In 2005, a group of visionary leaders asked a simple but powerful question: How can we better serve the children and families of Douglas County? From that conversation, the Youth Initiative was born.
Since then, DCYI has enriched the lives of more than 3,000 young people through programs that promote leadership, civic engagement, and support for families — from Youth Congress at the State Capitol to teen court mentoring, truancy court support, wraparound services, and the annual Outstanding Youth Awards.
None of this would be possible without the partnership of our local municipalities, school district, libraries, and countless community members who share in our mission. Together, we’ve built more than a program — we’ve built a promise: to engage, support, and believe in our youth.
As we celebrate 20 years of the Douglas County Youth Initiative, we also look ahead — continuing our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Douglas County has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed. Watch this video to hear the stories of those impacted by the Youth Initiative.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the next 20 years of inspiring and empowering our future leaders!