Thanks to Anonymous Donor and All Supporters
The Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) Board appreciates all of the community members who responded to its campaign last fall and the Friends Fund Challenge. Nearly 100 supporters contributed $25,000 that was then matched by an anonymous donor doubling the impact of each gift.
A longtime friend of youth and the youth bureau committed fully $50,000 to inspire others with the challenge match and to support specific IYB programs: Recreation Scholarships, RISE (Resilience, Identity, Support, Empowerment) Program, and Outings Program. In addition, this generous gift in memory of Vernon “Chip” Copeland of Newburgh, NY, will help fund an upcoming community event hosted by FIYB and IYB.
Board Chair Jeff Love expressed his excitement about this gift from someone who believes the FIYB and IYB missions help ensure our community’s children and youth have safe and healthy recreational and youth development opportunities. “As we face challenging times when vital youth development programming is in jeopardy of being defunded, we must look within ourselves to meet the moment, and I see our donors and community doing just that.”
Allen Green believes the timing is great because “our young people and their families have lots of challenges to deal with and this funding enables us to provide important support to the IYB.”
Peter Tsung realizes that the “increased financial pressures families face make our work even more essential, and it is motivation to contribute time and resources to keep IYB programs thriving.”
Eric Nichols feels that our regular meetings and communication with IYB Director Gregg Houck helps the FIYB board to understand how our allocations assist the IYB people, programs and facilities.
Bill Brumsted is “excited to be joining the FIYB board in the midst of such a generous gift to an organization that has a positive impact on youth and their families in our community. I look forward to working with the board and our constituents to continue to find ways to support the Ithaca Youth Bureau and its mission.”
“Gifts from community members and organizations can be designated to 'areas of greatest need' or to particular areas including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Expressive Arts, Ithaca Youth Council, Outings Program, Recreation (Sports, Tot Spot, Day Camps), Recreation Support Services (Youth, Adult), Program Scholarships, RISE (Resilience, Identity, Support, Empowerment) Program and Youth Employment Service, according to Vice Chair Mary Grainger.
With gratitude,
FIYB Board
Jeff Love, Mary Grainger, Allen Green, Eric Nichols, Bill Brumsted, Peter Tsung
How Friends Support Community’s Youth and Families
Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau (FIYB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Ithaca Youth Bureau (IYB) in fulfilling its mission of offering Ithaca area 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. The IYB is a public multi-service agency that promotes the health, happiness, and well-being of youth and families. Annually more than 7,500 youth, aged 0-20 years, participate. In addition to recreation and after school initiatives that serve the general youth population, IYB programs do strategic outreach to economically disadvantaged and under-served youth.
Tax-deductible gifts can be designated for one or more of the following programs, or for “area of greatest need”. Donate online or by check. See friendsiyb.org/donate
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mentoring program affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America establishes and nurtures friendships between caring, responsible adults and children with a need for such friendship.
Expressive Arts
Ruth Davis Expressive Arts provides a wide variety of creative opportunities accessible and inclusive for children and youth - instrumental and vocal music, drawing and painting, pottery, dancing, and theatre. Participants have fun while building confidence, artistry, and a sense of community.
Ithaca Youth Council
Teen “ambassadors” from Ithaca and Tompkins County who focus on civic engagement, community outreach, and peer leadership.
Outings Program
Outdoor adventure program that encourages teamwork, builds self-confidence, and fosters personal growth. Camping trips are an integral part.
Recreation - Sports, Tot Spot, Day Camps
Year-round recreation programming includes sports, lessons, camps, special events and more are offered for Ithaca residents and through the Recreation Partnership as well as the Early Childhood and Family Programs.
Recreation Support Services - Youth, Adult
Safe, skill-based recreational opportunities offer chances to make lasting friendships and develop independence. RSS helps individuals of all ages, primarily those with disabilities, achieve their goals for happiness and well-being.
RISE (Resilience, Identity, Support, Empowerment) Program
Middle and high school youth from marginalized communities access a combination of long- and short-term programming designed to foster resilience, build life skills, and strengthen social-emotional development. RISE (formerly CDP, PMSP and more) offers a safe and empowering environment where youth can explore their identities, build meaningful connections, and develop the tools needed to navigate challenges with empathy, purpose, and confidence.
Program Scholarships
Financial assistance is available for camps and programs that are fee-based, including ones donated in memory of Paul Scheurs.
Youth Employment Service
YES program meets teens where they are and connects them to opportunities to work, grow, and lead in their community.