YOUTH CHALLENGE
Programs
Program 1 [2020]
Youth Challenge provided 244 sports, arts and recreational program opportunities in 2020, serving 120 participants in 6 counties in Northeast Ohio. Program activities included a multitude of recreational and organized team sports; arts including music, drama, visual arts, ceramics, social growth and leadership sessions. Over 250 volunteers, including 220 teens, provided over 3,000 hours of service, providing one-on-one help to participants, assistance with programs, transportation and office work. A fleet of seven lift-equipped ADA accessible vehicles provided 1,520 rides to and from programs. Operations were modified in 2020 to adjust for the changing conditions of the pandemic. Adapted programs were offered both virtually and in person so that participants and volunteers could engage in ways that felt safe and comfortable for them and their families. Virtual activities began during the spring of 2020, and continued throughout the year. Fitness classes, art tutorials and games were held, in addition to American Sign Language classes and peer support sessions. A variety of social and recreational activities took place in person when conditions allowed in the summer and fall of 2020. These programs were held outdoors to ensure plenty of space for physical distancing. While programs looked like they would in a typical year, they often served a smaller number of young people at one time to allow for a safer experience during the pandemic. Individual sessions were held during the fall and winter months. These private activities involved one participant with a physical disability, one teen volunteer, and one staff member only. This helped to limit the number of people gathered together indoors. Participants signed up for the activity of their choice, and staff scheduled each room in the building for use to maximize the number of people served on a given day. For example, four different individual sessions would take place on a weekday afternoon, such as basketball drills in the YC gym, pottery making in the art room, personal training in the adapted fitness center, and painting in the conference room. Teen volunteers assisted with virtual and in-person programs in 2020. Many also took part in socially distant service opportunities. These included making cards or care packages for Youth Challenge participants, or becoming a pen-pal with a YC participant. Transportation continued to be available to those with physical disabilities. Ridership on each van was limited to two passengers per van, and masks were required of drivers and passengers. Youth Challenge also provided education and awareness programs to students in grade school to graduate school. Presentations are offered at no cost to students and educational institutions. Topics include disability awareness, social justice and civil rights, adaptive sports and assistive technology. Additionally, Youth Challenge led the efforts of ADA Cleveland, an informal collaboration of 20 Greater Cleveland non-profit agencies that provide services to people with disabilities. ADA Cleveland spreads awareness about issues relating to accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act, provides professional development opportunities, and connects people with disabilities to community resources.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$727.8KYouth Challenge Adapted Sports Program
Youth Challenge provided 350 adapted sports, arts, and recreational program opportunities, serving 138 participants with physical disabilities in 6 counties in Northeast Ohio. Program activities included a multitude of recreational and organized team sports; arts, including music, drama, visual arts, and ceramics; social growth activities; and leadership sessions. Activities for alumni were also offered and included recreation and educational opportunities and an entrepreneurship program. Over 300 volunteers provided 3,788 hours of service, providing one-on-one help to participants, assistance with programs, transportation and office work. A fleet of eight lift-equipped ADA accessible vehicles provided 3,590 rides to and from programs.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$953K
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