FYC Annual Report 2023 : simplebooklet.com

As we enter into the 70th year of service at the FYC, I often find myselfpausing and thinking about the countless residents, partnering agencies,businesses, and community leaders who continue to step up and helpexpand our offerings, improve the facility, and create new opportunitiesfor the vulnerable kids we serve. It has been heart-warming and humblingto work alongside so many devoted individuals who also believe that when we #FILLtheFIRTH, our youth have a safe place to just be kids! With that being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge ourLeadership Team and Staff for their dedication and tireless efforts. Our team is composed of individuals who inspire, support, encourage, and lift-up P’burg kids every day. They are the ones who kids will look back on with fond memories of the ways they cared for them, played with them, and supported them through hard times. They are the modern-day Kit Stansberrys, Jim Fiammas, & Pierre Grassis.They are making a true impact, a lifelong impact, on kids who aredeserving of so much more than the cards they were dealt.Creating CommunityA MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR From maintenance, to direct-care, and playground program staff, everyteam member brings their unique style, positive energy, and team-firstapproach to the FYC. The accomplishment I am most proud of this year hasbeen to build, support, and aid the team we have surrounding our kids! What is going on at the FYC is not a product of one person or a few BoardMembers. It’s everyone who is willing to step up to the plate, roll up theirsleeves, and make Phillipsburg a better place for children to grow up.On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and children we serve, thank you all for your generosity and continued support. We look forward to all that is good to come for the youth of Phillipsburg via the FYC! -Kelly Post-Sheedy, Executive Director

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792 Youth served at one or more programs42 Youth served through the FYC Boutique Distributed nearly 1,800 gifts to familiesthanks to B.A.C.K. Club and other localtoy drives during the holiday seasonAssisted families in saving over $223,300 in subsidized child care in partnership with Norwescap CFRS Help us continue to offercreative solutions andinnovative support for our localkids and families Awarded over $9,500 in grants to provideprograms targeting youth currently ormore likely to experience homelessness $5,310 in scholarships awarded toyouth seeking career training andpost-secondary education417 Backpacks with supplies distributed560 Hours of enriching summer programsCultivating childhood memories since 1954.5,093 Lunches and dinners served to youth NOTEWORTHY HIGHLIGHTS

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Byron McIntosh is the owner/operator of The ChopShop located at 396 Heckman Street.Byron was always a Jersey boy, born in East Orange and raised in Newark, but his storydidn’t start in Phillipsburg until he opened his shop in 2008 with his late brother, Jay.From a young age, Byron saw first-hand what it was like owning a barber shop, since hismother, Audrey Burch, operated one. Byron would run errands, sweep, and, eventually,learned to cut hair. Byron saw the inner-workings and the responsibility, grit, & sacrifices ittook to be a business owner. When his brother and business partner, Jay, passed away in 2022, Byron had the determination to ensure The ChopShop would live on.Byron’s wife, Annie, is also a hairstylist and owns her own business, The Deca Hair Salon, in Emmaus, PA. Together they have three boys Isaiah (22), Byron (12), and Kian (11). Byron loves to volunteer, Giving back has always been important to me, especially withyouth organizations, Big Brother programs, and food banks.Byron’s first experience with the FYC was when Miss Joan Lichtenwalner walked into hisshop and told him about the Hooray! It’s Back to School Day! event. He immediately likedMiss Joan and enjoyed her upbeat and witty personality. When Miss Joan told me about the FYC Back to School event happening at the end of the summer, it was a no brainer! I immediately knew I wanted to help. I told my employees, Trevor & Pablo, and they were just as excited and 100% on board to make a difference that day!At the FYC, everyone is always warm, inviting, and helpful and it’s obvious that the kidsare excited to attend school looking fresh for their first day. It’s the best feeling! After the 1st year, I knew I would continue to volunteer every year after. And that he did... Byron volunteered at the first ever Hooray! It’s Back to School Day! and every year since.The August 22, 2024 event will mark his 6th year of service at the FYC!Being a kid from the inner city, I understand the importance of the youth center that I grewup in and how the staff impact the children. I was one of those kids. I received guidance,support, and fellowship when I needed it most… it shaped me into the man I am today. Byron is also an MMA coach, former mixed martial artist, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt.His future plans include opening a mixed martial arts gym (LEVELS), which will offer youthclasses, women's self-defense, and fitness packages for all ages and skill-sets within thePhillipsburg area. Until then, you can find him at The ChopShop...except on Hooray! It’s Back to School Day!BYRON MCINTOSH VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

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PROGRAMSATHLETICSRECREATION 45 Unique Youth Programs 57 Healthy Cooking Classes 150 Hours of Academic Tutoring302 Drop-In Sessions 9 Wrestling Matches 24 Hours of Dance Classes 32 Youth enrolled in Jiu Jitsu 84 Youth Basketball games held275 Hours of Staff-led Exercise 74 Youth enrolled in Summer Camp 88 Reading & Writing Workshops 32 Character Building Lessons205 Playground Program Participants Together we make a difference in the lives of others. 12 volunteer Board Members work alongside the FYC Team to spread awareness ofdiversified programs, foster relationships with collaborative partners, develop fundraisinginitiatives, strategically plan for capital improvement projects, and positively impact thefamilies we serve 12 months of the year. The FYC is committed to building the resiliency ofPhillipsburg's most under-served populations while continuously promoting diversity,equity, and inclusion for the betterment of the children and community. Join us as we keep the FYC a place where kids can just be kids!EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGHEDUCATION AND RECREATION

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DE’ASIA’S TOP FYC MEMORIESDE’ASIA BROWNPieing Mr. Saad in the faceSwimming at the Pool during Summer CampLearning to Roller Skate on a Field TripWinning the Talent Show with a Cheer routine Hanging out with Miss Sam in the GymWinning Kelly Cash to buy Christmas presents for my parents and siblingsPlaying Steele Hill Basketball GamesMeeting new friendsDe’Asia is a 4th Grade Student at Phillipsburg ElementarySchool, but started coming to the FYC at just 6 years old. De’Asia attends Summer Camp, After School Care, Fri-YayNight Dances, Hip-Hop Classes, and plays her Steele HillBasketball Games in the gym each Winter. If there’s anactivity going on at the FYC that De’Asia is eligible to attend,you can bet she will be there with a huge smile! De’Asia is the definition of a true youth leader. She helpsothers with homework, cleans up after herself, encouragesfriends to follow rules, participates in activities, and assistsstaff whenever she can. Due to her incredible behavior,De’Asia is always a contender for the TOP winner of allBehavior Improvement Campaigns, including Kelly Cash, Pie-a-Counselor, and Slime Day.When talking about the FYC, De’Asia proudly recalls all the times shewon, and continues to win, the Behavior Improvement Campaigns.When asked how it makes her feel, she responds, “When my name is called after the loud drum roll, I feel really proud of myself... that I earned it! Getting called up in front of everyone makes mefeel really excited and grateful to be a part of the FYC!” De’Asia resides with her parents, 2 brothers, and 5 sisters inPhillipsburg. She proudly shares, “My parents make sure I have food in my belly, a roof over my head, a comfy bed, and clothes. They take really good care of me and do lot of things for me. I feel really grateful for them. I’m a lucky girl for all I have... I go to a great school and get to go to the FYC!”De’Asia’s future plans include, “becoming a FYC Camp Counselor and making my way up to be the boss, like Miss Kelly!” Until then, she’ll just keep enjoying all FYC has to offer!FUTURE LEADER PROFILE

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MARK SCUDERIMark resides in Stewartsville with his wife, Katie, andtheir three children, Tommy, Shane, and Brianne(a/k/a Breezy). He owns multiple businesses in thearea, including REMAXX Supreme, Motto Mortgage,and CrossFit Phillipsburg. Mark is committed tohelping others, especially when it comes to the kidsof Phillipsburg. He linked-up with FYC Director ofDevelopment, Laurie Nelson, to share why he is socommitted: L: What sparked your interest to get involved?M: I am a big fan of supporting my local community.There is no better way to support a community thanby investing in the youth. Supporting local is takingcare of your own. The FYC checks both boxes forme. I donate locally and invest in the future of ourcommunity. Plus, you can see with your own eyeswhere your donations are going. Every cent stays atthe FYC.L: What programs have you been involved in?M: Hooray! It’s Back to School Day, Career Week,Holiday Tree to sponsor gifts for children, and mydaughter, Breezy, volunteered at Summer Camp...plus there’s more to come.L: What drives you to give back so much and sooften?M: It’s easy to become comfortable in business,especially after time goes by. Having somethingbigger than yourself to work towards growing keepsme motivated. We can all strive to be better and dobetter. The kids at the FYC learn that and one daywill return the favor.On behalf of the FYC Board and Leadership Team, THANK YOU MARK! RECOGNIZING OUR FYC FAITHFUL

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2,750 stickers distributed to educateadults on the impact andconsequences of serving alcohol tominors153 students educated about thedangers of vaping through the Don'tGet Vaped In curriculum30% more High School youth stronglyagreed that using marjuana oralcohol regularly would harm theirhealth & healthy habits afterundergoing the Prevention PlusWellness curriculum Awarded and allocated over $190,000to provide Youth Substance MisusePrevention Programs 15 LEAD Phillipsburg Coalitionmembers work tirelessly to strengthencommunity collaboration in support oflocal efforts to reduce youthsubstances 11 Youth participate in iLEAD CoalitionClub, which shapes youth into futureleaders through character building,substance prevention education, andaccess to positive mentorsYOUTH PREVENTION PROGRAMSPromoting healthy lifestyles for Phillipsburg youth.

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Annual Banquet, which showcases everyone who helpscontribute to the FYC’s success Freezing the FirthRibbon Cuttings for the Michael J. Weirsky Gymnasium and the Brennan Family Multipurpose RoomHooray! It’s Back to School Day!Wrapping Day where the kids shop for loves ones During the first FYC Wrapping Day, I asked a young boy who thegift was for that we were wrapping. He said “This is for myneighbor lady who brings us meals.” It was heartbreaking torealize that many local children do not have a home cookedmeal every night, which is something I took for granted growingup. This is why Dine & Dash is one of my favorite programs.One day, I hope the Town of Phillipsburg can have acommunity center to serve all ages. With the purchase of theadjacent property, there is so much potential to help morechildren and residents. I am honored to serve on the FYCBoard of Directors, it has been one of the most rewardingexperiences to see all the wonderful programs that are nowbeing offered. I am excited to see what the future holds at FYC for the children of Phillipsburg! They are certainly in good hands with the outstanding Leadership Team, who serve as incredible role models for our youth.During their youth, Donna, her sister and brother attended summerprograms, roller skating events and Friday night dances held in theFYC gymnasium. She also has fond memories of attending aerobicdance and ceramics classes with her mom, sister, aunts, andcousins as well as walking to the FYC after PHS football games toget together with friends. During the 1990s and 2000s, Donnareconnected with the FYC as she watched her 3 sons compete inCBL basketball games. One of her sons even became a campcounselor for two summers. I am happy to say that, so far, 3generations of my family have utilized the FYC!So, when the opportunity arose to join the FYC Board of Directorsin March 2010, Donna jumped at the chance to help. As a businessowner in Downtown Phillipsburg for many years, I saw how manychildren lacked opportunities and I thought the mission of the FYCwas so important to the community. It is heartwarming to seethese children have chances to do things that they would nototherwise experience if they didn’t have access to the FYC.Before recently retiring, Donna, along with her husband Dave, ran the family business, Jiorle’s Office Supplies, which her mom and dad established in 1973. In her free time, you can find Donna at the gym, playing pickleball, golfing, or helping out at many FYC events throughout the year.Favorite Memories as a Board MemberDONNA JIORLE SCHAAREBOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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On February 1, 2023, the Board of Directors purchased the 5.66-acre lotadjacent to the FYC, located at 150 Fleming Drive. This brings FYC’s totalproperty to nearly 8-acres of land. While the current plans are to pay down the mortgage and complete some clean-up projects, the Board of Directors was grateful to be in a position to preserve theneighborhood by acquiring the property. However, one can’t help but dream about the possibilities for the #FutureOfTheFirth!HONORING OUR PAST INVESTING IN OUR FUTUREThe newly renovatedgym was formallydedicated as the on January 29, 2023 in frontof a standing-room-onlycrowd of family, communitypartners, dignitaries, youthsports organizationrepresentatives, and kids. Michael J. WeirskyGymnasium

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33rd Annual BanquetThursday, Sept. 12, 2024 at the Firth Youth Center Help us celebrate70 years of service! On May 2, 1954, the doors of theJoseph H. Firth Youth Center officiallyopened to the children of Phillipsburg. Since then, generations of kids havebenefited from the diverse programs,caring mentors, and safe environment that the FYC has cultivated. Please consider joining us for a specialevening commemorating the past,honoring those who uplift the mission, andsharing the vision of the #FutureFirth! For tickets and sponsorship information, please reach out to:Laurie Nelson, Director of Development at Laurie@FirthYouthCenter.com www.FirthYouthCenter.com/Banquet

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Clark W Deemer, Sr. Dr. John W. “Jack” Emery Cecelia M. "Polly" Honey Phil Kays, Sr. Joshua Dean Loudenberry Larry Marino, Jr. Elizabeth "Betty" Post Mark Anthony RedaJack C. Searfoss, Jr. In loving memory of the FYC Faithful we lost in 2023. WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THELIVES OF OTHERSHelp us continue to offer creativesolutions and innovative supportfor our local kids and families www.FirthYouthCenter.comTogetherThere are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains.

FYC Annual Report 2023

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