New Direction Youth Initiative

10/09/2026

We have filled all spots for our first 8 week program but will continue to take in applications for waitlist or following program 🙂

10/07/2026

⭐️⭐️Thankful as our list of volunteers and businesses willing to help grows!
Let us know if you would like to help!

What happens when kids turn 13? ❤️

We show up BIG for little kids—Christmas gifts, school supplies, sports, programs and fundraisers.
But somewhere along the way, teenagers can become easier to overlook.

🎄 One holiday toy drive reported that less than 5% of donated gifts were specifically for ages 11–17.

❤️ 1 in 3 young people grows up without a mentor outside their family.

Teenagers may act like they don't need us.
But they're still kids.

They still need someone at their game.

Someone asking how school is going.

Someone teaching them a skill.

Someone introducing them to a career.

Someone sitting across from them at dinner.

Someone noticing when they're struggling.

Someone reminding them that their choices today don't have to determine their entire future.

That's why New Direction focuses on ages 13–17. ❤️
Let's make sure our community keeps showing up for them, too.

10/02/2026

You don’t have to be a teacher to make a difference in a teen’s life.

Can you cook a simple meal? Explain a paycheck? Share how you got started in your career? Sit down at dinner and listen?

Those are all ways you could help with New Direction Youth Initiative. We’re looking for people willing to share their time, skills, and encouragement with our teens. 💛

Interested? Email [email protected]!

09/23/2026

Sometimes a teenager doesn't need another lecture.

They just need one person willing to show them a different direction. ❤️

New Direction Youth Initiative is getting ready to welcome our first small group of local teens ages 13–17 into a completely FREE 8-week program.

This program was created for kids who could use a little extra support, encouragement, confidence or direction — whether they're struggling in school, unsure about their future, having a hard time finding their place, or simply need more positive people in their corner.

Over 8 weeks, they'll get to:

🔨 Try hands-on trades
🍳 Learn cooking & real-life skills
💰 Learn about money and budgeting
🩺 Explore healthcare and other careers
🚒 Meet people in public safety
💼 Learn about jobs, college, trades & entrepreneurship
🍽️ Share a meal each week with adults who genuinely want to see them succeed

There is no cost for families.

And local moms, dads and community members — we need you too.

You don't have to be a teacher or an expert to make a difference. Maybe you can help prepare a meal, teach a simple life skill, share your career, help with an activity, or simply be another positive adult in the room.

❤️ Have a teen who could benefit?
🙋‍♀️ Interested in volunteering?

Comment INFO below or visit ndyi.org.

And please share this post. The parent or teenager who needs this program may already be in your friends list.

New Direction Youth Initiative
Helping local teens see that there is more than one direction their future can take.

09/22/2026

🍳 LOOKING FOR A FEW VOLUNTEERS! ❤️
For one of our New Direction Life Skills classes, we want to teach teens something simple but so important:
How to plan, shop for, and make a meal on their own.
We’re looking for a few volunteers who would be willing to work alongside the kids and show them how to:
🛒 Plan a simple, affordable meal
💰 Shop for the ingredients on a budget
🥕 Prep the ingredients
🍽️ Cook the meal from start to finish
🧼 Clean up afterward
You do NOT need to be a chef or teacher!
If you’re a parent, grandparent, home cook, or just someone who knows how to put together an easy meal and would enjoy teaching a teenager — we would love your help. ❤️
Sometimes the most basic things we do every day are skills a kid has simply never had the opportunity to learn.
Want to help? Comment below, message us, or tag someone who would be great at this!
New Direction Youth Initiative

09/21/2026

💙 WHAT IS NEW DIRECTION YOUTH INITIATIVE?

New Direction is a FREE 8-week program for teens ages 13–17 designed to give kids real-life skills, positive connections, and a chance to see opportunities they may not otherwise be exposed to.

Over the 8 weeks, kids will:
🔨 Try hands-on trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, construction & auto
💰 Learn budgeting, banking & money skills
🍳 Practice cooking and everyday life skills
🩺 Explore healthcare, public safety & other careers
💼 Meet business owners, tradespeople and community professionals
🎯 Work on decision-making, communication & preparing for their future
🍽️ Share a meal together at every class

New Direction is open to any teen who could benefit, with a special focus on kids who may be struggling in school, going through challenges at home, lacking positive role models or simply needing someone to show them that there are more paths available.

There is NO COST for kids to participate. ❤️

We are also looking for community members who want to volunteer, share their career or life skills, provide a meal, donate supplies, or simply be another positive adult showing these kids that their community cares about them.

Sometimes changing a kid's direction starts with giving them the chance to see what's possible. 💙

🌐 Learn more or sign up: ndyi.org

09/14/2026

09/09/2026

STARTING IN OCTOBER!