Neighborhood Youth Services

> Neighborhood Youth Services

In response to community need, Neighborhood Youth Services (NYS) emerged in 1992 as a place of hope, belonging and opportunity for Duluth’s youth. This is a voluntary resource for neighborhood youth that develops assets and awareness while providing a safe place where children can learn, play and connect with the community, friends and family. This small, impactful program began with a vision by then-Juvenile Court Judge Gerald Martin, then-Duluth Police Chief Scott Lyons and neighborhood leaders as a means of strengthening families and reducing risks that contribute to juvenile delinquency. The program is designed to appeal to and help all youth within the Central Hillside and neighboring areas. Please click here to read Mayor Don Ness’s commendation regarding Neighborhood Youth Services.

Neighborhood Youth Services operates solely on gifts and grants and makes positive, life-changing experiences available for free to boys and girls ages 6-17. Through the Enrichment Center, Mentor Duluth and Five Points Program, hundreds of youth are empowered to discover and develop their individual strengths. NYS is located in downtown Duluth’s Washington Community Center. For more information visit the Neighborhood Youth Services website.

Today, Neighborhood Youth Services is comprised of the following services:

> Services Offered

Enrichment Center

• Structured and supervised learning environment
• Educational programming
• Cultural experiences
• Recreation/outdoor adventure program
• Computer lab
• Gymnasium
• Game room
• Arts and crafts
• Snack and nutrition program
• Summer/winter basketball leagues
• Flag football
• Teen programming
• Family events

Mentor Duluth Program

• Collaborative member of Mentor Duluth, a program that matches caring community members interested in building a friendship and providing support to young person.

Five Points Program

• Member of the Five Points Partnership, a school-based mentoring program.
• NYS Family Advocate brings together adult tutors and students in grades 4 through 12
• Support relationships that enhance academic and social skill development
• Tutoring takes place at the school site during and after school

JET Project (Preparing Youth for Jobs, Education and Training)

• Designed as a two-part three-year-long job readiness program for young adults ages 15-21
• Enhances job-related skills such as resume writing, communication skills, completing employment applications, etc.
• Opportunity to obtain GED or explore higher education opportunities
• Career exploration and job shadowing
• On-the-job learning