Support FYC. Support Children.
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From the Executive Director
Dear Firth Youth Center Community, This year has been challenging and stressful for many of the families we serve, especially the vulnerable youth who had their worlds flipped upside down. When COVID-19 began to ravage our State, the Firth Youth Center offered as many "curbside services" as possible to Phillipsburg families, including free daily lunch, homework printing/copying, school supplies, and books from the Cops 'n Kids Reading Room. Once given the green light to resume programs, our team developed diverse and enriching activities both virtual and on-site. Simultaneously, we relentlessly pursued the NJ Child Care License behind-the-scenes, knowing that providing daytime care to working families was an absolute necessity to stabilize Phillipsburg families. Since March, we have served 19,014 free lunches, 1,180 families for school supplies, 98 families for copying/printing, and distributed over 3,000 free books from the Cops 'n Kids Reading Room. Within two months, we had 65 youth take advantage of virtual events and, since re-opening the building, we have offered 227 on-site programs (and counting). In October, we were awarded our NJ Child Care License and now offer full-day child care to working families with children in virtual school! None of this work was possible if done in a silo. We are incredibly thankful and humbled by the support of extremely generous residents, local businesses, and many other agencies who have stepped up to make incredible donations to sustain the FYC during these challenging times. As we enter the holiday season, we ask that you keep the work of the Firth Youth Center in your minds as you make charitable contributions. For the last 66 years, the Center has been committed to providing athletic and recreational opportunities to all Phillipsburg youth. This building has become a sanctuary to countless at-risk youth throughout the years, many of whom have returned to "pay it forward" for the positive role the Center played in their lives. Now, more than ever, youth need a safe, supervised, nurturing environment to express themselves as they develop into responsible young men and woman. I humbly ask that you consider supporting the work of the FYC and help us keep our mission strong. I wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. With sincerest gratitude, Kelly Post-Sheedy Executive Director |
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