$100,000 Reaffirms Support for Urbana Youth Center

Several UYC students in 2024

The Urbana Youth Center (UYC), a project of the GrandWorks Foundation, received a $100,000 donation in July as part of its ongoing fundraising efforts. This contribution was a doubling down in support from the R.C. Appenzeller Family Endowment Fund of The Dayton Foundation, who previously donated $45,000 in 2023.

“Receiving this donation is incredibly humbling. The staff and volunteers at UYC work tirelessly to support the youth of our community. We all appreciate it when that work is supported unequivocally,” said Matthew T. Watson, board member for the foundation.

Bob Appenzeller, advisor to the R.C. Appenzeller Family Fund of The Dayton Foundation, visited UYC and said: “The positive effect on the community at the Urbana Youth Center is exemplary. My sister Becky and I have opted to increase our support for UYC, in keeping with the intent of the Fund established by our parents whereby youth and community are served mindfully. Public institutions should take notice of the private sector’s sustained commitment to successful public charities like the Urbana Youth Center. UYC is a template for a successful project that can be applied across many communities.”

Currently, nearly all UYC’s financial support comes from non-governmental sources, like the Appenzeller Fund, according to the organization’s most recent financial reports. UYC had previously requested public funding from local governments and agencies. The State of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services had approved capital funding to renovate and expand UYC’s facility. Last year, UYC broke ground on a building expansion valued at approximately $2.25 million before progress was halted.

“We had an approved application and signed contract. We had met all the application requirements,” Watson explained. “Then, after our groundbreaking last summer, an individual from our State Representative’s office reached out to our executive director to let us know the funding was on hold and would not be released until we received a letter of support from several entities, including the City of Urbana.”

UYC had received capital funding twice in the past through the same process and was not required to get consent from Urbana’s city administration, according to previous funding applications and disbursement records.

In a good faith effort to comply with new requirements and keep contractors on schedule, UYC requested a letter of support for its expansion project from the City of Urbana Administration, according to Justin T. Weller, executive director for UYC.

“We asked for a letter of support. The city administration said they had some questions. I responded and answered their questions. Then the city administration didn’t respond,” Weller explained. “I reached out again and they responded no. They offered no explanation.”

At that point, the expansion project was over a month behind schedule and, with no prospect of being able to move forward, the contractor hired in accordance with State of Ohio procedure, withdrew and assessed UYC with an approximately $140,000 cancellation and materials fee – based on project documentation.

“While the recent donation from the Appenzellers is for operations and programing, not capital improvements, their contribution is a testament to the enduring support UYC enjoys from wise and community minded organizations. We are immensely grateful for their continued support,” Watson shared.

UYC is a 501(c)(3) public charity through its ownership and governance by the GrandWorks Foundation. Public charities are required under federal law to file Form 990, annually with the Internal Revenue Service, which members of the public can examine.

“We rely on the support of foundations, businesses, and the citizens of our community to ensure serving children always remains our top priority,” Weller commented. “The Appenzellers are leading. They are setting a bold and respectable example in addressing systemic issues facing our children. We are very appreciative of their commitment.”

UYC provides free membership to its 700-plus registered student members in grades 6-12 who attend or live in the Urbana City School District. Services offered by UYC include homework and study assistance, meals and take-home food, hygiene products, art programs, hangout spaces, athletic activities, high school equivalency, and numerous other programs.

To learn more about UYC, the team encourages people to stop by its location at 160 West Market Street in downtown Urbana or visit the website at UrbanaYouthCenter.org.