by Alicia Vermeer | Jan 22, 2015 | News
 “Life’s most persistent and nagging question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr On MLK Day, over 60 youth and adults gathered at the CYC offices to answer this exact question. Some assembled and painted birdhouses or made garden stepping stones, while others distributed coats, hats, and gloves to neighborhood youth as part of our partnership with King Elementary. As we gear up for 2015, we invite you to consider how you might answer Dr. King’s question. Please consider joining our work. For more information on how to get involved, please check out our website, contact us, and keep reading. All our best, CYC staff Click on the link below to continue to read our December newsletter:...
by Alicia Vermeer | Dec 23, 2014 | Check this out!, News
Below are the initial plans for our downstairs renovation at our CYC offices! CYC has been chosen for the 2014-2015 Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute project. The space will be converted into a “youth enrichment center” with computers, reading nooks, artwork displays, and fun! We are very excited about this opportunity! If you would like more information, a tour, or would like to get involved please contact our director Amy Croll at amy@cyconcepts.org. Stay tuned for further...
by Alicia Vermeer | Dec 3, 2014 | News
Did you know CYC is currently partnering to evaluate the impact of youth engagement in service learning on academic outcomes? Preliminary results from CYC’s pilot group for this research shows that 73% of youth who participated in service learning had an improved GPA. Additional data expanding on these findings will be available at the end of this academic year. During this month of “thanks” we are reminded of the village of supporters who have been a part of CYC’s journey to empower, equip, and engage youth across Iowa. To the more than 200 donors and allies of our work, we resoundingly say “Thank you!” Because of your support we are able to connect with more than 4,000 youth annually and help prepare them for ongoing success in school, work, and life. If you would like to learn more about CYC and how you can get involved, please contact us! Best regards and Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Below is a link to rest of our November Newsletter.  See what’s happening at CYC!...
by Alicia Vermeer | Sep 4, 2014 | Events, News
Join us to celebrate our move to our new home at 1446 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy in Des Moines! When: October 7th, 2014 3:30-5:00 PM Why: Tour our new space and learn about our Fall programs for youth! If your organization happens to have coffee cups, please bring one and we will exchange it for one of our new cups! RSVP: www.cyconceptscommunityopenhouse.eventbrite.com...
by Alicia Vermeer | Mar 30, 2014 | Check this out!, News
CYC is excited to announce the availability of the Community Youth Concepts Endowment held with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines! The endowment will provide the long-term sustainability needed for CYC to be a long-term contributor to the community. “An endowment fund has always been on our list of priorities. We know that it’s imperative for long-term success to have our own revenue-generating funding source. Having an endowment not only allows us to look into the future, but it demonstrates our commitment to being in the community for many years to come. We’re very excited to be able to finally take this step.â€Â To contribute to the endowment so youth volunteerism can continue to be offered for generations, please visit the Community Foundation’s...
by Amy Croll | Jan 15, 2014 | News
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of Mid Iowa Health Foundation, Community Youth Concepts (CYC) and the Foundation are proud to announce the launch of a youth-led community philanthropy board. Announced last night at the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Wakonda Club, the youth philanthropy board is composed of 15 high school students from across the metro area. The focus of the youth board will be to outreach to community organizations working to improve the health and well-being of children in Des Moines. The board will support the work of outstanding children’s health initiatives through a competitive grant process to take place in the fall of 2014. Community Youth Concepts will provide oversight and direction to the youth board and Mid Iowa Health Foundation serves as the board’s sponsor. Since 1984, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation has pursued its mission to serve as a catalyst and partner for improving the health of vulnerable people in greater Des Moines by supporting hundreds of community based health initiatives. The youth philanthropy board is a new venture for the Foundation and a first of its kind focused on improving public health in central Iowa. “The Mid Iowa Health Foundation is a wonderful community partner and an excellent organization to model the importance of philanthropy and service for the youth board. We are excited for the opportunity to be able to grow this group of emerging young leaders and work with local organizations to meet community needs through philanthropy,†said CYC Executive Director Amy...
