SHAPING FUTURES THROUGH SERVICE 2023 IMPACT REPORT
SHAPING WHO WE ARE MISSION We engage youth in team-based service experiences that build life and work skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service.
VISION Communities defined by compassion, selflessness, and respect for others.
SHAPING OUR COURSE As we close the chapter on another transformative year, we are filled with immense gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to youth service. Your belief in our mission has allowed us to make a meaningful impact on youth and the communities they serve. Every one of the nearly 94,000 volunteer hours served by more than 6,000 youth this year has played a vital role in shaping the future we envision. Our commitment to a brighter tomorrow remains unwavering, and our youth are leading the way. Over the past year, we’ve forged new partnerships, added more youth, and expanded our programming. Our collective impact is undeniable and showcases what we can achieve together. We are especially proud of the impact that expanded across the globe to the youth and communities in Kampala, Uganda. Your contributions, whether financial, time, or expertise, have been the cornerstone of our success. Together, we are building a brighter future. YVC will continue to be a force for positive change, empowering youth to be difference-makers. Thank you for being an integral part of the YVC family. With gratitude and hope, ,
Tracy Hale Tracy Hale CEO
Melanie Tucker Melanie Tucker Board Chair
SHAPING LEADERSHIP: YVC NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melanie Tucker Chair Denver, CO
Stephanie O’Connell Vice Chair Washington, DC
David Battey Founder Fairway, KS
Cathi Duchon Ann Arbor, MI
Vicki Clark Secretary Memphis, TN
Todrick Capleton Youth Representative Hampton Roads, VA
Tristen Caudle Treasurer Westwood, KS
Andy DeMarea Overland Park, KS
Jim Hise Mission Hills, KS
Holly Kulka New York, NY
Margi Pence Leawood, KS
Christi Terefenko Wyomissing, PA
Greg Lynch Affiliate Representative Philadelphia, PA
SHAPING LEADERSHIP: YVC HEADQUARTERS STAFF
Tracy Hale CEO
David Battey Founder
Sarah Miller Affiliate Programs & Growth Manager
Leah Boal VP of Operations
Betsy Calmer Director of Marketing & Communications
Tamara Masterson Director of Accounting & Administration
Danette Seffens Michael Van Walleghem Fund Development Affiliate Programs Manager Manager
SHAPING WISDOM: INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY BAORD Providing leadership opportunities is a pillar of the YVC program and one of the eight program standards in YVC's model. YVC Headquarters regularly engages youth from across the network and hosts the International Youth Advisory Board (IYAB). IYAB meets monthly and uses this platform to support networkwide collaboration. IYAB shares stories directly from youth volunteers and ensures headquarters is focused on social issues in which youth are highly invested. IYAB is tasked with creating an affiliate resource toolkit and theme for YVC Day, an opportunity for all YVC youth to serve on the same day to support the same cause. This group also oversees the youth grant. They serve as grant administrators who review and select the recipients.
2022-2023 IYAB Alexandra Martens, Calgary Alison Hosinski, MI Asritha Yarrozu, OK Brianna Anderson, VA Brooklyn Chadwick, Airdrie Caroline Lubbe, MO Chelsea Hurley, PA Drake Stevenson, MO Elana Hadi, MO Emily Matsuba, OR Emma Hudson, MI Genesis Starks, MO Grace Vandehey, MO Katherine Royce, MO
Keerti Vittalam, MO Lucille Ledbetter, OK Pranav Merugu, MI Prithvi Nagarajan, MO Rahul Balakrishnan, MI Sadie Neufeld, Airdrie Shruti Balla, MI Sindura Sridhar, PA Sydney Park, OR Todrick Capleton, VA Vishmi Rajapaksha, MO Yuri Choi, Calgary Shivani Balasubramaniam, SC Dakota Day, MO
SHAPING SUCCESS Affiliates are hosted by schools, a credible nonprofit organization, hosted by YVC Headquarters directly, or are independent YVC programs. All YVC programs receive training, support, and yearly evaluations to ensure they meet goals and adhere to the model. Affiliates scoring 90 points or more (out of 100) are considered exemplary and awarded Gold Level status.
2022-23 Gold Level Affiliates Airdrie, Alberta Alexandria, Louisiana Alpena, Michigan Anderson, South Carolina Ann Arbor, Michigan Calgary, Alberta Charleston, South Carolina Corvallis, Oregon Hampton Roads, Virginia Joplin, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas Muskogee, Oklahoma Reading, Pennsylvania St. Joseph, Missouri
SHAPING HORIZONS: KAMPALA, UGANDA Youth Volunteer Corps launched its first African affiliate, Kampala, Uganda, in February 2023. In June, YVC’s CEO, Tracy Hale, traveled to Uganda to visit the program and observe its progress. During her ten-day stay in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, where the YVC program operates, she observed YVC projects that have been transformational for the youth, their schools, and their community. The projects teach critical skills and inspire confidence. One school founder shared, “The work done through YVC is incredible. It has given these kids hope. In the bustling slums of Kampala, Uganda, amidst the challenges of poverty and limited resources, a green revolution is taking place. “Bag gardens” within the YVC schools have emerged as powerful tools for change, transforming the landscape and the lives of the students and the youth volunteers who create them. These gardens are not just about growing vegetables but serve as catalysts for education, empowerment, and community development. Bag gardens have become a beacon of hope where poverty and food insecurity are prevalent. These gardens provide multiple benefits, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals. They provide realistic learning environments and promote agricultural skills, nutrition education, and environmental awareness. Moreover, they enhance food security, as the harvested produce supplements school meals and reaches the wider community, improving overall nutrition.
SHAPING HORIZONS: KAMPALA, UGANDA Dominic, Program Director for the Youth Volunteer Corps in Uganda, leads the youth volunteers in creating these bag gardens at various schools. These budding change-makers actively engage in various activities, including building shelves, planting the seeds in bags, placing the bags on the shelves, and learning about watering, weeding, and composting. Through hands-on experience, students learn about sustainable farming practices, the importance of organic techniques, and the lifecycle of plants. These practical lessons are complemented by classroom sessions that cover topics such as nutrition, soil health, and entrepreneurship. The youth volunteers gain a sense of ownership and pride as they witness the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor.
“The work done through YVC is incredible. It has given these kids hope.” ~Robert, Katwe Central Primary School The impact of school gardens extends beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. As youth volunteers acquire new skills and knowledge, they become agents of change, inspiring their peers, families, and neighbors. Sharing their experiences and teaching others about sustainable farming promotes self-sufficiency, encourages healthy eating habits, and contributes to poverty alleviation efforts. In addition to the bag gardens, the youth have learned to make liquid soap and have created hand washing stations for schools without ready access to running water, reducing student illnesses and increasing school attendance. The youth also replaced a dilapidated classroom ceiling with new plywood to ensure a safe and dry environment for learning.
SHAPING PARTNERSHIPS 1,000 youth took the Volunteer for 15 pledge and volunteered for a minimum of 15 hours in communities across the U.S., Canada, and Uganda. The Volunteer for 15 program is a partnership between Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation and Youth Volunteer Corps.
“I’m so impressed by these kids and the impact they’re making in their communities,” said Patrick Mahomes. “I’m proud of each of them for taking the Volunteer for 15 pledge and giving back at such a young age.” Courtesy of Patrick and an anonymous donor, the top two Volunteer for 15 youth who served the most hours received either an opportunity to attend a Chiefs home game this season or an autographed football from Patrick. This is the second summer for the Volunteer for 15 program. This year, youth volunteered 22,764 hours between May 1 and August 31. From last summer to this summer, there has been a 86% increase in involvement, which indicates the Volunteer for 15 initiative has been a huge success. “We are thrilled by the response to the Volunteer for 15 challenge,” said Youth Volunteer Corps CEO Tracy Hale. “We anticipate the program growing each year and are always excited to see what the youth will accomplish in their communities through Volunteer for 15.”
SHAPING PARTNERSHIPS The Youth Volunteer Corps proudly facilitates service-learning initiatives in community schools, merging hands-on volunteer work with structured education to offer students meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and positive community impact. This approach helps youth develop crucial life skills, enhances their understanding of social issues, and instills a lasting sense of civic responsibility. By integrating service and education, we aim to cultivate a generation of empowered, empathetic, and proactive community leaders.
THE BENEFITS OF SERVICE Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) uses a unique service-learning model that helps students connect with the needs of their community and the real-world problems that volunteering can solve. An independent evaluation of our model found that working with YVC improves student outcomes in and out of the classroom. Our model is flexible, allowing us to meet each school’s unique needs.
SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS Working with YVC brings years of experience in youth development directly to your school through teacher training, coaching, support, and access to our library of resources. We enhance community engagement through intentional student service, connecting the classroom in actively solving authentic problems.
IMPACT STORY YVC Hampton Roads, Virginia (YVCHR) introduced "Service Through STEM," focusing on community impact through peer mentoring via hands-on STEM activities. High school students were taught effective mentoring, community awareness, mental health, coping strategies, empathy, and workplace readiness through in-school and after-school club meetings. The strong bonds between students resulted in increased engagement and leadership among mentors. Positive feedback from participating schools means planning is under way for year two!
SHAPING IMPACT Engaging in service is a transformative journey for our youth, one that helps them recognize their potential to create tangible change in their communities and empowers them to tackle complex and pressing issues that affect our world today. It equips youth with the tools, knowledge, and compassion to address topics as complex as mental health, environmental sustainability, and racial injustice. Through service, youth become the architects of empowerment and change in their communities. The impact of every youth volunteer in their community cannot be overstated. It is powerful and far-reaching. Through their service, these youth are addressing immediate needs and planting seeds for lasting change. They inspire others to get involved, catalyze community initiatives, and influence policymakers. Their actions foster a sense of hope and possibility in their communities.
2022-23 IMPACT STATISTICS 93,785 Volunteer Hours 6,059 Youth Volunteers 4,290 Projects
SHAPING IMPACT YVC AFFILIATES ACROSS THE US, CANADA & UGANDA
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UGANDA UGANDA
Airdrie, AB Alexandria, LA Alpena, MI Anderson, SC Ann Arbor, MI Billings, MT Calgary, AB Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Corvallis, OR
Des Moines, IA Hampton Roads, VA Joplin, MO Kampala, Uganda Kansas City, KS/MO Killeen, TX Muskogee, OK Northwest AR Philadelphia, PA Plattsburg, MO
Plymouth, MI Racine, WI Raleigh-Durham, NC Reading, PA Springfield, MO St. Joseph, MO St. Louis, MO Staunton, VA Terrace, BC Wichita, KS
SHAPING RESOURCES Invest. Income -6% Corporations 5.8% Affiliate Sites 7.4%
INCOME & EXPENSES
Govt. Grants 9.2%
Income: $779,290* Expenses: $1,289,281 Net Income: ($509,991)*
Individuals 34.9%
CONTRIBUTIONS In-Kind Donations 15.2%
*Does not include $500,000 received in the current year that was recorded as a promise to give in the prior year.
Foundations 27.6%
80%
60%
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Assets: $1,495,716 Liabilities: $343,012 Net Assets: $1,152,704
40%
PROGRAM EXPENSES
20%
0%
80%
8%
12%
Programming
Mgmt/Gen
Fundraising
SHAPING RESOURCES Youth Volunteer Corps offers a range of grant opportunities to support our dedicated affiliates and their impactful projects. These avenues include the "Innovative Ideas" grant, designed to provide funds upfront for projects that require immediate supplies. We also offer "Retroactive Grants" for those instances where smaller amounts are needed after the completion of construction and STEM projects. Additionally, our "Summit Grants" and the "Youth Grant" have made these initiatives a reality. The response from our affiliates has been nothing short of inspiring. Many of our affiliates applied for and received funding to drive remarkable projects, such as constructing a human sundial, crafting beds for those in need, building community gardens, and so much more. In 2023, YVC granted $200,000 across our network. This is a testament to our affiliates' incredible dedication and passion in their mission to effect positive change within their communities. Youth Volunteer Corps Headquarters greatly appreciates all our affiliates who submitted grant requests and shared stories of how funding amplified community impact and elevated youth service. It is YVC's honor to serve and support our affiliates’ invaluable work.
SHAPING HEARTS AND COMMUNITIES Youth Volunteer Corps was named a finalist in the Chick-fil-A® True Inspiration Awards® program. YVC was awarded $75,000 to facilitate opportunities to teach youth how to serve their community. The True Inspiration Awards® program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A® founder S. Truett Cathy. These annual grants celebrate and support nonprofit organizations impacting their local communities. “Chick-fil-A is a perfect partner for Youth Volunteer Corps, as we have a shared focus on serving others,” said YVC’s Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Hale. From educational resources and week-long summer volunteer programs, the breadth of support YVC offers to youth, schools, nonprofits, and the community is extensive, encompassing a wide range of opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, and positive social impact.
SHAPING HEARTS AND COMMUNITIES A community-wide effort in Sweet Home, Oregon, to make the area more inviting to visitors was a featured project for Youth Volunteer Corps Corvallis, OR, in partnership with Corvallis Parks and Recreation. The “Paint the Town” project painted 40 buildings within the community!
“We're just trying to make a difference around our area and the Willamette Valley. It creates a better community!” ~Youth Volunteer, Moses The youth who volunteered with YVC over the summer said they recognized the value of getting out and helping out.
“I just moved to Corvallis, I moved from far away and I just figured this would be a great way to get introduced to the different communities here. And I've met a lot of great people and I'm just really grateful that I get to help.” ~Youth Volunteer, Anna
SHAPING CELEBRATIONS Youth Volunteer Corps Summit, hosted annually in October, is a dynamic hub of inspiration, dedication, and transformative impact. Summit is a vibrant canvas where leadership, empathy, and service interweave, with participants shaping their vision for a better world. Through workshops, collaboration, and recognition, it is a testament to the powerful impact of youth-driven volunteerism, with each participant contributing a unique facet to the mosaic of positive social change.
2023 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR YVC Hampton Roads, Virginia, our 2023 Affiliate of the Year, exemplifies unwavering commitment to our mission. Achieving Gold Level status consistently, they've set a record as the highest-rated affiliate. In the 2022-2023 program year, they marked a 37% increase in youth volunteers and a 42% surge in service hours. Their dedicated staff, led by Executive Director Katie Morgan, strategically expands their impact, forging new partnerships and meeting growing community needs. YVC Hampton Roads embodies reliability, authenticity, and a commitment to quality, making them an indispensable part of our network.
SHAPING CELEBRATIONS This year's Program Director of the Year, Sarah Webb, embodies numerous YVC values: joy, patience, leadership, perseverance, ingenuity, and compassion. Stepping into a historically successful but unstable program, she provided stability and leadership, navigating challenges exacerbated by the pandemic since joining YVC in January 2020. Despite facing monthly challenges threatening her joy, Sarah's enduring spirit prevailed. Since 2020, the affiliate she leads has seen an 871% increase in youth and a 1,671% surge in service hours. Sarah plans impactful projects and listens to the community, tackling seemingly insurmountable needs. Sarah's endurance, passion, and love for serving with youth set an inspiring example, making her a deserving recipient of this year's award! YVC Kampala, Uganda, was honored as the New Affiliate of the Year. YVC Kampala significantly contributed to the YVC network with fresh ideas and growing numbers of youth empowered through service. Launching in February they surpassed expectations in their inaugural year, engaging 267 youth in 2,437 service hours.
SHAPING THE FUTURE Your donation to Youth Volunteer Corps is more than a gift; it's pivotal in the mosaic of positive change. Each contribution, like a unique shape, adds depth and dimension to our transformative work. By donating, you become integral to shaping a community where young minds thrive, and youth develop leadership skills and contribute to meaningful service projects. Join us in creating a vibrant tapestry of impact where your support forms the foundation for a brighter and more compassionate future. Let's shape a world where each act of generosity creates a ripple effect of lasting significance. Donate today and be a part of shaping a better tomorrow through Youth Volunteer Corps.
www.yvc.org/donate OR MAIL CHECKS TO: Youth Volunteer Corps 1025 Jefferson Street Kansas City, MO 64105