How do I start a state funded program for troubled teens or troubled youth?

Question

I want to start an adventure camp of sorts for troubled teens. Having been a troubled teen, I believe deeply in this subject matter. I want to build confidence, teamwork, and overall self esteem through a challenging camp. I'll be out of the Army soon and want to teach all the good parts of the outdoors that I have learned throughout the years. Where do I start? Who do I talk to?

Answer 1

Assuming you have the training and|or experience that would be recognized by the people handling the funding, the common route would be to talk to people in your community that share the interest, meeting them though social service groups like Kiwanis. Get those people to agree to serve on the board of a non-profit corporation and help with fund raising (to build the camp in the first place.) One of the people should be a lawyer familiar with non-profit incorporation in your state (easy in Texas, hard in NY) and one should have some idea of dealing with the IRS for tax exemption (without which, no donations). To apply to the IRS these days, you need a business plan (used to be simpler and less costly) but you will need that to talk to funding sources. In the meantime talk to state funding sources, perhaps starting with the Secretary of State's office which is usually on the web these days, and find out their rules as to certification of instructors, etc. Depending on the state, more or less money might be available (less in Texas, more in ??)
While you are going through all this, you might get work at similar camps and make it clear that you would like to look at the structure and operation of the camp to learn the process.

Answer 2

Not sure about state funding, or that you'd need that.

I suggest starting it like any small business. Start by going to a book store and getting a book on starting your own small business, it'll take you through all the steps, refine your idea, help you make a business plan.

Then get financing and go for it. You can likely find troubled kids through going to the schools and mentioning your program, then when schools encounter problem kids they can refer the parents to you. The parents will likely be happy to pay you to help their kid straighten out.

Either way a business plan won't hurt, I'm not sure how you'd go about getting state funding, but showing them that you have a plan that makes it financially feasible will be a great selling point.

Answer 3

State funded programs would generally be run by the state. It's pretty unlikely they'd just finance one run by a private party.

You could talk to your state senator or state representative.

Answer 4

Try youth welfare department under HRD Ministry!