Mary Nelson's Youth Center Shapes the Future of Youth
The Mary Nelson Youth Center has been making a difference in the lives of children and families since 2000. The youth center is a product of Mary Nelson's life-affirming journey that was built on the richness and power of lifelong values that were instilled by her parents.
The inception of the Mary Nelson Youth Center occurred 15 years ago following the loss of her nephew, Darryl Patterson, to gun violence. Mary was inspired to create a platform that would provide young people the necessary values and skills needed to become exceptional community leaders. She knew that children in her community were lacking. They were in need of support, encouragement, and commitment to their success.
Education, the alternative to violence, was the first step. Helping children gain access to the basic supplies needed to attend school was next. Nelson began filling that void by organizing a one-day event: the Mary Nelson Youth Day BBQ. What started with 850 children and parents in 2002 has grown to 26,000 children, parents and stakeholders in 2016.
Lives have been touched and millions of dollars in school supplies consisting of backpacks, free computers, and toiletries have been distributed to children and families over the past 15 years.
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Mary Nelson's Youth Center is a leading force in the greater Syracuse area - inspiring youth to embrace their true identity while unleashing their inner potential. Our programs help our youth shape their own values by providing them with all the tools, resources and support they need to evolve into tomorrow's confident leaders.
We welcome you to learn more about how we make a difference in children's lives!