Questions? friendsiyb@gmail.com

Gregg Houck was most recently Senior Director of Community Impact at United Way of Tompkins County. He held leadership positions with the YMCA in Ithaca as well as Buffalo and Pittsburgh. Gregg is a Candor native who has degrees from Tompkins Cortland Community College and the State University of New York at Cortland.

Friends of the IYB is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) in its endeavors. In light of increasing youth needs and limited government funding, the FIYB was established to support the IYB mission to offer participants from all backgrounds, walks of life, identities, abilities and lived experiences a broad range of recreation and youth development services, supports, and opportunities to enable them to thrive.

Your Support Impacts Ithaca Youth

Click Here for PDF of Appeal Letter

We hope you will join us having an impact on the Ithaca community, especially for our youth, by supporting the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) with a financial contribution and/or with your active participation, we can have a strong effect together!

Indeed during the nearly 15 years we’ve been active, 2500 donations have been made totaling $1.2 million. Since the FIYB organization has very low overhead costs, most funds are allocated to the IYB to use “wherever the need is greatest” or as designated by donors who wish to target specific parts of the IYB.

We appreciate the individuals, businesses and foundations that have been supportive of Recreation Support Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Scholarships, College Discovery Program, Outings, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Recreation, Recreation Scholarships, Expressive Arts Programs, and Youth Development (including Youth Employment Service and Youth Council). Many supported the Cass Park enclosure capital project open in 2022.

Another example was in 2020 when the IYB had to cease operations as the pandemic started. To restart, community members were very generous, and some gifts came through the United Way which was pivotal for Ithaca’s resiliency and support for those in most need.

This fall we are also encouraging gifts in honor of Liz Klohmann who is retiring as the IYB director after serving in this and other positions for more than 25 years. She has worked closely with the FIYB since our founding, and we will miss her!

Board President Jeff Love expressed how he feels about the IYB and FIYB’s impact: “It has been a tremendous privilege for me to be able to serve my community and its young people through support of the great people and programming of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.

The IYB has always held a special place in my heart. My story is not new. Or unique. I am just one of thousands who have been positively impacted by the support and programs provided by the Youth Bureau.”

Allen Green is a founding FIYB board member who retired after serving as the IYB director before Liz: “When developing the annual budgets, the IYB has always prioritized great staff and people. As a result, when budgets need to be cut it is often items like program supplies and equipment that are not funded. The generous donations from community members to the Friends of the IYB help with needed purchases.”

As part of the IYB’s 75th birthday this summer, young participants were asked for single words that describe their IYB experiences: Fun, Friends, Awesome, Adventure, Teamwork, Trust, Peers, Outdoors, Games, Helpful, and Support. Parents and caregivers also shared their appreciation:

“The IYB youth soccer program was extremely well organized, staff were super helpful, and the coach fostered an incredible introduction to soccer for our child and fellow athletes. We appreciate the commitment that each member of the IYB team has for the success of this program and each participant."

“Through the Climbing program, our child gained confidence, interest, skill and a sense of belonging in this community with whom he shared a common interest. He loved the challenge, the instructors and the opportunity to climb with new friends.”

“We were visiting Ithaca and had a great bike rental experience! Your program allowed us to see parts of your lovely city that we would not have been able to see. Everyone was very helpful and the bikes were in great condition.”

"Our family felt welcome and like we belonged; we look forward to joining more IYB programs now. There’s a really awesome sense of community!”

We have a track record of connecting community members who want to help our community’s future through the programs, services and facilities of the IYB. Please join them and us with your charitable gift.

With our best wishes in these challenging times,

Jeff Love, Mary Grainger, Allen Green, Eric Nichols, Priyanka Dwivedi

FIYB Board Members

P.S. Giving Tuesday (November 28) is the annual special online global celebration of philanthropy amidst the holidays. FIYB encourages you to support causes that have impacted you and yours!

Online giving is easy on our website: friendsiyb.org or you can send a check written to FIYB to PO Box 4198, Ithaca, NY 14852

Your gift makes a big difference!

We work with the Ithaca Youth Bureau to ensure your gift goes to the programs and services that need it most

Honor IYB’s 75th with $75 Gift

(or donate $750 or $7500!)

Celebrate Cass Park’s 50th with a $50 Gift

(or donate $500 or $5000!)

FRIENDS OF THE IYB IS AN INDEPENDENT NONPROFIT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION

100% OF YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE

During the Ithaca Youth Bureau 75th Birthday Party on August 5, Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau President Jeff Love presented a “big check” when he spoke to the gathered community members at Cass Park. “On behalf of the many community members who have made charitable donations to the Friends of the IYB, the Friends are honored to present our largest gift ever to the IYB - $75,000 in celebration of the 75th anniversary!”

Allen Green also participated in the event, and remarked: “As founding members of the Friends of the IYB, we are looking forward to the IYB’s next great 75 years of service to our community. We invite you to join us supporting the IYB. Please consider making a donation in whatever interval of 75 you can commit! $7.50, $75.00, $750.00, $7,500.00…just move the decimal around as needed. Happy Birthday IYB!”

Support the future for our youth

We hope you will consider making a gift to the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Your support helps to ensure our community’s children and youth have access to safe and healthy recreational and youth development opportunities.

Friends of the IYB has been serving as a channel for generous and caring community members to assist meeting the increasing needs of area families and the sponsoring municipalities. While it was formed just a dozen years ago, the Ithaca Youth Bureau celebrates its 75th birthday this year (and the Cass Park facility has opened for the 50th season). We’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past visually and with words from two who have very long histories with the IYB.

I’m Allen Green and I’m excited to join in celebrating the IYB’s milestone. Ithaca was one of the first communities in New York to establish a youth bureau and I was privileged to work at the IYB for about half of those 75 years!

After World War II the “baby boom” was in full swing and Ithaca jumped at the chance to establish a youth bureau to offer a wide variety of youth services to the community.

In 1976 I was hired to create the “Mechanical All Stars” Program out of the “Tin Can” building located next to Stewart Park. The city had purchased the old Quonset-hut building from the Navy for $1.00 after the war. Although the building was replaced, the site is still the IYB’s home.

After growing the hands-on auto shop program, I was honored to serve as the IYB’s Director during my last 10 years. During that time, we formed the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau to raise funds for and awareness of the IYB and its many wonderful programs.

Ithaca understands that investing in young people is important for a strong community. We are fortunate to have had great staff and volunteers over the years who have created and managed a wide array of worthwhile services. Happy Birthday!

I’m Jeff Love, current chair of the Friends. What an exciting time it is to be part of the wonderful group of people, programming and facilities that make up the Ithaca Youth Bureau! In celebrating this special time in its history, I can reflect on the many great experiences and impactful memories I have had as a result of IYB programs. These experiences have helped shape my life for the better.

I fondly remember my youth, playing football for the Firehouse 5 and VFW. Just a decade later, I found myself volunteering for the same IYB program as a youth football coach. The Youth Bureau also served as my first employer when I was a pre-teen camp counselor through the Youth Employment Service (YES). It also provided my first exposure to community government and policy making through the Ithaca Youth Council.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of seeing my own children playing sports like Rotary soccer, lacrosse and “small ball”, obtaining their first jobs as I did through YES, and participating in other IYB activities and programs. The IYB has given so much to me and my family. Therefore, it’s so important for me to give back.

It is now our turn to look to the future, and in doing so, commit what we can of ourselves to ensure that the next group of youth in need, aspiring students, coaches, job seekers and advocates, will have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

Now in 2022, the IYB main program areas include Recreation Support Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Scholarships, College Discovery Program, Outings, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Recreation, Recreation Scholarships, Expressive Arts Programs, and Youth Development, including Youth Employment Service and Youth Council. FIYB also recently managed the gifts for the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign. To learn more, to donate, or to volunteer, visit friendsiyb.org.

THANK YOU!

Jeff Love, Chair

Mary Grainger, Vice Chair

Allen Green, Secretary

Eric Nichols, Treasurer

Your tax deductible gift to Friends of the IYB can be made online: friendsiyb.org/donate Or checks can be mailed to FIYB PO Box 4198, Ithaca, NY 14852                                                                                    

Interested in donating stocks and bonds, or planned giving? Contact us to discuss.                               

Email friendsiyb@gmail.com or call IYB and ask for FIYB phone # 607.273.8364                                                                                                                                                                                                               THANK YOU!!!

Our youth need friends now more than ever!

Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Ithaca Youth Bureau in its endeavors. As a city department, the Ithaca Youth Bureau is precluded from directly allocating its resources and staff toward soliciting private funding. In light of increasing youth needs and decreasing government budgets, the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau was established to support the Ithaca Youth Bureau in fulfilling its mission:

“The Ithaca Youth Bureau (including Cass Park) offers participants from all backgrounds, walks of life, identities, abilities and lived experiences a broad range of recreation and youth development services, supports, and opportunities to enable them to thrive.”

IYB”s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion vision: “At the Ithaca Youth Bureau, we model inclusive collaboration, recognition, and restorative practices with participants, families, volunteers, and employees alike, so that people from all identities and lived experiences feel valued, heard, included, and celebrated.”

IYB values inlcude: “We believe that all people can be physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy, and socially and civically engaged. We see participants and families as valued partners who have meaningful decision-making roles in our programs and the community. We strive to offer experiential learning and hands-on activities that are equitable and welcoming. It is important that our programs promote skill development, foster positive relationships, and build a sense of community and belonging.”

Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. New members are always welcome. Check back often for updates, and get in touch with us about how you can get involved!

2021 Appeal Message:

We are reaching out to you to ask you to consider making a gift to the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau this fall. Your support helps to ensure that our community’s children and youth have access to safe and healthy recreational and youth development opportunities.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Friends of IYB has allocated more than $65,000 for Ithaca Youth Bureau program areas. These funds come from donations from generous community members like yourselves. Some gifts were designated by donors for specific areas and others were unrestricted so were used where the needs are greatest.

IYB program areas include Recreation Support Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Scholarships, College Discovery Program, Outings, Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, Recreation, Recreation Scholarships, and Youth Development. FIYB also manages the gifts made since 2016 for the Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign.

In addition, the FIYB allocated $5000 for IYB staff to provide to program client families with emergency needs in spring 2020. FIYB and IYB also collaborated with the United Way when $110,000 was contributed in summer 2020 earmarked to reopen the IYB that had been closed in the spring.

Liz Klohmann, Ithaca Youth Bureau director, expressed: “We are grateful for the Friends of the IYB. Year after year FIYB board members volunteer their time and resources to raise support for Youth Bureau programs. Their contributions ensure that valuable services are available for our young people. On behalf of Youth Bureau families and staff, thank you to everyone who participates in any way!”

To learn more, to donate, or to volunteer, visit friendsiyb.org

With gratitude,

Jeff Love, Chair, Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau

2020 Appeal Message:

When you contribute to Friends of the IYB, you help the agency staff offer its traditional and innovative programs safely during these challenging times for youth and families. Due to the city budget constraints, community support is needed more than ever. Below are examples of what can be purchased when funds are donated through the nonprofit FIYB.

Youth Development:  

Recreation Support Services (RSS) requests $500 sensory table and laptop for virtual programming                                                                         Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) seeks science/art kits at $15 each, and snowshoes at $70 a pair, tennis rackets at $35 each                                   Youth Employment Service (YES) needs $500 for each job placement, and $20 bus passes for teens to get to work                                   College Discovery Program (CDP) $50 each student college application      PSMP long term mentoring would use $900 to send one student to summer camp

Recreation and Outings:  

Camping gear needs are head lamps at $55 each, snow boots at $70 each, $150 stove and $150 nesting pots                                                       Canoeing costs include $1800 per boat, and $100 per PFD life vest                                                                                                        Climbing program needs Ascenders $250 each pair                                        Lacrosse equipment costs $130 per youth player                                                                                                 Roller Skating open-to-community parties are $500 each                                                                                           Team Building Kit Project Adventure is $500, new Slack line $100                                                               

Cass Park and Ithaca Bike Rental:       

Free youth swim lessons for the 2021 summer season costs $10,000                                                   Kiddie Pool play structures replacement run $400-$900                                                         Fence around playground replacement costs $7000                                                             Bike repair supplies are $100                                                                  New Tandem bicycle is $1000                                                                      Cass Park Arena Enclosure Campaign continues seeking gifts of any size                                                  

July 27, 2020

Update on the Ithaca Youth Bureau and Request from Friends of the IYB

Community Support Allows IYB to Return Staff and Programs 

The Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB), in conjunction with the United Way and the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau, has received generous private support to bring back furloughed IYB staff, to navigate COVID-19 protocols, to re-imagine programming, and  to serve over 400 youth and families in the coming months. One $100,000 anonymous donation and another for $10,000 are particularly significant funding that covers operating expenses through December 31, 2020. Individual donations made since the closure was announced May 1 will also be utilized, and future gifts can be accepted at any time through friendsiyb.org 

Youth Development staff are working on new methods to deliver traditional programming and on innovations including a partnership with the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) summer high school program. Playgrounds were re-opened earlier in July. Some recreation programming begins Monday, July 27 (Cross Country Running, Get Your Play On, Sport Spot, Tennis Anyone) and more will be added.  Families can get more information about dates, fees and details from “Community Pass”  https://register.communitypass.net/reg/cat_program_list.cfm?season_id=24048

IYB Director Liz Klohmann expressed on behalf of the IYB staff: “The recent anonymous donation helps us bring our full team back and get programs up and running.  We are grateful for the community support and excited to get our programming underway.  We have missed our families and children and can't wait to see them! Programming will take place in the parks and pavilions for the time being.  Our building is closed to the public, but we are here and working!”

James Brown, President and CEO of United Way of Tompkins County remarked: "In the current environment, where individuals and households face public health, workplace, and myriad social and economic challenges, United Way volunteers and staff welcome the opportunity to serve as a platform for giving to Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau.   The Youth Bureau’s ability to safely restart critical programs and services at this time will strengthen the health and development of local youth and our broader community."    

Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau Board President Jeff Love added, “As we continue to battle this global crisis, our community’s most vulnerable treasures need the support of programs and people like the ones of the IYB, now more than ever! This financial support could not have come at a more necessary time, and we are so thankful for it!”

Klohmann elaborated that additional donations will be used to support modifications and adjustments to programs that implement new COVID safety protocols to ensure the safety of our children, families and staff.  . In addition, the IYB and Cass Park often do not have the necessary budget funds to update and/or replace equipment that is outdated or in disrepair.  

“The IYB is committed to helping youth, families and staff explore their feelings, challenge their beliefs, learn, and find their voice around topics such as structural racism, discrimination, implicit bias, and social justice by providing experiences and programming.   Funds to support these efforts would help grow newly forming partnerships in the community and with ICSD.  We also anticipate budget reductions impacting IYB services and programs over the next several years due to COVID implications.”

Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the IYB in its endeavors. As a city department, the Ithaca Youth Bureau is precluded from directly allocating its resources and staff toward soliciting private funding. Due to increasing youth needs and decreasing government budgets in recent years, the FIYB was established to support the Ithaca Youth Bureau in fulfilling its mission. New volunteers and board members are always welcome, as well as donors. For more information, visit friendsiyb.org or email Love at friendsiyb@gmail.com

IYB’s mission is “to provide youth with the tools they need to build a successful life for themselves and change the world for the better. We believe that all citizens can be physically, mentally and spiritually healthy, and socially and civically engaged. We help prepare youth to live successful lives as adults by providing a variety of recreation and youth development opportunities that will help youth develop to their full potential. We lend support to discouraged youth who are struggling to find their place in the world. We help our program participants understand that all people have a place in this world and together we can create a better tomorrow.” Contact Klohmann at lvance@cityofithaca.org

 April 27, 2020

Ithaca Youth Bureau has provided this update about programming and operations. This pandemic has not only put a lot of stress on our physical and mental health, but also our financial situations. This is true for the City as an organization too. Currently the City is in a budget crisis and has been forced to make some very drastic and devastating decisions around City services.

At the IYB 32 of our 39 full-time staff have been furloughed. In addition, COVID-19 precautions and uncertainty was making planning safe and fun programs extremely difficult if not impossible. Given these circumstances all Youth Bureau programs for the summer 2020 season have been canceled. This also includes ongoing programs including Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program (BBBS), the College Discovery Program (CDP), Paul Schreurs Memorial Programs (PSMP), Recreation Support Services (RSS) for youth and adults, Outings, Ithaca Bike Rental, Youth Employment Services, and Youth Council Ambassadors; as well as all recreation programs, lessons and camps, and the Cass Park Swimming Pool.

Friends IYB Encourages Support: Advocacy and Donations

Friends Mission Continues The Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau's mission continues: to promote positive, engaging opportunities for youth by raising community awareness of and building financial support for the services and programs of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. As an independent non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the IYB, we encourage advocacy and charitable gifts that will help the IYB when the City can bring back the staff, facilities and programs. Friends IYB remains invested in supporting the development of our young people. We all remain in this together. Contact us at friendsiyb@gmail.com or visit friendsiyb.org

Give Your Voice! During this uncertain time as we are all challenged by the COVID-19 crisis, the Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau has a urgent request of you. The CARES federal funding assistance is still only available for municipalities with over 500,000 people. The City of Ithaca as well as all other Tompkins County municipalities are excluded. At this time YOU can support the Ithaca Youth Bureau by calling our representatives to ask for their support of funding to smaller municipalities that will also be detrimentally impacted. While most IYB staff have been furloughed and programs suspended for the summer, assistance can help ensure reopening in the near future. Please help by making a few quick phone calls. It is quite possible that you will not speak to a live person, but you should be able to leave a message.

Congressman Tom Reed at 202-225-3161

President Donald Trump at 202-456-6213

The senators are in favor of the funding so call them to say THANKS and to keep advocating!

Senator Charles Schumer at 202-224-6542

Senator Kristen Gillibrand at 202-224-4451

Here’s a basic script, but feel free to speak from your heart, too: "Hi, I am ________, a resident of New York State and _________municipality. Please help keep services intact for our community. CARES #4 needs to be provide money to cities with less than 500,000 people. We need the same kind of support as larger municipalities. Please fight for funding we need, too."

Thanks again for your continued support of the Ithaca Youth Bureau and our youth,

Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau Board