How do I get people to help me in my dream of building a Youth Center?

Question

I'm only 30 and have no experience in this area, but I have a lot of passion. I want teenagers to have a place to go and I'm going to meet with my Pastor tonight to ask for his help. What ways can I get people's help and who do I go to

I'm located in Northern New Jersey and work as a mentor with teenagers presently.

I have a BS in Psychology

Answer 1

Find someone who is already doing it and ask them for advice.
A search on line should give you some results.
Don't give up if you don't get much support from others right away; just keep seeking until you find some to get connected with. You could put an ad in a newspaper or magazine also.

Answer 2

I don't know where you're located, but most areas have foundations which will consider funding such a project. You need to know a bit about the grant writing process, but it's worth it. Your pastor may have some suggestions for a starting point. I'd also check with the local chamber of commerce and local social services organizations. They should be able to put you in touch with agencies who can help with funding.

As far as staffing and volunteers go, I'd suggest doing complete background checks. The last thing you want is some pervert getting access to teens through your center.

Businesses like Lowes, Home Depot and Wal-Mart also give grants. You may want to look in to that option as well. Even if they only give you some form of voucher for merchandise, you can get things the center will need.

Sometimes, it only takes lots of passion to do great things. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Go to local businesses like electronics stores, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, basically anywhere. Ask them for either a money donation or furnishings donations. Most places will be happy to help but you have to have a well organized Presentation. If you don't you will only be telling them you don't put hard work into things and that their donation if they make one will be worthlessly squandered away and wasted. Take like blueprints for the would-be-built building, and like scientific studies that say something like "a safe alternative hangout makes today's youth more likely to succeed". Take cost sheets that would show them exactly where their money would be going. Also a good thing will be if you have a petition signed by a lot of people who show their support of your project. And don't forget the most important thing is you have to assure them that there will be plaques hung around the building giving them credit for their generous donations. Even if some places wont make a donation of money most will offer material furnishings like maybe some chairs, couches, tables, or computers.
Don't be discouraged many places will wish you luck but will be unable to aid you in your attempts. One last bit of advice, if you fail to raise the funds you need return any donations you received so that should you ever try again you'll be more likely to get more help cause you proved to be a trustworthy honorable person by not keeping the donations for yourself.

Answer 4

It would seem you are going to need someone with credentials in that field to give the program legitimacy. Since you're dealing with kids, there are those unfortunate safety measures that have to be taken to ensure the staff have impeccable backgrounds. Then, of course, you have all the permits necessary and I would think you'd want it set up as non-profit.

I would think your pastor could help, but if you really want to attract kids you may want to keep it subtle as far as any religious or denominational connections. First, you have to get them in the door.

At 30, you are still young enough to get the credentials yourself. Why don't you go to school and get a degree in the Social Sciences field so you can spearhead the effort yourself?

Answer 5

well done, go round your local business;s and ask them to give a small donation in exchange for you advertising there name in the center, and ask do any of them want to get involved in getting the kids of the streets, and making them better members of society, i wish you every luck,

Answer 6

Congrats. I really hope it works out for you. I've had the same dream. I used to work with troubled teens. Please post anything helpful.

Answer 7

rich pedophiles, haha