Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Annual Report Fiscal Year 2022-23 by Youth Opportunities Unlimited

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2022-23

MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS Dear friends, Over the last year, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) has focused on building the internal capacity of our Staff and Board so that we may continue to serve the youth in our community in a variety of ways. We are more than just a “Bike Program.” Bikes are the instruments and tools we use to expose our children to innovation, discovery, wonder, and amazement. Children take the lead and let their natural curiosity rise to the surface. Oh, to be a kid again and have this opportunity! I am so proud to be a part of this organization and I hope you will join me in continuing to support our growth. This year we focused on developing and implementing a strategic plan that will guide us for the next three years. Our Board and Staff are truly dedicated to our Mission, Vision and Values, and I hope you will take the time to read this annual report and come for a visit to see our Mission in action! I am truly amazed every day by the leadership and energy of our Executive Director, Bernadette Souza. She is a tremendous asset to not only Y.O.U., but to our whole community. Her passion for youth is undeniable and unwavering and she has built a solid staff team that can support our goals and objectives. I would like to thank our wonderful staff for their commitment and dedication to children, our outstanding Board of Directors who inspire me every day to think strategically as we continue our journey together, and thank you to our partners, collaborators, donors, supporters, volunteers, and the community for their belief and support of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc.

Gail Fortes Board Chair

MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS Dear friends, This past year has been a shining example of what Y.O.U. can do with a fully staffed, high-quality team! Together, we worked to begin implementing the strategic plan, which was crafted by our dedicated Board members, Staff, and the families and children we serve every day. In partnership with our local schools and organizations, we reached nearly 500 children – bringing them the magic of Y.O.U. Over the last year, our Bike Manager repaired and donated more than 40 bicycles to community members and children. Throughout the year during our after-school programs, our participants rode their bicycles in the sun, got their hands dirty in the garden, searched for sea glass on the beach, chopped up and tasted fresh vegetables, and gained a variety of new experiences! None of this would have been possible without our committed Board of Directors, our stellar team, and the generous funders and donors who support Y.O.U.’s mission and are committed to serving New Bedford’s children. I am honored to lead this organization and continue to be as excited as the children we serve to jump into next year. I hope by reading this Annual Report, you can feel the joy, excitement, and awe that our participants feel when they come through our doors. Thank you for your continued support!

Bernadette Souza Executive Director

OUR MISSION Youth Opportunities Unlimited taps into the wonder and curiosity of youth to seek adventure and learn naturally.

OUR VISION Our vision is for all youth to develop a strong sense of self, gain essential life skills, and discover their passions that bring them joy and positively impact their community.

CORE VALUES

Connection

Wonder

Engagement

Discovery

Empowerment

Connection to self, our community and the world around us. We strive for our participants to have a sense of belonging, where they feel valued, seen, and heard without judgment. Our youth grow and thrive in the context of nurturing by deepening relationships built on trust and understanding.

We value creating opportunities to spark youth’s innate curiosity. Inquisitiveness is the first sign of a thirst for knowledge. Introducing youth to new experiences allows their mind to wander into the wonders of their environment. Nurturing their self-exploration of wonder cultivates an environment for youth to dream big, believe in themselves and embrace their own magic.

Youth have the autonomy to lead their adventure. We encourage all of our participants to engage with their environment through experiential learning. By getting their hands dirty in the garden, swimming at the beach and holding the critters they find, youth are able to fully engulf themselves in nature and learn through their experiences. With our 1:1 mentorship, we’re intentionally engaging youth with their passions to facilitate their path to self-discovery and to thrive in their communities.

We are devoted to creating spaces for participants to learn something new - in their own way. We believe learning and growing is a personal journey of discovery. Youth are excited to learn when they are allowed to follow their own interests and move at their own pace.

Our youth are intelligent and capable, with unique gifts and talents to share. Youth grow in confidence, independence, and resiliency when they are allowed to express their uniqueness and given the space to be creative, explore their interests, and take risks. By cultivating this environment, our hope is for youth to be inspired in leading their own lives and be active leaders within their community.

Tapping into our youth’s intrinsic motivation while supporting their social and emotional health through naturebased, hands-on learning experiences is key to giving children the tools necessary to succeed in school and beyond.

SAFE FUN LEARN

Each year, Y.O.U. provides a growing number of youth, primarily from New Bedford, with opportunities to learn through self-directed exploration in New Bedford's south end, which is rich in nature and history. We provide nature-based and STEAM-based year-round programming in partnership with local schools and community organizations. Our programming directly benefits families residing within New Bedford’s neighborhoods, serving children ages 9-14, 90%-95% of whom come from low-to-moderate income families. We serve a diverse group of children and continue to reach a larger number of children each year. During the 2022-2023 school year, we served approximately 492 students, up from 400 students during the 2021-2022 school year. We have continued to support participants’ physical activity while using bicycles as a means to allow participants to explore their community. We have built relationships with several elementary and middle schools within the New Bedford Public Schools District and other local organizations. The frequency of our programming has grown to include year-round after-school programming, a full summer program, academic half-day and vacation programming, and daytime field trip opportunities. Additionally, the types and variety of experiences have grown and evolved to include habitat exploration, LEGO Robotics, recycling and sustainability, arts and culture programming, kayaking and surfing trips, cooking education, gardening, climate education, and more!

PROGRAMS

Our model is youth-led programming. While we provide safe bicycling adventures; the bicycling is only a means to get the kids outside to start exploring their surroundings and spark their curiosity. Since Y.O.U.'s inception, we have been using this model, and our participants have played an integral role in developing the organization’s five core programs. 1. Explore Your Environment (EYE) Summer Program 2. Urban Explorers (Spring/Fall) 3. Winter INdoor Discoveries (WIND) 4. Food For Thought Cooking Program 5. Bicycle Repair & Maintenance Program Our instructors and peer leaders are key to building a safe and trusting environment for participants, which further enhances their ability to learn and contributes to their overall social and emotional well-being. At Y.O.U., we firmly believe that children are more prepared to learn and succeed academically when they are socially, emotionally, and physically healthy.

PROGRAM TIMELINE

Fall Urban Explorers

Bike Maintenance & Repair Shop Fall/Spring Winter INdoor Discoveries (WIND) Winter

Food for Thought Cooking Program Winter

Spring Urban Explorers

Explore Your Environment (EYE) Summer

84% of participants felt they are better bike riders

Bike Maintenance & Repair Shop Program

Urban Explorers

Urban Explorers builds on the lessons taught in school. Our programming specializes in “learning in context” as we ride our bikes to destinations that excite the senses and expand our perspectives.

Youth learn bike maintenance and repair from professional bicycle mechanics, while developing life skills and confidence.

Winter INdoor Discoveries (WIND)

100% of participants said they learned something new or learned a new skill for the first time

During this program, we return indoors to hone essential craft skills, learn new trades, and visit with local change makers!

Pictured: Youth from James B. Congdon Elementary School during our LEGO Robotics experience, a component of our WIND program.

Food for Thought Cooking Program

Staff Chefs share their passions for exploring diverse food choices with our youth. Our meals are healthy and replicable. Youth gain hands-on experience learning basic cooking skills.

Explore Your Environment (EYE) Summer Program

of participants said they are better at cooking and can replicate recipes at home

Each day youth ride approximately 2.5 miles to and from destinations such as parks, beaches, historic monuments, and local hotspots such as Palmer’s Island.

Pictured: Youth aged 9-14 overlooking the water along the southend peninsula of New Bedford.

85%

Our Victory Park Children’s Community Garden is a place where we can stop in to grab ready-to-eat snacks while on adventures. Every program gets some exposure to horticulture. With the leadership of our Garden Manager Bob Nichols, we harvested well over 300 lbs of fruits and vegetables during 2022.

Staying true to our model of mentorship through small group sizes, we have worked to increase the number of children we serve by expanding the frequency of our programming to include daytime field trips, increasing our activity in the general community through our Bicycle Repair & Maintenance Program, and adding more Adventure Trips for youth – all in addition to continuing our core programs.

Daytime Field trips

We held eight daytime field trips with 3rd-8th grade students from New Bedford Public Schools and homeschoolers, reaching an additional 209 children. All participants were able to visit Y.O.U. and participate in various hands-on, nature-based experiences that got them outside in the fresh air and complemented their academic learning.

In partnership with Mass Audubon - Allen’s Pond Rocks, Fossils, and Minerals day time field trip with the Carter Brooks Elementary 4th grade class

Youth explored New Bedford’s natural habitats, including the beaches in the South End of New Bedford, and the Victory Park Pond which is adjacent to our facility. 12

Located in the West Beach Boathouse, our Community Bike Shop provides access to bike repairs for the youth in our community. The Community Bike Shop program was created to empower local youth with the opportunity to learn how to repair and maintain bicycles. Youth gain hands-on experience working with professional tools, practicing techniques to problem solve on-the-go and keep their bikes in working order.

Community Bike Shop

Over the past year, we were given dozens of donated bicycles in various states of disrepair. Our Bike Manager Bill Trimble, repaired many of those donated bicycles and donated a total of 42 bicycles throughout the year to various youth participants.

We hosted our first community bicycle giveaway in partnership with the Community Economic Development Center. Our Bike Manager repaired a total of 16 bicycles and donated them to adults in the community who have significant transportation needs.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Y.O.U. directly benefits families residing within New Bedford’s neighborhoods, serving children ages 9-14, 90%-95% of whom come from low-tomoderate income families. We partnered with Harbour House Family Shelter in New Bedford to provide programs to youth experiencing homelessness, and many participants come from families that recently immigrated to the United States.

INCOME Over 17.1% Extremely Low 27.9%

Low 19.8%

Very Low 35.1%

GENDER

Male 43%

Female 57%

RACE

Asian 1%

Asian/Pacific Islander 1% Black/African American 26%

White 39%

Black/African American and White 5%

Other/Multi-Racial 28%

ETHNICITY Hispanic 39%

Non-Hispanic 61%

IMPACT STATS 2022-23 11 PROGRAMS OFFERED

492 YOUTH SERVED 72%

28%

OF YOUTH WERE SERVED DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

OF YOUTH SERVED DURING THE SUMMER

Programming consisted of after school programming,

Youth consisted of students within our partnered

school vacations, academic half-days, & field trips

elementary & middle schools & youth within the community aged 9-14

8/10

15,516

14,586

19,919

92%

Total miles biked

Total hours spent outdoors

Total program contact hours

Of youth said they challenged themselves

"I'm Jaslyn and I am 13 years old. I’ve been at Y.O.U. for 3 years. During COVID, I got really lazy and had no motivation to do anything. At the Y.O.U. program, I got to explore new things and make a lot of new friends. I'm typically shy and the Y.O.U. program has made me open up and show my personality. I've tried so many new things like canoeing and learning about nature for the first time. The best part is seeing my brothers happy and excited to get up to come to the Y.O.U. program too!” Jaslyn, program participant 18

96%

OF YOUTH RETURNED TO ENGAGE IN MORE PROGRAMMING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

MEASURING SUCCESS We measure success by the number of children served each year and the number of hours spent delivering programs. Y.O.U. also measures success by the number of participants who come back and the feedback received from participants, parents/caregivers, and our partnering schools and organizations:

“

I had an awesome week at Y.O.U.! Some of my favorite things I did this week were getting to ride a horse (which was a dream come true), swimming in the pool, and getting to try different peppers. I really liked swimming because I got to try jumping off a diving board and I have never gotten to do that. I liked trying the peppers because I don’t like spicy foods or peppers and I’m glad I tried them because now I know that I like them.” - Laura, 12

“

The food here is amazing, excellent, extraordinary, immaculate!" - Mekhi, 10

“

I have made so many friends here. I am having the best summer ever! I want to work here one day.” - Hermes, 13

“

The students at Jacobs Elementary are so blessed to have you and your staff at Y.O.U.! They look forward to coming here every Thursday, they work hard in classes and on their behavior to come here. It means so much to them." - Ms. D., Jacobs 4th grade teacher

“

Liam has bloomed with the Y.O.U. program! He‘s had so many different experiences, from riding bikes, cooking and eating new foods, trying fresh herbs and vegetables from the garden, learning music from New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, and much more. He feels more connected to his community and more confident in himself. Whenever he has the Y.O.U. program, it’s the favorite part of my son’s day. I can’t say enough wonderful things about his time with Y.O.U. We really appreciate all of it. He seems way more likely to try new things when it's at Y.O.U.” - Kayla C., Participant Parent 19

PARTNERSHIPS 20

We rely upon dozens of partnerships with community organizations to implement our programming, reach the children we serve, and to advance our mission. Our partnership with the New Bedford Public School District is critical to our mission and ability to reach New Bedford youth. We parter with the following schools: John A. Parker Elementary Alfred J. Gomes Elementary James B. Congdon Elementary Irwin M. Jacobs Elementary William Taylor School Elizabeth Carter Brooks Elementary Betsey B. Winslow Elementary Whaling City Jr./Sr. High

Maximizing our partnerships with numerous community organizations and institutions allow us to deliver unique learning experiences and keep programming costs low and sustainable. Partners include: New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches Community Boating Center YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts Osprey Sea Surf & Adventures Our Sisters’ School Nativity Preparatory School Little People’s College Mass Audubon at Allen’s Pond Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Buzzards Bay Coalition River Rock Farm Gnome Surf Therapy MA Division of Marine Fisheries (Gloucester) UMass-Dartmouth, School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST)

Essex County Lawn Bowling Club (New Jersey) New Bedford Whaling Museum New Bedford Housing Authority (Parkdale) New Bedford Council on Aging (Hazelwood) New Bedford Symphony Orchestra 3rd Eye-Youth Empowerment Solshine Yoga Destination Soups Inc. Hyphen Designs Odd Duck Printing Round the Bend Farm (Manifest Love) Tabor Academy Friends of Hazelwood Park UMass Dartmouth (Chartwells) Buttonwood Park Zoo Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance

Partner Spotlight

This is a collaborative endeavor with Round the Bend Farm (RTB), YWCA Southeastern MA, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), Sacred Birthing Village and NorthStar Learning Centers which puts healthy, local foods on the tables of families in New Bedford. NorthStar Learning Centers picks up the food shares every week from RTB and delivers them with love; YWCA meticulously translates accompanying educational materials into Spanish and Portuguese for accessibility; and here at Y.O.U., we provide cooking classes for children whose families receive the shares through our programs.

FINANCIALS

Fiscal Year 2022-23 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)

In 2022-23, funding sources exhibited excellent diversity, including foundations and trust grants, corporate contributions , individual contributions, government grants and program fees.

Revenue Sources Program Fees 6%

Corporate Contributions 1%

Foundations/ Trust Grants 41%

Individual Contributions 36%

Government Grants 16%

Program Expenses Spending in 2022-23 was largely dedicated to enhancing our five core programs, Adventure Trips, Community Bike Shop and the Victory Park Children’s Community Garden. Community Garden 4%

Other Programs & Trips 10%

Fall Urban Explorers 22%

Community Bike Shop 10%

Spring Urban Explorers 11%

Food for Thought 12% 22

EYE Summer Program 19%

WIND Program 12%

In line with our mission and strategic goals, Y.O.U. continues to expand capacity and programming annually.

Expense Growth 600,000

400,000

200,000

“

Actual Expense 21-22

Actual Expense 22-23

Budgeted Expense 23-24

A great privilege of mine is having the ability to connect the work of Y.O.U. to funders outside of our region and across the country. It is not a hard sell. The leadership, the team, and the work draws one in to see our natural environment in an impassioned way. I am proud to support this vital organization for New Bedford youth, and I encourage everyone to visit to see the magic unfold.

Denise Porche Executive Director Island Foundation

Thank You

for generously supporting Youth Opportunities Unlimited, (Y.O.U.), Inc. July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 Karen Acevedo Ken & Liz Ackerman Janet Allan-Gomes Ginny Allen Janet Almeida Joel & Lisa Alvord Amelia Peabody Foundation Josephine Almeida Gilbert Andrade Andrew Armstrong Deborah & Benjamin Baker Talbot Baker Jr. Bank of America Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation Buzzards Bay Coalition Buzzards Bay Garden Club Sylvia & Randy Barros Elizabeth Bascom Charitable Foundation Valerie Bassett Jill Beckwith Lisa Benedetti Rebecca Berkowitz Rosalyn Bernstein Scott Bishop Bettina Borders & Dr. Victor Mailey Laurel Botwick Lauren Boucher Melissa Bride Eric & Suzanne Britto Steven & Kathy Brown Carney Family Charitable Foundation City of New Bedford - Invest in Kids Community Development Block Grant Congregational Church of So. Dartmouth

Caroline Conzatti Coolidge/Boreiko Fund Cooper Ins. Agency Liz Courtney Mandi Costa Susan & Tony Costa Ryan Costello Henry H. Crapo Foundation Colleen Dawicki Carissa Davenport Kathy Davenport Jennifer DeBarros Claudia De Sousa Ian & Kathryn Duff Anne Eades Julie Early Margaret Egan Marcus & April Elderkin Jacqueline Elias Enable Hope Foundation Linda Fenton Kimberly Ferreira Mary Ferreira Kristine Ferrero First Citizens' Federal Credit Union Gail Fortes Janet Freedman Robert French Patt & Susan Garcelon Pauline Garcelon Kim Goddard Michael Goodman Marilyn Gonsalves Harriet S. Gottesman

“

I am thrilled to share my deep appreciation for Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), a dynamic nonprofit organization that consistently provides opportunities for young people in our community to explore their passions and sense of wonder. Y.O.U.’s programs are a testament to their dedication to fostering personal growth, learning, and adventure in New Bedford youth.”

Glenn Oliveira

Executive Director Carney Family Charitable Foundation 24

Robyn Gurney Duayne Grace Patricia Grime Stacey Hathaway Kimberly Heard Sarah Herman Abigail Hevey Island Foundation Nicole Jackman Ruth Johnson Elizabeth Kellogg Nancy Kurtz Kathryn LaRochelle Scott & Gig Lang Christine Levasseur Kenneth Lipman Martin Lipman & Dr. Barbara Pearl Ronald & G. Livramento Loomis, Sayles & Co. Doreen Lopes Laurence Lutvak Kate Mahoney Foundation Manton Foundation Steve Markowski Mass After School Partnership Mass Audubon - Allen's Pond Carolee Matsumoto Brian Medeiros Elizabeth Mello Amanda McMullen Colleen Millett Paula Montgomery Move the World Foundation Marlene Muguro Aaron Novy NB Cultural Council NB Education Foundation New Bedford Day Nursery NBPS: Summer Extension Nonprofit Finance Fund Kim Perry Susan Perry

Dianne & Manny Pina Posner Wallace Foundation Joanne Prendergast Leonard Ramos Jr. Ronald & Camille Raymond Maria Rosario Anne Marie & Barnett Roseman Senator Montigny's Children's Fund Rachel Schiffman Karen Silva Azevedo Chuck Smiler Social Innovation Forum South Coast Community Foundation: Arts and Culture Initiative South Coast Community Foundation: CDBG Food Security South Coast Community Foundation Huidekoper Fund St. Gabriel Espiscopal Church Conee Sousa Bernadette Souza Phillip Souza Rachel Schiffmn Stop & Shop - South End New Bedford June Strunk Lorene Sweeney Dr. Bruce W. Tench II Thomas A. Rodgers Jr. Family Foundation Kathleen Treglia Danielle Tremblay Desa VanLaarhoven Shaun VanLaarhoven Angela Vasconcellos Robert Veilleux Roberta Verville Robert Verville Iris Wallace Nina Weeks Bullard Anna Whitcomb Elizabeth Wiley Marcy Wintrub

LOOKING AHEAD Over the past several years, we have focused on growing our capacity to support the expansion of our programs throughout New Bedford’s south end to reach more children and their families. Our goal is to expand programming while remaining true to our mission and small-group program model to ensure all children receive one-on-one mentoring and support from instructors. Our strategic plan outlines our goals for the next three years:

Increase Y.O.U. engagement with 4th grade

Maintain high quality after-school and summer

students in New Bedford Public Schools.

programs.

Attract, Retain and Invest in Y.O.U. Staff.

Create a development strategy that supports

Continue to build Board capacity by

the organization’s vision for growth and sustainability.

developing an organizational structure that supports the needs of Y.O.U. 27

BOARD & STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gail Fortes, Board Chair Nicole Almeida, Treasurer Harriet Gottesman, Clerk Melissa Bride, Director William Gardner, Director Stephanie Houtman, Director Nicole Jackman, Director Dr. Bruce W. Tench, II, Director Shaun Van Laarhoven, Director

STAFF Bernadette Souza, Executive Director bernadette@younb.org Jasmyn Baird, Marketing and Communications Director Executive Assistant jasmyn@younb.org Katie Roberts, Program Operations Director katie@younb.org Logan McNamara, Program Manager logan@younb.org Lisa Ortiz-Capello, Family Outreach Manager and Program Assistant lisa@younb.org Abigail Hevey, Development Consultant abby@younb.org Bob Nichols, Garden Manager Bill Trimble, Bike Shop Manager bikeshop@younb.org

CLOSING REFLECTION By Program Operations Director, Katie Roberts September 2023 marks my 1 year anniversary with Y.O.U., as the Program Operations Director. It has been a very full year of successes, challenges, and lessons learned. My favorite part, by far, has been the time I spent exploring New Bedford’s South End alongside the youth we serve. I learned so much on our adventures together. I learned how to wait patiently, with fingers crossed, for the Osprey family to return to its home near Victory Park. I learned how to celebrate every Monarch butterfly that found its way into our wildflower gardens. I learned where the best place to go crab hunting on the peninsula is and how to keep that special spot a secret. I learned you can’t stop yourself from smiling when flying down hilly sidestreets on a bike and how your legs burn when you have to make the climb back up. I learned that the warm sand feels so good on your feet on the first sunny day in April after a long, gray winter. In the very short time I have been a part of this organization, I have formed these core memories that I will forever carry with me. I’ve been asked many times by people “Why Y.O.U.?” It’s because Y.O.U. is what memories are made of. In a world that is moving very quickly, Y.O.U. is the place where youth are given the time, space, opportunity, and encouragement to slow down, look around, and observe the beauty all around. Y.O.U. taps into the very essence of childhood: to wonder, to explore, to discover, to learn, and to grow. It is a place where childhood is honored and celebrated. At the heart of childhood is awe. Awe stimulates curiosity and expands creativity, creating the catalyst which inspires us to learn more about the world around us. Y.O.U. supports each child by cultivating this sense of wonder, through awe-inspiring experiences, led by nurturing adults. At Y.O.U. every day is an adventure and sometimes we never even have to leave the building to find it. I am so grateful I get to be a part of this magic each and every day. In closing, I want to acknowledge those who came before me in this organization, especially Linton Harrington, who helped lay a beautiful foundation for me to build upon. I am looking forward to all the adventures to come.

Katie Roberts Program Operations Director

THANK YOU

After serving 492 youth participants this school year, we asked them to describe Y.O.U. in just 4 words, and collectively here’s what they had to say:

Cool Friends Responsib…

Amazing

Awesome

Joyful Interesting

Fun

Exciting Kind Nice

Safe

Respectful

Funny Good Food

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2022-23 produced by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), Inc.

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224 Brock Ave. New Bedford, MA 02744 508-954-6586

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