Youth Opportunity
Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive
At United Way of the River Cities, we help children get off to a good start and empower youth to reach their full potential by breaking down barriers to success. We advance what works, including early childhood education, literacy development, access to a high-quality K-12 education, enrichment opportunities like afterschool and summer programs, college and career readiness, and family engagement, fostering a future where every young person can realize their dreams.
Born Learning
Born Learning® is an engagement campaign that help parents, grandparents and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. United Way of the River Cities, St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District partnered to construct a Born Learning Trail in Ritter Park near the playground area.
In 2023, a new Born Learning Trail was installed at the Dr. Omayma Touma Centennial Community Park, adjacent to UWRC’s main office (820 Madison Ave.).
Brain Under Construction Zone
The main objective of the Brain Under Construction Zone (BUCZ) is to build awareness and understanding of the importance of early brain development to the future success of children; to promote education as to the optimal development, behavior and interaction for families of young children from birth to five years of age; and to promote the importance of everyday activities as opportunities to teach.
SUPER SATURDAY
Super Saturday is a free event that United Way of the River Cities hosts each year that features fun activities as well as helpful information for families provided by a wide variety of community organizations and event partners.
Cabell and Wayne county schools also offer pre-K and kindergarten registration during Super Saturday.
High School Career Launch
United Way of the River Cities is partnering with Cabell County Schools to offer internships for students at various local businesses to aid in their career pathway and exploration. Internships for high school students allow students to explore a career and start to define career paths, boost self-confidence and build professional skills, like communication and public speaking.
A high school internship experience is also a great extracurricular activity to include on the college application. Not to mention the firsthand work experience they gain is invaluable no matter which career field they choose. An internship is an opportunity for students to get firsthand experience in different fields and learn what to expect in each career, deciding if that career path is a good fit.
Youth Opportunity Funded Partners
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State — $35,000 — Supporting their Growing Mentorship Opportunities for Tri-State Youth program that helps partner bigs and littles together. Helps with salary support, program supplies, occupancy, equipment, and contact services. Serving Cabell, Mason, Wayne, and Lawrence Counties.
John W. Hereford Boys and Girls Club of Huntington — $35,000 — Supporting their Power Hour Program that helps youth after school with homework, an exercising activity, and a hot meal every day. Providing salary support and program supplies. Serving Cabell County.
Hamlin-Lincoln County Public Library — $7,500 — Supporting their Educational Program. Providing an afterschool class three times at each location. Providing salary support, program supplies, contract services, and training. Serving Lincoln County.
Mason County Public Library — $10,000 — Supporting their Kids Connect Program that helps support school readiness and grade level reading with children. Providing program supplies and training. Serving Mason County.
Mason County Public Library — $7,500 — Supporting their Creative Expressions program that will support teens and tweens to explore their emotions through creative expressions. Providing program supplies and contract services. Serving Mason County.
TEAM for WV Children — $10,000 — Supporting their Parenting Support Growing Great Kids Together Project that provides monthly parenting support group meetings for expecting parents and parents of young children. Providing program supplies and training. Serving Lincoln and Mason Counties.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State
In 2003, Big Sister Jennifer was matched to her 9-year-old Little Sister Laiken. During her childhood, Jennifer helped Laiken with schoolwork, building confidence, and navigating relationships. As Laiken entered young adulthood the relationship continued. Today Laiken is 25, married to a member of the US AirForce and they, along with their 2-year-old son, are stationed in Japan. She was overjoyed when Jennifer came to visit her overseas, supporting her transition to living in another culture, being a young mother, and making new memories along the way. The power of a mentor is not limited to time, age, distance, or definition.
