Mary Nelson’s Youth Center is a leading force in the greater Syracuse area – inspiring youth to embrace their true identity while unleashing their inner potential. Our programs help our youth shape their own values, while providing them with all the tools, resources and support they need in order to evolve into confident leaders tomorrow. We welcome you to learn more about how we make a difference in children’s lives.
VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBEQUE. SPONSORSHIP IS NEEDED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED
If your looking to donate to our annual backpack giveaway and not sure what to get, use these shopping lists below!
Read more about the sponsors that have supported our cause, and see what makes them special.
For many years, our signature event has connected people from the community and we invite you to join us as a volunteer or attend the next one on
August 20, 2022, 11 am til 6 pm!
Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbeque 19 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full-scale outdoor barbeque. Mary wanted to do something about the violence affecting children in the community. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance. Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. Every year our community is unified together to make sure our children were ready for the upcoming school year, we collected the backpacks and school supplies.
Our goals are to shape the way they live their lives and teach them the fundamentals of social responsibility, healthy living and cultural acceptance. Curious to find out more about us and how you can get involved? Browse our website and get in touch with us today.
Our BIG annual backpack giveaway is every August.
Our Next Event Will Be August 24th, 2024!
We also distribute these school supply loaded backpacks year-round!
Check out our Donation Shopping List for ideas.
The Mary Nelson’s Youth Center
2849 S. Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13205
December 23rd 2023 Nottingham High School
SIGN UP IS CLOSED!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE CHILD AT A TIME
At the Mary Nelson Youth Center, we strive to empower the lives of youth in the Syracuse community through our variety of programs. Our Educational activities and tutoring programs are designed to provide our youth with all the tools they need to be great leaders tomorrow. We are happy to be the driving force behind the development of our children, and hope to continue making a difference in their lives.
SHAPING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Since 2002, we have contributed to the development of children and families in the greater Syracuse area through our wide range of programs geared towards fighting the “war on poverty”. Our resource and referral programs are centered on helping families to become self sufficient.
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
We care about our young adults and parents of the community, we provide them with a number of enrichment programs career services and entrepreneurial support. Our Young Adults & Adult Day Programs provide participants with computer access, resume writing assistance and other related services. Come experience it for yourself today!
Our goals is to shape the way they live their lives and teach them the fundamentals of social responsibility, healthy living and cultural acceptance.
