youth have designed and implemented.

Green Spaces Initiative
Eastside Neighborhood

Green Spaces Initiative

Youth transformed an abandoned lot into a community garden that now provides fresh produce for local families and serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental education.

Created 2,500 sq ft of green space and grows 1,200 lbs of produce annually

Digital Literacy for Seniors
Community Senior Center

Digital Literacy for Seniors

Participants developed and delivered a series of workshops teaching senior citizens essential digital skills, from email and video calls to online shopping and telehealth appointments.

Trained 75 seniors and provided ongoing tech support

Youth Homeless Outreach
Citywide Initiative

Youth Homeless Outreach

A team of youth created care packages with essential items and resource information for homeless youth, while advocating for improved youth services with local officials.

Distributed 500 care packages and secured funding for a youth shelter

Our Process

Our structured approach guides youth through the complete service-learning cycle, from issue identification to project implementation and reflection.

01

Community Exploration & Issue Identification

Youth explore their communities through asset mapping, needs assessments, and conversations with community members to identify pressing issues they care about addressing.

Community walking tours
Stakeholder interviews
Data collection and analysis
Issue prioritization
02

Research & Planning

Participants research their chosen issue, learning about root causes, existing solutions, and potential approaches. They develop detailed project plans with goals, timelines, and resource needs.

Root cause analysis
Best practice research
Project planning workshops
Budget development
03

Project Implementation

Youth put their plans into action, working collaboratively with peers, mentors, and community partners to implement their service projects and address community needs.

Resource gathering
Community outreach
Project execution
Progress monitoring
04

Reflection & Celebration

Participants reflect on their experiences, evaluate project outcomes, and celebrate their achievements and learning. They share their stories and consider next steps for continued impact.

Impact assessment
Reflection sessions
Community presentations
Recognition events

Voices of Impact

Hear from youth participants, community partners, and those impacted by our service projects.

"

Being part of the Community Action program showed me that I have the power to make real change. Our environmental project not only cleaned up a local park but inspired the city to invest in more green spaces.

Sophia Martinez

Sophia Martinez

Youth Participant, Age 16

"

The partnership with Friday Kids has been transformative for our neighborhood. The youth bring energy, fresh ideas, and dedication to addressing our community's needs. Their garden project has become a source of pride for everyone.

James Wilson

James Wilson

Community Partner, Neighborhood Association

"

As a senior who grew up without technology, I felt left behind. The digital literacy workshops these young people created have opened up a new world for me. I can now video chat with my grandchildren and manage my healthcare online.

Eleanor Thomas

Eleanor Thomas

Program Beneficiary

Make a Difference

Ready to create positive change in your community? Join our Community Action program and turn your passion into impact. We're looking for youth who want to make a difference.

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