From the outset, the Community Safety Payroll Tax has included funding for out-of-school youth programs, which helped launch Eugene Rec’s Youth & Teen Empowerment Program in January 2022. Funding has expanded youth programs to engage and help at-risk youth, including after-school programs, 15th Night – a program working to end youth homelessness – and inclusion programs.
The Eugene Rec Youth & Teen Empowerment Program works with community partners to provide out-of-school time recreation and enrichment activities for youth. Programs empower teens by building life and job skills, offering access to caring youth and adult mentors, participating in service opportunities, improving leadership abilities and increasing access to other vital community resources. Programs are designed to be low-barrier and inclusive so that every young person is provided the opportunity to grow up safely and access their best possible future.
Pictured above: Local teens at Petersen Barn Community Center on a recent Friday night. "Vibe" is available as a safe, free option for youth ages 12-18 to play games, eat and hang out.