2016 has been a huge time of growth in Youth Odyssey and we have been so fortunate to see the fruits of our labor finally coming together into a tangible vision. We are now, able to speak more matter of factly about the future of the organization and less “at some point in the future, it would be great if…” All of this has come after almost 20 years of the organizations founding. And we are THRILLED!
This year Youth Odyssey has much to be thankful for:
- This past summer was the first time EVER that Youth Odyssey had all 4 summer camps filled and waiting lists for each camp.
- We have been presenting to groups and individuals throughout the Coastal Bend community; and creating lasting connections, which aids in more brand recognition for Youth Odyssey.
- Also, as you all know, after 8 years of the Coastal Bend Day of Giving we were finally able to secure a spot for Youth Odyssey and raised $34,133.14!
- Last year we narrowly missed being chosen for the Charity League’s fundraiser but after more planning and perseverance, this year the Charity League has chosen Youth Odyssey to be the recipient of their 2017 fundraiser. Funds raised will be used for the renovation and expansion of our ropes course off of I-37 at exit 20B.
- We have been able to increase our donor-base by over one-hundred individuals.
- We have expanded our partnerships with Corpus Christi Independent School District where six middle schools now have year-long programs.
- Recently, we have established a partnership with Flour Bluff Independent School District and Tuloso-Midway Independent School District and are continuing to widen our reach in the Coastal Bend area.
- We have revamped our mentor program so we can further challenge and push our youth-mentors to continue to grow through their participation in Youth Odyssey and use their learned skills in their every day lives.
Because of our expansion over the past year we are feeding off of this energy and keeping the momentum going straight into our twentieth year of operations, 2017.
The future at Youth Odyssey is looking bright as we are creating our 2017 strategic plan which will include but is not limited to:
- Creating new ideas for additional summer camps
- Celebrating our 2oth Birthday with an amazing Birthday Fiesta (details coming soon)
- Working with more nonprofit organizations whose missions are in line with our own so we can, together, better our community.
There is so much to be thankful for and we can’t express enough the gratitude and pride we have in our community, the community that has supported us for the past 20 years and continues to support us today. Currently, 2016 has been one of Youth Odyssey’s best and it seems to be creating the foundation we need to make 2017 even better. This Thanksgiving is a full one and Youth Odyssey hopes yours is as well.
