Youth Movement Non-Profit Launches New Hub in Belvidere to Empower Underserved Youth
BELVIDERE, Ill. – In a significant milestone for the Belvidere community, a local non-profit organization aimed at investing in underserved youth and their families has officially opened its doors in a new location. Youth Movement, which was established just under ten years ago by educator Nancy Razon, has made impressive strides in providing equitable access to resources for students, particularly among Hispanic communities in the area.
Razon, who moved to Belvidere with a vision to address the educational disparities faced by local youth, identified a critical need for resources tailored to help parents and children thrive. “When she moved to Belvidere, she realized that there weren’t really any services available for parents or Hispanic students,” explains Jackie Rosas, a key member of Youth Movement’s leadership team. This understanding laid the groundwork for what would become a vital community organization.
For nearly a decade, Youth Movement operated out of the 4-H office in Belvidere. During this time, they provided an array of evidence-based programs focused on leadership and career exploration. After years of dedicated service, the organization has now established its first official location at 153 S. State Street. This new home symbolizes not just physical space, but a significant leap in the capacity to serve more youth and their families.
Breaking Barriers Through Education
Language has been a persistent barrier for many families, according to Rosas. “Growing up as a Hispanic student, language was a huge barrier for our parents,” she shares. “Many times, we didn’t have much help at home with homework or guidance on what our paths could be after high school or even college.” Rosas hopes that by offering English classes, the organization can help dismantle these challenges and provide greater support for families aiming to improve their educational standing.
The organization is committed to being a reliable support system for high school and college students who often feel isolated, lacking access to essential resources and networks. One of the youth who has benefitted from this initiative is Ernesto Davila, a freshman at Belvidere High School. As a data analytics intern for Youth Movement, Davila sheds light on the importance of the program from a student’s perspective: “As a Hispanic high school student, I’ve also faced barriers, especially in reaching out for opportunities. This organization has shown me the importance of community engagement and how vital it is to have our voices heard.”
Realizing a Collective Vision
Rosas emphasizes the collective pride felt by the Youth Movement team in seeing their dreams turn into reality. “We all feel really proud of ourselves to be able to actualize our vision and goals. This space is not just a location; it’s a foundation for encouraging our youth to thrive.” Such sentiments echo the broader mission of Youth Movement, which seeks to empower young individuals by ensuring they have the necessary tools and confidence to flourish.
Looking ahead, the non-profit has ambitious plans for expansion. They aim to increase tutoring services aimed at younger students—specifically elementary and middle school children. Additionally, Rosas highlights the desire to conduct workshops for parents on critical topics such as how to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms—a vital step for families seeking college funding.
Activities and Services Available
Youth Movement has structured its schedule to maximize accessibility for the community. In addition to holding leadership meetings every Tuesday evening, the organization opens its doors for study hours on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This offers students a safe environment to engage in their academic work while receiving the mentorship they need to succeed.
Youth Movement’s new hub represents not just a physical location but a beacon of hope for many in Belvidere who have longed for community support and resource access. With plans for further growth on the horizon, the organization stands poised to continue making a lasting impact in the lives of local youth and their families, paving the way for futures filled with possibility.
As community members rally around this initiative, Youth Movement asserts its commitment to fostering an environment where all students—regardless of their background—can envision a future filled with promise and potential.
